This cutting-edge, practical course is delivered in a part-time, online mode and is ideal for aspiring photojournalists and documentary photographers

Designed for postgraduate students who wish to pursue a career in photojournalism or documentary photography, this course underpins a rigorous programme of photographic assignments within the framework of the history and development of the medium and the critical ethical and theoretical context in which this medium is viewed. Exploring the methodology of documentary photography and photojournalism, you will initiate and develop your own projects and areas of special interest.

This distance learning part time MA builds on the success of the existing full-time MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, allowing students who want a more flexible approach to their studies to participate in the programme. It is aimed at those who are either already practising photographers who wish to follow a part-time mode of study, as well as those looking to convert from another area of practice or experience, and is suitable for those who do not wish to live and study in London and attracts a substantial number of overseas participants.

The course is delivered through online tutorial support and review, and online lecturers, webinars and discussion groups using web conferencing, both in groups and one to one, and regular real time discussions. The course is supported by a dedicated industry standard digital content management system using PhotoShelter that allows students to upload their images onto the server, and then review them with other students and tutors. All the webinars and tutorials are archived for later retrieval and reviewing. Each student is also required to keep a blog of their studies as part of their E- portfolio and as a vital means of keeping in touch with tutors and fellow students.

Group and individual tutorials support your programme of lectures and seminars. Professionals working at the highest level in their chosen fields act as tutors and as visiting tutors. The School believes practical experience is a key part of the training, so most of the assignments reflect real world scenarios, and you will be encouraged to undertake work experience with a national newspaper, magazine, picture agency or other related institutions within the photographic industry.

This course is taught within the School of Media

This course also is taught in full-time mode.

What students say about the course

"The Photography masters programme at the LCC has only been possible for me because it is available online, this has allowed me to continue working full-time whilst studying simultaneously. I have listened to lectures and participated in tutorials whilst in the UK, France, Syria, Jordan, Turkey and other nations - full-time international photography work and simultaneous full-time study would have been impossible for me on a "normal" course. Just as importantly, it has also enabled us as students to benefit from tutors and lecturers whom we may never have come across otherwise, because they too can talk to us from multiple countries, a learning resource not otherwise available. And on those rare occasions I haven't been able to block time off for a lecture; they're recorded so I can listen to them at a later date on the archive facility.

The set-up and facilities through the course allow for us as students to interact and discuss with lecturers and one another. Whether it's when images come on a screen during lectures or as part of tutorials, the ability to discuss verbally, provide your views via a message box or debate with fellow students through our course webportal means that we're not only learning from lecturers and tutors, but from my fellow students living between the US, Europe, Africa and Asia too. I've never met most of the students; but many I know as well if not better than work colleagues I see regularly." (Jono Lewis)

"You enrich yourself and your ideas throughout the year because of the classes but also (and perhaps foremost) the coursemates' works and inspirations. If you are open minded and willing to explore anything and everything and learn that all photographic practice is useful in its own right and ways, then you can truly expand by learning from all sources and finding yourself, your style and your voice throughout your photographs. The course itself allows for all of this learning and practice should you, of course, be willing to truly dive into it first...and look after." (Max Braun, winner of the 2009 Getty Grant, full-time student in 2008)

Phase 1

• Photojournalism Practice
• History of Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

In the first week, there will be an induction programme in which you will, through webconferencing, direction to web pages and via the course website:
Become familiar with the course structure Be introduced to the teaching staff and your fellow students Access information about the Student Union, Student Services and Learning Resources. Become familiar with PGNET, delivered through the software, Blackboard.

In the Photojournalism Practice unit you will examine the theoretical, methodological and practical frameworks necessary for the research and production of successful photo essays. The unit will explore the technical, aesthetic and journalistic aspects of the photo essay, including the generation of ideas, research, shooting, picture editing and caption writing. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing a news sense of what ‘makes’ a story, and on the application of multimedia techniques in narrative storytelling.

History of Photojournalism and Documentary Photography traces and analyses the development and historical context of photojournalism and documentary photography, identifying the major practitioners and movements and paying particular attention to their methodologies. The production, distribution and reception of contemporary photojournalism will be contextualised within an historical framework that takes account of social, political, cultural and economic factors.

Phase 2

• Documentary Practice with Research Methods
• Critical Perspectives on Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (including research methodology)

The unit Documentary Practice with Research Methods further develops your knowledge of the methodology of documentary and photojournalistic production, culminating in the production of larger scale photo essays. This is underpinned by an emphasis on research principles, strategies and methods and their application to a photojournalism/documentary context.

In Critical Perspectives on Photojournalism and Documentary Photography you will explore a range of social, cultural and ethical issues that face contemporary photojournalism and documentary photography, and develop a critical awareness of the relationship between photography and the wider world, including issues of representation, the law, ethics and the commercial environment. You will also examine the context of photography in terms of media ownership, structures and markets. You will undertake a self directed research project as part of a larger group research collaboration on a theme relevant to the concerns of the course.

Phase 3

• Major Project

Major Project unit is an original self-directed major research project involving the development and production of a substantial body of photographic work, supported by a critical, analytical and evaluative report. You will also write a proposal and full captions to a professional standard. You will be expected to apply the methodologies developed on the course, and demonstrate evidence of a mature and considered personal vision.

The track record for this course is excellent. For many years, graduates from the full-time mode have dominated the UK student documentary photography prizes. Former students of the course are working around the world for leading photographic agencies, freelancing for the worlds leading editorial publications and exhibiting internationally. At least twelve books have been published by ex students.

Graduates of all disciplines may apply. You must be socially aware, inquisitive, selfmotivated and passionate about a career in photojournalism or documentary photography. At interview you will present a photographic portfolio and two story proposals. Relevant professional experience or work experience in the industry is increasingly important.

Candidates without a first degree can be accepted onto the course if they can demonstrate past professional or life experience equivalent to a first degree.

International and EU students: If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English. Further information is available on our International Applications page.

Portfolio advice

Your portfolio should include 25 to 30 photographs of a documentary or journalistic nature, ideally on a related theme or themes that show evidence of an ability to work on a project over a sustained period of time and in an intimate and involved way.

Application route

In order to assess your suitability for interview, please fill in the standard LCC Application form (PDF 4MB). We also ask you to supply a portfolio of between 25 and 30 photographs (preferably showing the ability to work on an extended series of images on a related theme), either on a CD as low-res images (1-3mb) or as prints (inkjets are sufficient).

There is no official deadline, but applications should be sent by August at the latest for the best chance of getting onto the course.

Please send completed application form and supporting work to:

Postgraduate Admissions,
Central Administration Office,
5th Floor Tower Block,
London College of Communication,
Elephant and Castle,
London, SE1 6SB

For enquiries about admissions please call the postgraduate admissions team on 020 7514 6569 or email pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS IN ANY EMAILS.

At interview you will present a portfolio of photographic work and two story proposals. Relevant professional experience or work experience in the industry is increasingly important. You are advised to apply by early August at the latest as the course is usually over-subscribed.

International students should use the international postgraduate application form which is available to download on the International Office's web pages.

Home/EU student fee discounts

If you have successfully completed a UAL undergraduate degree you will qualify for a £1000 discount from your tuition fees. For further information please contact pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk

Admissions enquiries

For enquiries about admissions please call the postgraduate admissions team on +44(0)20 7514 6569 or email pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for UK and EU student enquiries) or v.gavulic@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for international enquiries).

AHRC Studentships

The AHRC has awarded the University a limited number of Block Grant Partnership Studentships for MA and research students. Find out more about AHRC studentships.