
Opleiding: MA Photography
Learning purpose
Photography allows you to be curious about the world, to form an opinion and communicate this to others. MA Photography is a research-based masters programme that encourages you to question thoughts, people and events. It offers you the opportunity and freedom to further your knowledge and skills by undertaking a systematic and comprehensive major photographic project.
Programme
The MA Photography programme attracts graduates, practicing photographers and mid-career professionals from a variety of communication design disciplines. The programme provides you with a creative and energetic working environment for the exploration, development and cross-fertilisation of ideas.
Approximately three-quarters of the MA Photography programme is devoted to developing and completing your personal project, comprising creative work with an accompanying research report and presentation. This work is supported by regular group seminars, reviews and by a system of personal tutorials.
The remaining quarter of the curriculum addresses issues common to all design disciplines including the foundations of postgraduate research. These aspects of the programme are discussed during the early stages of your project and provide a forum for discussion and debate, shared with students from related design specialities.
Stage 1
Introducing the fundamentals of postgraduate research and preparing a design project proposal and brief.
Stage 2
Developing the project and exploring the realm of professional practice.
Stage 3
Completion of design project and report.
Modules
Project Proposal
To identify and initiate a practicable project brief and to determine the most appropriate methods, materials and resources necessary for its successful development and completion.
The Foundations of Postgraduate Research
This module provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to undertake research at postgraduate level in a design discipline. It addresses reflective approaches to learning as well as the context of the topic and area of study.
Project Development
This module provides extends and develops the Project Proposal. It encourages critical reflection on decision-making. Researching, refining the working brief and identifying appropriate criteria for evaluation, testing and development of ideas are key elements at this stage.
Project Completion
The final stage of the project involves further development and completion of the final piece of work, identifying appropriate research methods and communicating these through a final report and oral presentation. Evidence of an understanding of the interrelationship between theory and practice is demonstrated by means of the final design project, report and presentation.
Full-time students attend two days a week in stages 1 and 2 and one day a week in stage 3. The rest of the week is devoted to self-directed study. Part-time students attend one day a week over two years.
Assessment at the end of stages 1 and 2 is based on coursework and oral presentations. The stage 3 final assessment is based on the completed design project work and report supported by a verbal presentation. The work should exceed, in terms of depth and scope, that which would normally be expected at undergraduate level.
Entry Requirements
A good undergraduate degree in a related discipline and a high quality portfolio. Applicants with extensive professional experience will also be considered.We welcome applications from International applicants.
English language requirements
You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL (paper based) 575 or TOEFL (internet based) 90 with specified minimum scores for each component.
Professional perspective and employment market
Graduates go on to work in photography in the fields of editorial, fashion, studio and photojournalism as well as furthering their studies at MPhil and PhD level.
Middlesex has strong links with art and design employers. Our industry partners sponsor final year undergraduate students and give visiting lectures.
Our Careers Service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.
Placements
Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. We encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity.

