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Postgraduate

MA Photography

Gallery view of photographs displayed on the
Brian Bi, MA Photography, London College of Communication, University of the Arts London.
College
London College of Communication
Start date
September 2023
Course length
1 year 3 months full-time (45 weeks across a four-term model)

On MA Photography, you’ll be supported to engage with the ways in which photographic images are created, disseminated, received, studied and understood by following 1 of 3 pathways: Expanded Practice, Curation or Publishing.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

Open Evenings

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

Scholarships and awards

Course overview

On MA Photography, you’ll engage with the ways in which photographic images are created, disseminated, received, studied, and understood by following 1 of 3 pathways:

  • Expanded Practice: Develop a contemporary photographic art practice through projects underpinned by research, visual experimentation, and critical reflection in expansive areas such as still and moving image, CGI, 3D scanning and modelling, automated and algorithmic images. With opportunities to create work made for a range of contexts such as galleries, public spaces, books, augmented reality, virtual reality and the web, you’ll engage with the impact that the vast global increase of images has on the ways in which photography is disseminated, used and understood - exploring how this creates new theoretical frameworks for understanding the photographic. You’ll explore how photographic practices intersect and impact on social, racial and climate issues, and develop ethical approaches with the potential to make positive impact in these areas. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate on exhibition and publishing projects with students on the collaboration and publishing pathways.
  • Curation: Develop a contemporary curatorial practice through projects underpinned by research, experimentation, and critical reflection. You’ll learn about curation within the institutional context of museums and galleries, and as a freelance practice, and will consider the curation of physical objects and digital artifacts in both the ‘real world’ and online. Throughout the course, you’ll explore how curatorial practices intersect and impact on social, racial and climate issues, and develop ethical approaches with the potential to make positive impact in these areas. You’ll also have opportunities to develop curatorial projects, with options to use your own work, work from students on the Expanded Photographic Practice pathway, UAL collections or external collections. You’ll identify and research audiences, developing strategies for communication and engagement; gain the visualisation skills to create a virtual exhibition; and learn how to write professional curatorial proposals that include budgets and identify potential funding streams.
  • Publishing: Develop a contemporary publishing practice through projects underpinned by research, visual experimentation, and critical reflection. Engaging in all stages of the publishing workflow - from the creation of a digital or physical publication through to audience dissemination  - you’ll have the option to create a publication of your own photographic work, or to collaborate with and publish work from students on the other pathways or courses, work drawn from UAL collections, or work by external collaborators. You’ll explore physical publishing such as photobooks, zines and magazines alongside digital publishing through online books and magazines, websites and social media. Throughout the course, you’ll explore how publishing intersects and impacts on social, racial and climate issues, and develop ethical practices with the potential to make positive impact in these areas. You’ll develop skills to engage with every stage of the publishing process, enabling you to research, conceptualise, write about, edit, design, print and produce publications for a range of expanded photographic practices. You’ll also learn how to identify audiences for the innovative work you’ve created, alongside publishing approaches including budgeting and funding strategies.

Students on all pathways will have access to a range of production facilities at LCC including analogue and digital darkrooms, printmaking and bookbinding facilities, the Digital Space, and the Creative Technology Lab.

What to expect

  • Creative focus: With making at the heart of all 3 pathways, you’ll be encouraged to take an experimental, innovative and ambitions approach to your practice.
  • Industry expansion: We consider photography, curation and publication to be in constant development. You’ll learn how these fields respond to rapid technological innovation, along with significant changes in the way photographic images are used and understood socially, politically, and culturally.
  • Contextual understanding: A rigorous approach to research and exploration of contemporary theory will advance both your practice and your understanding of the context in which it’s situated.
  • Collaboration: The course will both teach and give you the opportunity to develop effective strategies for collaborative working.
  • Professional development: To support your chosen creative practice, you’ll develop essential practical skills for writing about your work, applying for funding, identifying and developing opportunities to showcase your work. You’ll learn how to build meaningful professional networks and be introduced to options for further postgraduate study.
  • Ethical Practices: Committed to developing ethical photographic practices, UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice are embedded throughout the course.

Industry experience and opportunities

MA Photography focuses on developing your individual practice by supporting you to identify and explore an area of enquiry through 1of 3 pathway options. Each unit assessment is aligned with industry-oriented artifacts, such as professional portfolios, curatorial proposals, and publishing plans.

