Course summary
Explore the creative interplay between urban theory and the visual representation of urban cultures and places. Why study MA Photography and Urban Cultures at Goldsmiths
- Developed by the Centre for Urban and Community Research, the degree encourages creative interplay between practice and theory – you’ll develop your practical photography skills and examine key ideas and debates in the representation and evocation of contemporary city life.
- You'll have the chance to consider cutting-edge debates in cultural and social theory in a research setting that actively encourages the development of photographic practice.
- If you are already a working photographer, visual artist or media practitioner, this programme gives you space to reflect critically on your practice.
- For those with a background in sociology, urban and cultural geography, cultural studies or anthropology, the degree provides an opportunity to combine visual forms of representation with standard forms of research techniques in investigating urban life and the physical environments of the city.
- The programme aims to link directly to professional research outcomes, and many graduates have secured employment within urban research, ethnography, teaching, curatorial and arts practice, human rights, and architectural research.
- You'll be joining our world-leading Department of Sociology. We've been rated top 10 in the UK for sociology by QS World University Rankings 2023.
Modules
Compulsory modules Cities and Society 30 credits Through The Lens Part A: Imaging the City 15 credits Theories and Debates in Visual Research Sociology 15 credits Talking Practice A 15 credits Urban Photographers 15 credits Through The Lens Part B: Urban Identities 15 credits Talking Practice B 15 credits As well as these modules, you will complete a Dissertation and Major Visual Project (60 credits). The Dissertation can comprise two parts: a portfolio and a 5-6,000-word Dissertation, or you may submit a 10-12,000-word written Dissertation. The Dissertation will consist of: an account of the rationale of the photographic project; a critical evaluation of photographic practice and issues of reflectivity and knowledge production. In combination with the written part, you will be expected to provide evidence of a sustained and coherent body of photographic work focusing on an aspect of urban culture for assessment. Previously, work from Final Visual Projects has been shown on a virtual gallery space linked to the CUCR website. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
Assessment consists of coursework, extended essays, reports, presentations, practice based projects or essays/logs, group projects and reflective essays.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject. You will also need to demonstrate proficiency in photographic practice, including familiarity with a 35mm camera and photographic printing. You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Unless otherwise stated the annual fee for part-time students is half the full-time fee quoted.
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW