Masters in Photography in UK: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Masters in photography from the UK universities give exciting opportunities to emerging photographers. This course is in itself an exciting and adventurous medium of vocation.Masters in Photography from UK gives the student a wide scope for exploration and understanding of reflection in relation to visual strategies and the and also provides unlimited opportunity for individual work. 

These courses present to the student a distinct way to manifest into a well versed photographer and also help the individual to understand the different aspects of the world through the lens. The universities providing masters in photography in the UK all have to their credit world renowned teachers and lecturers from the world og photography. The unparalleled professional experience and practical knowledge is an immense aid for the student of photography. 

Masters in photography in the UK: Course Highlights

Why study Masters in photography in the UK

The masters in photography in the UK brings forth for the aspiring photographer an abundant array of options and an attractive course plan. The highly acclaimed certificate is a jewel for the photography enthusiast. The masters in photography is a postgraduate degree and all inclusive and rewarding for the applicant. With practical and hands-on experience modules.

• Quality Education :Universities for masters in photography  in the UK, are amply available and offer course plans according to the needs and requirements of the students. There are a multitude of universities to choose from .These universities are highly recognized around the world. One of the best study destinations in the world there are a plethora of features offered in universities all over the UK.
• Career Opportunities: The  market for photography  professionals is huge and every organization related to photography looks for qualified and competent graduates to handle their  need for lenses. 
• International exposure: photography is a medium in which the photographer finds himself or herself exposed to international standards and platforms. International industry is widespread and competitive. The masters in photography from the UK equips the student with practical knowledge of photography and hence makes him ready for the international stage.
• Support for international students: with the strategic knowledge provided by the universities the international students get excellent career opportunities and placements. The universities provide all round support to its international students.
• Cost effectiveness : with the availability scholarships and other privileges studying Masters in photography in the UK  fees are cost effective. 

Types of masters in photography in the UK

The universities in the UK provide three main types of masters degree in masters in photography and they are taught and researched. 

Diploma in photography: which ranges between three months and a year,  

• Bachelor’s (undergraduate study) 
• Master’s (postgraduate study), depending on the knowledge level the applicant seeks and his current standing in the field .
• Bachelor of Arts in Photography for professional development, several top colleges in the UK offer this course.

Some other post graduate degrees in master of photography in the UK is the MSA in photography that is master of fine arts in photography.

Best universities for masters in photography in the UK

1. Kingston University: The course offers the students a  critical understanding and evaluation of contemporary photography and visual culture based on  research .Ranked 601-650th in the world, it is an excellent choice for the study of human resources.
2. Middlesex University : this university also provides a one year to two years course in masters in photography and is  ranked 751-800th in the world . The university provides scholarships and privileges to its students and placements as well.
3. Goldsmiths University of London: The university provides students with a MA degree in Photography and Urban Cultures. Ranked  511-520th in the world.
4. University of the Arts, London: MA in fashion photography. This university provides all the facilities for the progression of careers of its students in photography.
5. University of Westminster: provides an MA degree in photojournalism with a course duration of one to two years. Ranked  701-750th in the world.

University requirements for Masters in photography in the UK :

Different universities in the UK have different criteria's for their students and these vary from a range of things. The universities in the country have lots of options and facilities for the students both in state and international. Most universities require the applicants to have a basic knowledge of the subject along with basic technical skills and creativity.

• Educational qualifications: an undergraduate degree in any related subject with a minimum 50 to 55% in class 12 certificate and having a UG degree in any related subject with a 2.2 or any similar qualification is required for the study of masters in photography in the UK.
• Standardized tests: proficiency in the English language is must for admission in any university in the UK. The students who do not have English as their first language need to pass certain tests. The IELTS score of 6.0 is an absolute requisite and a score of 5.5 in all the other components is mandatory. Equivalent test scores like the TOEFL and PTE are also accepted.
• English language proficiency test: a score of 6.0 is mandatory for the IELTS and other equivalent tests.
• Technical requirements: the technical requirements vary from university to university but generally a UG degree in any relevant or cognate discipline is required for admission.

