Photography MFA eLearning - Online

Overview

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, Paul Seawright and Dr KayLynn Deveney, Ken Grant, Clare Gallagher, Ailbhe Greaney and Yvette Monahan. 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.

Semester 1

Reviewing Practice

Photography and Culture: Reading



Semester 2

Contemporary Contexts

Photographic Futures: Writing



Semester 3

Master's Project

Optional Exit Award - MA



Semester 4

Resolution & Portfolio

Final Award MFA

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.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Students must access a number of online timetabled group sessions where they interact with tutors and peers in developmental critiques and subject themed seminars. The campus based lectures are available online to watch at times that suit the student. Reading packs and assignments are delivered digitally and assessment, feedback and tutorial advice is scheduled in weekly online sessions. Students are invited to attend an annual regional masterclass - currently held in Hong Kong, Belfast and New York.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

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.