ObjectivesThe aims of the course are to contextualise the practice and theory of the photographic image in relation to the media, popular culture, technology and the visual arts, to explore the social, cultural and critical issues involved in the creation and dissemination of a wide range of photographic representations. It is intended that the students through photographic research and practice will achieve an advanced level of scholarship, engaging in innovative visual strategies and critically informed concepts.
Entry requirementsThe normal entrance requirement is a good honours degree in a related discipline, however applicants with other backgrounds or what generally might be considered to be unrelated disciplines will be considered on an individual basis. All applicants would normally be able to demonstrate some experience and critical awareness of photographic practices along with an ability to critically engage in both production and writing. We encourage a wide range of applicants who are interested in undertaking extended portfolio, book, screen and exhibition based photographic projects and applicants exploring more non-traditional areas or media hybrids, these might include working with combinations of theory/text/image, archive collections, production analysis, curation, interpretation, exhibition, publication and distribution of the photographic image within broader social and cultural contexts. Applicants with an interest in the relationship between the still image, time based and interactive media would also be welcome. The course in its part- time mode is particularly suitable for working photographers, artists, community arts professionals, media practitioners, teachers, museum and gallery archivists or other professionals who wish to update their knowledge of new technologies and to extend their existing skills by engaging in critical practice and theory.
Academic titleMA Digital Imaging and Photography
Course descriptionIntroduction
With a critical production based rationale this course examines issues raised by the 'convergence' of the photographic image, new technology, its circulation and processes of distribution within a broad media context. The course offers the photographic practitioner an opportunity to explore new developments and to challenge traditional categories, encouraging an experimental, content-led approach to working with the photograph across networked media contexts. The general approach emphasises the integration of theory and practice and builds upon the research and creative experience of all the media based staff and students.
Attendance
Full-time mode is normally five days a week. Part-time mode is one full day of contact (lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations) and one and a half days of access to all the departments technical facilities with full support.
Key features
* Critical inquiry that encourages experimental cross platform delivery of the photographic image.
* Opportunity to study in a media production environment that while fully acknowledging the distinctive qualities of the photograph, additionally recognises
that future creative practices, interpretation and meaning will be encountered and understood within a broader range of graphic, time-based and interactive media.
* Students will be able to undertake study in one of the UK's first and largest all digital
media production environments.
* A wide range of visiting speakers, both theorists, practitioners and major industry publishers, directors and producers.
Level(s) of study
The programme leads to the Post-graduate Certificate (60 credits),
Post-graduate Diploma (120 credits) and Master of Arts (180 credits) qualifications.
Mode of study
The course is delivered through workshops, lectures, seminars, individual and group critiques, self-directed learning.
Units of study
Production Projects A/B and Major Project; Workshops;
Research Methods; Critical Theory.
Assessment
Continuous assessment throughout both full-time and part-time modes of study. The various units will be assessed through production projects/portfolios/exhibitions, presentations, production research with critical evaluation and essays.
Career opportunities
A competitive but wide range of photography and imaging based related careers are available, including research and critical based practices for visual artists, advertising, studio, fashion and editorial photography, picture editing, project and work-flow management positions, technical and digital post production studios; museum and gallery administrators, audience and interpretation development; image libraries and archives, all levels of education, community arts, administrative positions in the public and private arts sectors. Students also work in areas of new media, visual communication and marketing, digital imaging, installation and multi-media events and presentations, photographic sales and training, all sectors of screen and print based publishing.