Courses and curriculum vary according to the guidelines provided by the universities and also the structure and steps taken for the completion of the course varies from university to university. The opportunities provide to students also vary accordingly,

Course curriculum in masters in photography in the UK

The students are taught a number of methods and there are a bunch of different curriculums that give students the intricate knowledge of photography. Though the course work varies from the program offered in the universities, some general study methods are as follows,

• humanities.
• Creative economics.
• directing
• Film studies
• Media and creative cultures
• Study of the creative and cultural industries.
• Strategic reward systems 
• Research and enquiry
• Virtual and augmented reality
• Research methodology
• Film studies
• Film and media production
• Society and culture,arts,media and consumption.
• Film and television production with visual effects
• Screenwriting
• Cinematography
• Film curation and exhibition
• Composing for film and television
• Screen studies
• Film studies

And many such other curricula are available in the courses.

Eligibility criteria for masters in photography in UK

There are a lot of eligibility criterias for the masters in photography in UK universities,

• 50 to 55 % in any relevant subject or any cognate discipline a 50% in class 12.
• English proficiency test
• Universities have different criterias.

Admission Requirements for masters in photography in UK

• Documents required: the admission process requires some important documents, those are listed below,
• Official transcripts and their scanned copies
• Proof of identification- Copy of passport
• Resume/ CV- detailing previous work experience and internships
• Proof of funds
• Optional GRE/ GMAT score
• Personal statement- Outlining why you wish to study the course
• LOR
• Interview- May be conducted by some popular universities.
• Scores of English proficiency test scores like PTE, TOEFL, IELTS.
• Completed application forms: all universities require completed online application forms with all details that are asked for.
• Transcripts: official transcripts and their copies are a mandatory submission for all UK universities.
• Standardized test scores: all standardized test scores like IELTS or equivalent are required.
• English language proficiency: For international students whose first language is not English, English proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS are required.
• Additional application materials: Some universities also ask applicants to submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a CV or resume.
• Proof of identity:a copy of a passport or other government-issued identification as proof of identity is required.
• Financial support documents: International students sometimes need to submit financial support documents such as bank statements or a letter from a sponsor or guardian.

Exam requirements for masters in photography in the UK

The study of photography in the UK has certain exam requirements for the students who are applying to these universities,English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are required for the admission.GRE and GMAT scores are required.

Visa Requirements and work experience:

Along with the completion of the entry requirements there are other requirements too like the Visa requirements and documentation. For UK student visa processing time is around 3 weeks . Below  is a list of documents required to apply for  UK Tier-4 Visa:

• Passport details
• A recent passport size photograph
• Acceptance letter from a recognized UK institution
• Certificate of English language proficiency
• Proof of sufficient funds: 1,015 GBP (outside London) or 1,265 GBP (London)
• Proof of funds can be demonstrated with the help of bank statements, loan statements or scholarship letters.

Admission process for masters in photography in UK:

1. Research Universities and Check the requirements: researching universities and comparing the courses offered along with the compatibility with the applicant is absolutely necessary.
2. Complete the application form: the online application forms have to be completed with diligence.
3. Submit the required documents: all necessary documents should be submitted properly and with proof.
4. Submit additional application materials: if the university asks for additional documents like CV, recommendations and other such documents should be submitted.
5. Decision: after the application process is completed the university takes a certain amount of time to revert and let the students know about the admission. The decision is solely taken by the university upon certain criterias.

Cost of studying masters in photography  in UK

Masters in photography in the UK is generally a three-year course, and the average tuition fee for the first year is approximately INR 14 lakh. Diplomas offer short term courses, from three to twelve months, are cheaper and are approximately INR 2 lakh .

Scholarship and Financial Aid for masters in photography in UK

There are different programs and scholarships given to students both in the country and internationally. Many universities provide scholarships on the basis of merit.

• Check with the university you plan to attend: the university websites must be read with care and understood, any queries can be put forth and the universities will answer accordingly. 
• Look for external scholarships: many organizations and also many philanthropic organizations offer scholarships to students , these can be researched and then applied to.
• Apply for graduate research programs: many universities offer graduate programs and student exchange programs which offer good opportunities for students .
• Consider working part-time or doing an internship: students can acquire extra money by doing extra jobs or part time jobs to fulfill their monetary requirements.

Career Opportunities after masters photography in UK

The scope and opportunity for graduates of this discipline are immense and varied, the market for photography graduates is huge and gaining momentum at an unimaginable pace, the salaries vary from company to job . There is no dearth of job opportunities for photography professionals in the UK and worldwide and companies and organizations are always on the lookout for good and potential graduates..

The graduates have a greater scope of working individually according to their creative convenience and endeavor to grow creatively. The masters in photography from the UK is a globally accepted certificate which equips the graduates with knowledge and sound foundation.