MA Photography

What you will study

Locating Practice _Photography- The ‘LOCATING’’ component in the MA Photography program seeks to achieve three primary goals in the context of photography.

Initially, it guides students in examining the essential technical, conceptual, and theoretical aspects of photography through in-depth exploration of materials / techniques / modes, contextual research, and analytical critique. This process is intended to enhance their proficiency and comprehension of the photographic medium.

Secondly, the module aims to position and express each student's photographic practice within the extensive domains of history, culture, politics, and ontology. This entails developing a keen awareness of the broader contexts that influence their artistic pursuits.

Questioning Photographic Practice- ‘QUESTIONING’ is a module, that focuses upon refining your photographic practice by integrating it into dynamic philosophical debates and cultural discussions surrounding the wider notions of image making. By embracing conceptual risk-taking and experimenting with media that challenge conventional techniques, the module aims to disrupt habitual technical approaches and questions aesthetic and technical assumptions. Additionally, it aims to aid the development of a language for analysing the connection between photography and cultural identities, histories, politics, environments, and contemporary societal issues. Within this exploration, there will be a specific emphasis on enhancing your analytical writing, verbal articulation, and critical discussion skills. These skills will establish a strong foundation for engagement in photographic-based image-making, fostering a nuanced and well-informed approach to the evolution of your practice.

Articulating Practice _Photography- The "ARTICULATING" module, students will concentrate on constructing a unified body of photographic work while honing the skills necessary to present it to the public. The focus will be on embedding each student's photographic practice within the broader contemporary art world and culture, accomplished through refining writing, verbal expression, and exhibition curation abilities.

The module strives to equip students for launching a sustainable photographic practice post-graduation by delving into portfolio development and diversity, crafting professional documents, writing and submitting applications, exploring cultural and commercial funding streams and conducting career research.

Entry requirements & applying

We currently require an initial degree in a relevant subject, classified as First Class or 2:1, or evidence of recent activity in the subject equivalent to these classifications as determined by interview.

Teaching & Assessment

The Learning and teaching strategy for the Photography programme aligns with the Active Learning Framework (ALF), incorporating key employability skills and managing both onsite and online delivery effectively.

The emphasis is on real world learning opportunities, allows for the development of practical, intellectual, and professional skills required in the Photographic industries.

You will be taught via a range of Lectures, seminars and practical workshops from both academic and technical staff.

Teaching and Learning

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

The Photography M.A programme offers a wide landscape of career pathways upon graduation. Not only does this course ready graduates to work as professional photographers and film makers and the wide varieties of genres available to these practitioners, but also allowing for development into the wider creative industries. 

This programme is designed to help improve students’ employability, as it will equip them with the skills needed when working in art and design interdisciplinary practices, such as: 

• Researcher
• Digital editor
• Director
• Assistant director
• Photo editor
• Agent
• Gallery associate
• Producer
• Curator
• Teacher / lecturer
• Studio manager/assistant

Upon completion of the M.A Photography course, graduate also have the opportunity to  progress on to further PHD study.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Subject to validation

Courses shown as “subject to validation” are new courses which are in development and the details of these courses are in the process of being finalised through the approval cycle, known as the ‘validation’ process. As soon as the programmes are validated the details of the course will be confirmed. The majority of new courses that are still ‘subject to validation’ are approved by the validation process; however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead as planned, or be significantly amended, you will be informed by the university and assistance will be provided to those who have been offered a place to find a suitable alternative course either at Wrexham University or at another provider.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.