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Postgraduate

MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (online)

A small dingy on a still sea, with a blue sky.
Lewis Bush, MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL.
College
London College of Communication
Start date
September 2024
Course length
2 years (90 weeks)

An innovative master’s course with an international reputation, designed for aspiring photojournalists and documentary photographers who wish to develop a wider vision of the practice and potential of the medium.

Re-approval

Please note this course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high-quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Applying for more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3. Find out more in the Apply Now section.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Learn practical, critical and theoretical skills and knowledge which will help you develop and emerge as an independent photographer.
  • Learn through discussions and talks from tutors and visiting lecturers representing the widest span of documentary and photojournalism practice.
  • Study flexibly through an innovative online programme.
  • Graduates have gone on to exhibit and publish internationally and win numerous awards for their work.

Open Evenings

The next Open Evening for this course will be announced soon.

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@mapjd_online

Course overview

Photojournalists and documentary photographers explore and record human experience. Beginning with figures like Henri Cartier-Bresson (regarded as the father of modern photojournalism), they have recorded significant moments in history, documented unfolding news and created images that have gained iconic status. Central to their work is the telling of a story through images.

This internationally-recognised course is aimed at people who want to pursue a career in photojournalism or documentary photography, or who are already active in these fields but wish to develop new skills and ideas.

What can you expect?

The aim is to equip you with a thorough grounding in the discipline, whether through film or digitally-based photography.

You’ll follow a rigorous programme of photographic assignments, as well as initiating and developing your own projects examining topics and issues of special interest to you. All this takes place within the framework of the history and development of the medium, together with critical ethical and theoretical contexts.

You’ll be encouraged to develop a wider vision of the practice and potential of the medium through an exploration of the uses of documentary and reportage photography in magazines, portfolios, exhibitions, books, television, online and other multimedia areas.

Graduates of this course have won numerous awards, including the World Press Photo (Daily Life, singles category) and the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize.

MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography is taught in both full-time and part-time/online modes. This course is taught within the Media School at LCC.

Mode of Study

MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Online is in part-time mode which runs for 90 weeks over 2 academic years. You will be expected to commit 20 hours per week to study.

Course units

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are embedding UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into this course.

Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves five units, totalling 180 credits.

Year 1

Photojournalism Practice (40 credits)
History of Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (20 credits)

In the first week, you’ll take part in an online induction programme, using web conferencing, in which you will:

  • Become familiar with the course structure
  • Be introduced to the teaching staff and your fellow students
  • Access information about the Student Union, Student Services and Learning Resources
  • Become familiar with PGNET, delivered through the software Moodle

In the Photojournalism Practice unit you will examine the theoretical, methodological and practical frameworks necessary for the research and production of successful photo essays.

The unit will explore the technical, aesthetic and journalistic aspects of the photo essay, including the generation of ideas, research, shooting, picture editing and caption writing.

Particular emphasis will be placed on developing a news sense of what ‘makes’ a story, and on the application of multimedia techniques in narrative storytelling.

History of Photojournalism and Documentary Photography unit traces and analyses the development and historical context of photojournalism and documentary photography, identifying the major practitioners and movements and paying particular attention to their methodologies.

The production, distribution and reception of contemporary photojournalism will be contextualised within a historical framework that takes account of social, political, cultural and economic factors.

Photojournalism Practice (continued)
History of Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (continued)
Collaborative Unit (20 credits)

The Collaborative Unit offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with external organisations and practitioners. Working to real-time briefs, this unit equips you with new methods of working, which will be invaluable post-graduation. 

Rethink (20 credits) 

Rethink further develops your knowledge of the methodology of documentary and photojournalistic production, culminating in the production of larger scale photo essays, series or installations. This is underpinned by an emphasis on research principles, strategies and methods. 

Year 2

Research Project (20 credits) 
Major Project (60 credits) 

In your second year, you will complete a Research Project and a Major Project. The Research Project will consolidate your ideas for the Major Project in terms of your ethical approach, your theoretical and contextual framework, and your visual strategy. Your Major Project is an original, self- directed project involving the development and production of a substantial body of work, supported by a critical essay. You’ll be expected to apply the methodologies developed on the course, and demonstrate evidence of a mature and considered personal vision. 

Major Project (continued)

If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards.

