History of Photography Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The History of Photography MA at Birkbeck, University of London, offers a comprehensive exploration of photography's evolution as a dominant form of visual communication since the 19th century. This course enables students to engage critically with both historical and contemporary photographic practices, fostering a personalised academic journey tailored to individual interests—whether academic, artistic, personal, or vocational. By studying this programme, you will cultivate essential research, critical thinking, and writing skills, significantly enhancing your career prospects in various fields, including academia, teaching, media, and gallery or museum work. The course is particularly beneficial for those with a practical background who are considering further study at the doctoral level.

Why History of Photography at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck is recognised as one of the top four universities in the UK for Art and Design research, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The university boasts distinguished faculty members who are leading experts in the field, contributing to groundbreaking research in photography's history and theory. Students benefit from a vibrant and diverse community, enriching their learning experience through collaboration and exchange of ideas. The programme is further enhanced by the resources available at the History and Theory of Photography Research Centre, which fosters an international research culture.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the History of Photography MA are as follows:

• Full-time international students: £20,850 per year
• Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
• Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
• Part-time home students: £6,000 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The course structure includes a total of 180 credits, which comprises:

• One compulsory module
• A research exercise
• Two option modules
• A 15,000-word dissertation

The compulsory module is "Frameworks: Histories and Theories of Art, Architecture, Photography." Students may choose from a variety of option modules, including:

• Art and Devotion in Fifteenth-Century Italy
• Art and Identity: 'Race', Ideology, Culture
• Art and Photography Since 1970
• Contemporary Photography and the Index
• Curating Difficult Histories: Museums, Exhibitions, Art Activism
• Fashioning the Body
• Visual Cultures of Disability

This diverse syllabus is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the historical and theoretical contexts of photography.

Careers with History of Photography

Graduates of the History of Photography MA can pursue various career paths, including:

• Higher education lecturer
• Museum or gallery curator
• Photographer or press photographer
• Community arts worker
• Advertising art director

With a robust careers service at Birkbeck, students receive support throughout their academic journey and beyond, helping them connect their educational experiences with future aspirations.