There are many incredible stories in our world that demand to be told. From the local hero to international disasters, from an unforgettable music gig to the Champions League final, photography can capture the moments that define our lives. During the 2020 Covid pandemic, photojournalists and documentary photographers were classed as key workers in the UK, feeding images of our empty high streets and full hospitals to the nation, providing a valuable service for news agencies and online sources. These photographers became a window to the world for so many, an important role in communicating our stories. Our Photojournalism and Documentary Photography degree will focus on developing your abilities to create engaging visual stories.

Bolton has a rich inheritance of documentary photography, thanks in particular to the Mass Observation Worktown project documenting and observing the community in the 1930s. More recently our MA in Visual Journalism lecturer DJ Clark based in China, has had notable success with his immersive 360 film, Battleground PolyU, which wona series of awards including World Press Photo Interactive of the Year and a Webby nomination.

Our Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Degree will develop not only your technical skills but also bring you to the cutting edge of the industry. Scheduled visits, placements, and guest lectures from key industry professionals will allow you to start to build your network and deliver live briefs. You will have the opportunity to work on the production of an annual magazine and undertake organised UK and overseas trips (additional costs may apply).

We will help you to build a professional photographic portfolio and give you opportunities to exhibit your work in galleries and online. Our final-year career development module prepares you for the transition from graduation to full-time work, and a successful start to your photography career.

On this course you will receive:

• Regular external engagements; UK visits, exhibitions, portfolio review, professional placements and competitions, which are           driven in as well as alongside modules.
• All students will be given the opportunity for International travel and engagement with the global photographic community               (additional costs may apply).
• Access to cutting edge ideas and debates around industry developments.
• A friendly photographic community supporting all learners; critical friends who help and develop each other’s practice.
• Hands-on teaching; tutors who deliver both practice and theory and research.
• Extra support from photographically-trained, expert technical team with out-of module learning opportunities for all.
• Academics and technicians have an open-door policy willing to support and go that extra mile for you.
• Teaching groups are smaller with support you can identify with, and rely on.
• Custom-build state of the art photographic resource to industry-standard.
• You will also complete fully assessed work placements. And our final year career development module prepares you for the                 transition from graduation to full-time work

Have you also considered our course in BA (Hons) Photography?