Throughout the course, you’ll engage with industry professionals through study visits, guest speakers, and portfolio reviews, and have the opportunity to engage in collaborative projects with industry partners.

We also have strong links with many organisations and individuals including The Photographers’ Gallery, Autograph ABP, Turner Contemporary, Seen Fifteen and Peckham 24.

Mode of study

MA Photography is in Full Time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

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. 

The course is divided into units, which are credit weighted. The minimum size unit is 20 and the maximum is 60. Students study six units, totally 180 credits. Five are mandatory, and the sixth unit is chosen from three pathway option units.

Autumn, Term 1

Experimental Photographic Practices (20 credits)

This unit will introduce you to key production facilities at the College while supporting you to develop a working methodology that includes research, visual experimentation and critical reflection.

By engaging in a series of briefs, you’ll develop a foundation in approaches to working in Expanded Practice, Curation and Publishing.

Contemporary Photographic Debates (20 credits)

Introducing you to key theoretical debates relevant to the 3 course pathways, this unit will encourage you to identify and analyse research material relevant to an individual area of enquiry and to your own practice.

Towards the end of Term 1, you’ll decide on your chosen pathway.

Spring, Term 2

Collaborative Unit (20 credits)

All students study the Collaborative Unit, which provides the opportunity for you to develop collaborative working relationships with other students and a range of potential industry partners.

You’ll gain key professional practice skills, develop your understanding of collaborative working, and begin building your professional network.

Expanded Practice (Pathway Option - 40 credits)

In this unit, you’ll experiment with a range of imaging technologies, production methods and presentation strategies, and begin to develop a body of expanded photographic practice that will be the foundation for your Major Project.

After identifying an area of enquiry, you’ll start to explore different conceptual and visual approaches for developing work. Your practice will be supported through lectures, workshops, and tutorials to help you develop an individual project and working practice.

Curation (Pathway Option - 40 credits)

In this unit, you’ll begin to develop a curatorial project that will be the foundation for your Major Project. After identifying your area of interest, you’ll start to explore different conceptual and practical approaches to curation.

You will have the option to develop a curatorial project that uses your own work, work from students on the Expanded Photographic Practice pathway, collections held by UAL, or external collections, and be supported through lectures, workshops, and tutorials to develop a curatorial concept and working practice.

Publishing (Pathway Option - 40 credits)

In this unit, you’ll begin to develop a publishing project that will be the foundation for your Major Project. After identifying an area of interest, you’ll start to explore different conceptual and visual approaches to creating publications.

You’ll have the option to develop publications that use your own work or material from collections held by UAL; to collaborate with students on the other pathways or courses; or to use work from external collaborators.

Summer, Term 3

Research Project (20 credits)

The Research Project will provide the contextual and theoretical underpinning for your Major Project by evidencing an in-depth exploration of your chosen area of enquiry.

There are a range of possible outcomes for this unit, including a written Dissertation or an audio-visual output such as a podcast, screencast, or essay film.

Major Project (60 credits)

The Major Project draws together your prior research, visual experimentation, and reflection to build on the work started in your Pathway Option unit and the research from your Research Project.

Having identified an ambition for your project, you’ll be supported through the research, development, and production phases. You’ll work individually or collaboratively, with opportunities for cross-pathway collaborations within the course, and where appropriate, collaborations with partners outside the University.

Students on the Expanded Photographic Practice pathway will develop a significant body of practice-based work; those on the Curation pathway will develop a professional curatorial proposal and realise or visualise a curatorial output; and those on the Publication pathway will create a publication or publications accompanied by a professional publishing plan.

Autumn, Term 4

Major Project (60 credits – continued)

In your final term, you’ll continue working on your Major Project, with a particular focus on how the work you’re developing could exist in the world beyond the University.

The LCC Postgraduate Shows will offer a staging post as you work toward longer term professional outcomes after graduation.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Project work
  • Individual and group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Critiques
  • Industry guest speakers
  • Study trips and visits as appropriate
  • Assessed assignments
  • Online learning
  • Peer learning

Videos

MA Photography | Postgraduate Showcase

Virtual Collection at Turner Contemporary

As part of our 2021 Postgraduate Showcase, graduating students explored new possibilities in exhibitions and curatorial practice through a virtual collection devised with one of the UK’s leading art galleries, Turner Contemporary.

