MA Photography & the Book is designed for those working with photography –
photographers, artists, curators, editors – who wish to develop their practice and present it through the form of the book. The field of photography books has seen explosive growth in the past few years. They have become a dominant vehicle for the public dissemination and distribution of contemporary photographic work and as the number of books published grows exponentially, so clearly does the interest in them. One might ask though whether the books themselves are improving in quality or perhaps, more simply, what makes a good or even a great, photobook? These, and a number of related such questions, drive the thinking behind this unique photography MA. On this course you will learn to consider how to develop and scope your concepts and ideas into an appropriate book or bookwork from the outset of the project, therefore gaining a perspective and understanding of how editorial processes shape and inform books and their production. The practice modules will also challenge you to re examine your own working methods, and where necessary assist you to refine them, and your picture-making, through regular tutorials.
In a seminar module you will consider the book as a mode of dissemination of ideas and images, through critical examinations of historic and contemporary photography books. A contextual module develops your understanding of contemporary arenas of book production – editing, design, copywriting, print and binding; the legal and financial frameworks of publishing; and the marketing and distribution of photographic books. The final MA project provides you with the opportunity to consolidate your work in a book or bookwork, with a report providing a critical commentary on your practice.