Photography MFA eLearning - Online

Overview

A world leading MFA in Photography taught online by Belfast School of Art.



Summary

This innovative online master's uses collaborative technology to make our award winning MFA accessible for photographers working outside of Ireland. The course brings together practicing photographers from Europe, North America and Asia to develop new approaches to contemporary photographic practice. Online seminars and critiques are complemented by annual master classes on three continents.



Profiled by the British Journal of Photography as one of the most significant photography schools in Europe. Our graduates work internationally between the book, gallery, web and magazine, continually challenging photography’s place within contemporary society and the way we photograph now.



The teaching team consists of practising photographers, artists and theorists who exhibit and publish internationally. These include a member of the prestigious Magnum photo agency, Martin Parr and Northern Irish artists Professor Donovan Wylie, Wilie Doherty and Paul Seawright. Ken Grant, Clare Gallagher, Ailbhe Greaney and Turner prize winner Emma Campbell complete the course team. The course is complemented by international guest lectures by leading photographers, historians, curators and writers. Close links with photographic galleries and photography festivals helps students to build networks and professional practice.



About

The MFA Photography has an international reputation and is available for study via one of two routes -on campus in Belfast (Thursday delivery) or fully online (eLearning) for students living and working outside Ireland. A Master of Fine Arts degree is a creative degree, which centres around practice in a particular field, in this case Photography. The qualification provides students with a high level of specialisation and allows graduates to teach at University level. There are optional exit points for students to exit with a PGDip or MA.



The MFA Photography degree exposes students to key critical debates in photography and offers a dynamic environment in which to develop a major body of photographic work for exhibition and publication. Staff are leaders in the field of photography. Internationally recognised photographers, artists and researchers regularly review student projects, give lectures and critique photographic work.



The course appeals to photographers who are serious about challenging their working methods and extending their visual vocabulary. The course has excellent links with galleries and museums and draws on an exemplary network of artists to create a study environment that is stimulating and encourages experimentation.



Work placement / study abroad

The programme is complemented by a series of master classes and advanced skill workshops; an annual field trip to Paris and regular site visits to a variety of cultural institutions such as museums and galleries in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Year one

• Reviewing Practice

• Photography and Culture: Reading

• Contemporary Contexts

• Photographic Futures: Writing



Year two

• Master's Project

• Resolution & Portfolio

Applicants must hold:

i) a second class honours degree or higher from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or



ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification.



In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate abilities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



In all cases applicants must provide a portfolio of practical work at interview or on application.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

This course is taught online so you can study where you want, when you want.

Start Date: September 2025.

Career options

Graduates are prepared for advanced careers in the field of photography. Graduates work as photographers in the fine art and commercial sector, as well as industry professionals. An MFA develops the ability to perform research related to the photographic arts, while also building communication skills and introducing students to new aesthetics and new technology. Such key skills enable graduates to work as photographic curators, editors and critics, within museums, galleries and in publishing. MFA graduates may also pursue a career in education.