Jessie McLaughlin

Graduate stories

Jessie is from London and graduated from LCC’s MA Photography. Jessie now lives and works in North London.

Student voices

Ziyu Wang

Ziyu’s project, ‘Go Get ‘Em Boy’, explores the pressures of masculinity and male stereotypes in Chinese patriarchal society, examining the expected image of manhood through playful photographs.

Mary Morgan

Mary talks through her immersive video installation in which she addresses her own experience of sexual assault.

Gallery

Course catalogues

Course stories

  • Winner of the 2020 Sproxton Award for Photography announced
    'Pressure', The Dressing of an Octopus by Nilu Nuthall. Sproxton Award for Photography Winner 2020

    Winner of the 2020 Sproxton Award for Photography announced

    We chat to graduating MA Photography student Nilufar Nuthal on her winning work, 'The Dressing of an Octopus', and reflections from her time at London College of Communication.

  • MA Photography collaborates with Turner Contemporary for Postgraduate Showcase 2021
    Image credit: Shihui Gao.

    MA Photography collaborates with Turner Contemporary for Postgraduate Showcase 2021

    We catch up with Exhibitions Manager Charlotte Reeves to explore how LCC students were able to overcome the barriers of the Covid-19 Pandemic and conceptualise a virtual exhibition.

  • Graduate Voices: Paloma Tendero
    Flawed Beauty, Series 2016. Digital C-Type Photograph. Image credit: Paloma Tendero.

    Graduate Voices: Paloma Tendero

    We chat to visual artist Paloma Tendero about the highlights of her time on MA Photography and her role as Alumni Ambassador.

  • Graduate Voices: Magali Avezou
    'Between the Lines' at Roz Barr Gallery, designed.by Benedetta Rogers. Image credit: Magali Avezou.

    Graduate Voices: Magali Avezou

    We catch up with the founder of archipelago curatorial studio to explore the highlights of her time on MA Photography at London College of Communication.

Facilities

  • A vintage camera enclosed in a transparent box atop a plinth.
    Image © Lewis Bush

    Media Photography

    Photography students benefit from access to resources held in the Media Photography areas.

  • Red light indicating recording is taking place.
    Image © Vladimir Molico

    Lens-Based and Audio-Visual

    Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-Based and Audio-Visual practice.

  • 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.

Visiting speakers

We have an extensive programme of visiting speakers and research events.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£12,700

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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

£25,970

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course would welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world. Applicants would be expected to demonstrate sufficient prior knowledge of and/or potential in photography to be able to successfully complete the programme of study and/ or have an academic or professional background in a relevant subject.

Educational level may be demonstrated by:

  • Honours degree (in photography or a photographic related area);
  • 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

If you do not meet these entry requirements but your application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative relevant experience, you may still be considered. This could include:

  • 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. We cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

  • IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with 5.5 in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

All classes are taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. For further guidance, please check our English language requirements.

Selection criteria

For MA Photography this will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:

  • Earlier experience of photographic practice and/or project-based visual inquiry.
  • A capacity for independent study at Postgraduate level.
  • A strong personal statement indicating the applicant is ready to undertake the course.
  • Knowledge of conceptual and technical approaches to photography in a contemporary context.
  • An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach to own area of practice.

Apply now

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • Firstly they will look at your qualifications and transcript (or projected results).
  • Secondly, they will review your personal statement and portfolio.

There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Required information for postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Extra information required for applications to this course

  • Portfolio.
  • Video task.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.

The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You’ll be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Photography. 

Your personal statement should describe what you specialised in during your undergraduate course and/or your previous professional experience. Tell us why you now want to study on the MA Photography at LCC, which of the three pathways you are interested in studying and what you are hoping to do after the course.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • Firstly they will look at your qualifications and transcript (or projected results).
  • Secondly, they will review your personal statement and portfolio.

There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Required information for postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Extra information required for applications to this course

  • Portfolio.
  • Video task.

Start your application now

There are 2 ways international students can apply to a postgraduate course:

The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.

The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You’ll be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Photography. 

