Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (Hons) University of the Arts London (UAL)

Overview

We see documentary photography as an umbrella term under which photojournalism and other related forms of storytelling, including moving image, exist.

These genre boundaries continue to develop and shift within the contemporary media landscape, and the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (Hons) program at the University of the Arts London (UAL) will equip you to explore and work within this area in a self-defined, flexible and creative way.

What can you expect?

BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography allows you to follow an innovative and exciting curriculum rooted in the methodologies of photojournalism and documentary photography as they are  practised professionally today.

As well as gaining an academically-rigorous degree, it will enable you to acquire the essential skills to become a working photographer, equipping you to produce work for a range of outlets including newspapers, magazines, digital platforms, galleries, books and picture agencies. It is not uncommon for our students to be working to a professional standard by their third year. 

The practical elements of the course emphasise learning by doing: you will begin by learning to photograph newsworthy subjects and create topical documentary stories, and then go on to develop your own self-directed documentary practice culminating in a final major project and a dissertation.

Students are encouraged to become involved with the lively photographic community in London; a process which is enhanced by an exciting range of visiting speakers from the photographic and related industries. The course team is committed to diversity in representation of gender, ethnicity and disability in its programme of visiting speakers and tutors.

Complementing the practical and career focused aspects of this degree course are contextual studies in the history of photojournalism and documentary photography, delivered by academics who are internationally published scholars in the field. At the heart of this aspect of the course is our belief in the importance of critical engagement not only as photographers but as viewers and participants in a globalized visual culture.

Work experience and opportunities

We are committed to enhancing your employability, individuality and entrepreneurship. Success within the arts and media is about the integration of practice, skills and mindset that enable you to develop and sustain a rewarding working life. Our curriculum is designed to open up the possibilities of your own creativity by developing your unique subjectivity, career aspirations and professional awareness, whether for the creative and cultural sector or beyond.