Photographic History

Photography has shaped the ways we imagine the recent past and how we experience life in the present day. The Photographic History MA will provide you with the skills needed to explore photographic materials, practices, processes, and critical field scholarship. Along the way, it will also equip you with real-world professional expertise through remote fieldwork experience at well-known photography organisations.

The internationally renowned teaching staff are based at the Photographic History Research Centre (PHRC), bringing with them outstanding links with major photographic collections, archives, galleries, and museums worldwide. Networking through vibrant research seminars, workshops, and conferences, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the relationship between photography, history, and culture, while enhancing your research skills and employability in the field.

Aimed at anyone with deep interest in photographic practice, communication media, visual history, or archival collections, the Photographic History MA will prepare you for further study and careers in the culture sector. We equally welcome per-module applications, an option especially suitable for field professionals and employers looking for Continuing Professional Development—CPD opportunities.

As this course is delivered online by distance learning, you will need access to the internet and a computer with software capable of reading and writing Rich Text Format documents, such as Microsoft Word.

Key features

Flexible mode of delivery allows you to study around your job, family, and other commitments.

Full-time, part-time, and per-module study options enable you to develop your studies at your own pace with ongoing support from our expert academic staff.

Completing an independent project for an external photography organisation equips you with real-world professional skills and expertise.

Focus on social and cultural photographic practices expands your knowledge of the cultural and social significance of photography throughout its history.

Consideration of digital and analogue photography provides you with deep understanding about the changing socio-political role of photography and its cultural conception.

Work alongside a renowned team of expert scholars from the Photographic History Research Centre (PHRC) and beyond.