Masters degree courses
Commercial Photography
The MA Commercial Photography course is the perfect springboard for ambitious photographers wishing to become practitioners at the forefront of the industry.
The course is led by renowned photographer Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke FBIPP and has a host of top award-winning industry mentors.
Course Info
Course Philosophy
Highly practice-focused, the course offers an exciting combination of art and commerce and comprises of three units. This is to allow the production of substantial bodies of work that could become an exhibition or publication.
The course is designed for ambitious photography graduates, or experienced photographers who wish to develop their knowledge and expertise in order to reach the very top of their field. We look for students with a passion for the subject and who are willing to take risks, and in doing so push themselves to new heights.
If you are a graduate of Arts University Bournemouth, or hold a 2.1 from another university, you may be eligible for a discount towards MA study at AUB. More details can be found here.
Course outline
MA Commercial Photography students will be able to engage with a breadth of creative practices including advertising, fashion, editorial, documentary and fine art photography. Using still and/or moving image, you will define your own visual identity and then identify an appropriate audience to ensure a successful and profitable career.
The full-time course runs for one year (45 weeks of study), from September to September. Attendance is on average one day a week (Tuesdays).
Part time pathway
The part-time course runs for two years (90 weeks of study), from September to September. Attendance is one day a week for the first 15 weeks (Tuesdays) and then one day every other week for the rest of the course.
You can also download the full programme specification for MA Commercial Photography.
You can find out more about any course costs here.
FAQs
Take a look at our frequently asked questions about the MA Commercial Photography course here.
What students are doing
In 2017, the MA Commercial Photography course held a photography seminar day in the Photographers’ Gallery in London. Entitled ‘Art & Commerce – Striking a Balance’, the seminar brought together three highly talented photographers whose practice combines fine art and commercial work. You can read more here.
Looking to be inspired? Browse our gallery of student work to find out more about the kinds of projects that our students get involved in.
Studios and resources
Studying on our MA Commercial Photography course, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment. Our studios and resources support all photography practices from analogue through to high-end digital production.
A Window into Our Community
‘Modern Living’ by @ma_illustration_aub student, Anjali Mehta is inspired from contemporary life, current issues we ...
‘Utterly Unnecessary’ by MA Commercial Photography student, Soham Jangam, explores the increasing and irresponsible ...
‘Aura’ by @ma_fineart_aub student, Morven Shortt. Morven presents a new perspective on sociological and political i...
Staff on the course
This course is led by the renowned photographer and educator, Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke FBIPP. Paul has had work shown at The National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Somerset House and has had 18 solo shows including two at St Martin-in-the-Fields gallery, Trafalgar Square, London.
Paul Wenham-Clarke
Course Leader
Professor of Photography, FBIPP & AoP Member
Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke has been a professional photographer and educator for over twenty five years and has won eighteen national and international titles in professional competitions or awards. In 2010 he won an Association of Photographers Gold Award (commissioned documentary category) which is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, other recipients include Nadav Kander and Simon Norfolk. The work entitled Hard Times was commissioned by The Big Issue...
Full profileYour Interview and Portfolio
As part of your application, we require a portfolio that demonstrates your skills, and an MA Proposal. These two elements are used to assess your current practice, ambition and suitability for the course.
You can find out more by downloading our Portfolio Guidelines here.
Studying at AUB
- Read more about learning and teaching at AUB and when you will receive your timetable here
- Find out about accommodation
- Read about managing your money as a student and find out more about any course costs
- Read our Admissions Policy
Our Careers and Employability Service is dedicated to supporting you in turning your creativity into a great career. You can read more about this here.
News
MA Commercial Photography student wins national award
An MA Commercial Photography student who suffered a “huge confidence crisis” during the application process for a national competition has scooped one of its top prizes
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MA Commercial Photography student wins BIPP College Award
MA Commercial Photography student Jon Mackenzie has won the College Award from the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP)
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MA Commercial Photography Student Featured on ’35 Photographers to Watch’ List
This month, MA Commercial Photography student, Megan Winstone was highlighted as one of the '35 Photographers to Watch' by contemporary online photography platform, LensCulture. Megan was chosen from an impressive list of female curators, photo...
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