Documentary Photography

Reviewing Practice 

During this introductory module, students will explore distinct areas of documentary photography while reviewing and reflecting on their own and fellow students’ work in progress. The module will start with a series of online technical induction and equipment use tutorials. This will take place alongside a series of demonstrations and workshops by industry specialists working professionally within the field of documentary practices. In addition, there will be lectures and presentations that will address introductory themes of documentary practices.    

Researching Practice

This module seeks to explore, discuss, and debate ideas, issues and practices connected to the histories and theories of documentary practices and works alongside the Reviewing Practice Module. Students will also have a series of lectures by specialists introducing them to research methodologies. Completion of a literature review and development of a proposal for a major project.  

Defining Practice

During this second module students will start the process of defining their practice with a focus on collaborative practice and ethical community engagement. Understanding how to negotiate, propose, develop, contextualise, create and evaluate projects alongside the production of the beginnings of a body of work. Submission will be a development folder and a ‘work in progress' portfolio.  

Research Contexts

An understanding of the history and theory of photography is pivotal to postgraduate studies as is the ability of students to contextualise their work. This module will facilitate that process by exposing the student to a broad range of material delivered by industry and academic experts from a diverse area of photographic and artistic environments. In addition, the module will encourage authority when evaluating and critically assessing others’ artifacts relevant to that practice and deepen the grasp of the intellectual concerns that propel their practice. 

Positioning Practice

During this module, students will continue with their major projects alongside learning the importance of positioning their practice. Students will be exposed to platforms utilized for the dissemination of projects and learn additional application skills with a focus on moving image and Web Doc production. In addition, students will consolidate their research through a presentation that will situate their work within the broad field of documentary practices.  

Professional Practice

Students are required to develop an understanding of business practice pertinent to their own practice. A report of interviews and independent industry research will form the structure of the module focusing on networking and business practice, including interviews with and or case studies upon relevant practitioners, writers, or curators. In addition, students will present their findings.  

Critical Text

 This module addresses the key issues and ideas raised by that practice.  The final written text should articulate the student’s ideas with confidence and authority. The module requires students to identify a representative practice or practices (Case Studies) that connect with and inform their own core interests. Through identification and consideration of these practices, students will examine the central questions of site, audience, institution, and authorship. 

The Realised Document

A submission of specified material prepared by the student during the course that realises their projects. The module will concentrate on the realisation of an individual project/s for assessment at the end of the module and explore the potential outcome of practical work in relation to audience, site and distributional form.