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Start your undergraduate or postgraduate journey at one of our UK colleges or US centres.
Direct entry to industry leading universities
Your pathway to 15+ top ranking universities.
Study and work in Canada, with one of our vocational courses.
Discover top universities in the UK for studying abroad.
Discover top universities in the US for studying abroad.
Study abroad in Australia.
You can easily apply online via our application form.
Are you joining us soon? We recommend checking out our pre-arrival guides to help you prepare for your arrival!
MA History of Photography enables you to learn about - and negotiate your individual path through - past and present photographic practices and cultures, in order to develop your interests, whether your engagement with the medium is academic, artistic, personal or vocational.
Apply NowDegree
MA (Hons) History of Photography
Start Dates
October
You will develop subject-specific and transferable research, critical and writing skills that will enhance your career opportunities in the field and beyond, whether in academia or teaching, photography as a practice, galleries and museums, or in the media. The course is also ideally suited to preparing students with a practice-based background considering a PhD.
This degree offers you the opportunity to study with internationally recognised experts. Our teaching staff are defining the field, conducting ground-breaking research in the history and theory of photography in its various uses and manifestations. You will work closely with our staff while also benefiting from our diverse and vibrant student body of all ages and backgrounds. The teaching is also enriched by the international research culture of the History and Theory of Photography Research Centre.
You can take part in exclusive visits to photographic archives and exhibitions, and take advantage of placement opportunities in the Jo Spence Memorial Library and Archive. Alternatively, there are opportunities for work placements with other London museums, galleries and archives.
Birkbeck was ranked as one of the top four universities in the UK for its Art and Design research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.