Your personal statement should describe what you specialised in during your undergraduate course and/or your previous professional experience. Tell us why you now want to study on the MA Photography at LCC, which of the three pathways you are interested in studying and what you are hoping to do after the course.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

This course receives a high volume of applications. We need to make sure that we give all applications equal consideration, so the course team will review them in two rounds. This means that offers won’t be sent to successful applicants until after the relevant application deadline date. Outcomes for Round 1 will be released by 31 March 2022 and outcomes for Round 2 will be released by 30 June 2022.

Remember to check the outcome of your application in the UAL Portal. If you apply in Round 1 and don’t hear back from us, we will consider your application within Round 2.

Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal. Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.

What happens next

Portfolio

You will be asked to upload an electronic portfolio which should demonstrate your understanding of self-initiated, project-based visual inquiry.

Your portfolio should consist of 2 completed bodies of photographic work (6-8 images per body of work, a maximum of 16 in total) along with a short artist statement of 50-70 words.

You should only include self-authored works rather than research materials, visual inspiration or process documentation.

Please note that we don’t support fashion, travel, commercial or journalistic projects on the course.

Video task

We’d like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you.

  • Please speak clearly in English and face the camera.
  • Your video task is submitted along with your portfolio via PebblePad
  • Read our guidance for more information about how to submit your video task and the file types we accept.

As part of your video task, please respond to the following direction:

  • We would like you to identify one project from your portfolio which challenged you and your understanding of photography. Explain how this experience has inspired you to apply to MA Photography at London College of Communication.

Interview

Applicants are usually interviewed by the course team before a place can be offered. Interviews will be held online, and details will be sent via the UAL Portal.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.

We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Careers

MA Photography prepares graduates to research, develop and produce an individual fine art project to a high exhibition standard. They will also have developed the practical, critical and conceptual skills needed to work at a high level in related areas of photography and media practice. The course also provides graduates with a critical and professional understanding of the contemporary photography and fine art sectors which will prepare them for a number of career directions within the arts and media.

Graduates of the course go on to be successful exhibiting fine artists as well as documentary and commercial photographers, gallerists, curators and writers. Many prefer to find ways of supporting their art practice through combining it with teaching, commercial photography or other related activities.

Graduate destinations include; organisational roles in independent and publicly funded photography bodies, curators, archivists and gallerists, art buyers, journal editors, academics at secondary, FE and university level, and PhD studies to develop their practice as research.

Alumni achievements include:

  • Winners of awards and competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards, Deutsche Bank Photography Awards, Jerwood Photography Prize, Nikon Endframe Awards, Magenta Foundation Emerging Photographer Awards, Pavilion Commissions and the Arts Council and Rhubarb-Rhubarb Bursaries.
  • Peter Ainsworth, alumnus from MA Photography 2008 won the Dazed/Converse Emerging Artist of the Year Award 2010. Renhui Zhao of MAP 10 won the Sony World Photography Award for Constructed and Conceptual Photography 2010.
  • Alumna Alicja Dobrucka and Renhui Zhao won the Deutsche Bank Photography Award, in 2010 and 2011.
  • MA Photography alumni have been selected for major exhibitions such as Bloomberg New Contemporaries, Fresh Faced & Wild Eyed, Kay Saatchi’s Anticipation, the Prix Pictet and ReGeneration2 at the Musee de l’Elysee at Lausanne.
  • Our graduates have exhibited in galleries such as Yossi Milo Gallery (New York), Impressions Gallery (Bradford), National Media Museum (Bradford) and Tate Britain.
  • Alumni have had books accepted by major photographic publishers such as Dewi Lewis.
  • Alumni have been included in leading photography collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
  • Graduates have gained posts as freelance curators and in-curatorial posts at places including Autograph ABP and the Whitechapel Gallery.
  • We have produced alumni who have become co-founders and editors of academic journals Philosophy of Photography and the Journal for Artistic Research.
  • Graduates have been taken on as assistants to the painter Anselm Kiefer in the production of a new body of work for a major exhibition in 2012.
  • Some of our graduates have gone on to study academic and practice-led PhDs at the RCA, Goldsmiths and UAL.
  • A significant number of our graduates teach on HE photography and fine art courses.

The course has an active relationship with the art and photography world. Curators and critics regularly take part in tutorials, crits and workshops. In addition, we have strong links with photographers' agents, photographic agencies and art buyers in areas of the commercial sector which are interested in fine art photography.