A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Group work

Online Open Day

(Recorded March 2023)

Course Leader Aletheia Casey and Senior Lecturer Edmund Clark give an overview of studying MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (full-time and part-time/online) at London College of Communication,

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • Fight Like A Woman
    Fight Like A Woman, Matt Brealey, 2023 MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (online), London College of Communication, UAL
  • Faethm - The love of the sea heredity or nostalgia
    Faethm - The love of the sea heredity or nostalgia, Adrian Scarbrough, 2023 MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (online), London College of Communication, UAL
  • Fly Over My City
    Fly Over My City, Rebecca Jeffree, 2023 MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (online), London College of Communication, UAL

Student work

  • Kings-Of-England-by-Graeme-Oxby-1.jpg
    Kings Of England, Graeme Oxby
  • Screenshot_2020-04-26-TW026895tobiaswilkinson-jpg-Tobias-Wilkinson.png
    Work by Tobias Wilkinson
  • Kings-Of-England-by-Graeme-Oxby-2.jpg
    Kings Of England, Graeme Oxby
  • Luke-Watson-2.jpg
    Work by Luke Watson

Course stories

Facilities

  • Library Services at London College of Communication, LCC

    Library Services

    We have a whole range of collections, services and facilities to support your written and practice-based work.

  • Figures walking through the Atrium Gallery.
    Image © Lewis Bush

    Virtual Tour

    Have a look around the places and spaces that make up LCC and get an idea of what it's like to be here.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

Staff

Other regular tutors on the course have included:

  • Peter Fraser
  • Leonie Hampton
  • Jose Saramento
  • Morag Livingstone
  • Ian Denning
  • Ziyah Gafic

Fees and funding

Home fee

£5,335 per year

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£11,430 per year

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world. MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography attracts students who apply direct from an Honours degree course, or a professional or academic qualification recognised as equivalent to an Honours degree, or those with other, equivalent qualifications.

Graduates of all disciplines may apply, although most students have a background in Arts and Humanities. You must be socially aware, inquisitive, self-motivated and passionate about a career in photojournalism or documentary photography. Relevant professional experience or work experience in the industry is increasingly important.

Educational level may be demonstrated by:

  • Honours degree (named above);
  • Possession of equivalent qualifications;
  • Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required;
  • Or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

Language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.

  • IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills.
  • If your first language is not English, you can check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English on the Language Requirements page.

For further details regarding international admissions and advice please visit the International Applications page.

Selection criteria

Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:

  • Evidence of prior knowledge and/or experience of Photography that would indicate potential to successfully complete the programme of study.
  • Social awareness, inquisitiveness and passion about a career in photojournalism or documentary photography.
  • An ability to work on one or more projects over a sustained period of time and in an intimate and involved way (portfolio).
  • A journalistic and documentary awareness and an understanding of research and practice methodologies and a realistic idea of what makes a strong project (project ideas).

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio and video task deadline

Round 1:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Round 2:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio and video task deadline
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio and video task deadline

Round 1:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Round 2:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio and video task deadline
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

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How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement, CV and study proposal.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 500 words and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

Visit our personal statement page for more advice.

CV advice

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If you have any web projects or other media that you would like to share, please include links in your CV. If English is not your first language, please also include your most recent English language test score.

Study proposal

Please provide a summary of your study proposal (500 words).

It should:

  • outline of your project ideas
  • describe your area of interest, field of study and particular focus for your intended research project
  • explain how you intend to produce your project and your proposed methodology.

Please note, your proposal serves to inform your application and we understand that your ideas will develop and change throughout your studies.

Step 2: Video task and digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a video task and digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit these via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool. Please submit your video task on the first page followed by your portfolio.

Video task advice

We would like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you. When recording your task, please face the camera and speak in English.

What to include in your video task

  • Choose 1 project from your portfolio and explain how it challenged you and your understanding of photojournalism and documentary photography.
  • Tell us how this experience inspired you to apply to MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at London College of Communication.

Read our guidance for how to submit your video task and which file types we accept.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • include 25-30 documentary or journalistic style photography from a maximum of 6 projects
  • include clear annotations and labels to explain your work
  • demonstrate your ability to develop and progress long-term projects.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Applying to more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3 courses. You need to tailor your application, supporting documents and portfolio to each course, so applying for many different courses could risk the overall quality of your application. If you receive offers for multiple courses, you'll only be able to accept 1 offer. UAL doesn't accept repeat applications to the same course in the same academic year.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our postgraduate courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Application deadlines

For postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 equal consideration deadlines to ensure fairness for all our applicants. If you apply ahead of either of these deadlines, your application will be considered on an equal basis with all other applications in that round. If there are places available after the second deadline, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Careers

Career paths

The track record for this course is excellent. For many years, graduates from the full-time mode have dominated the UK student documentary photography prizes.

Former students of the course are working around the world for leading photographic agencies, freelancing for the worlds leading editorial publications and exhibiting internationally. At least twelve books have been published by ex students.