MA in Photography

1. Master's programme title: Photography

2. Level of qualification obtainable in the master's programme and designation of professional qualification on the degree

level of qualification: master's degree (magister, master; abbreviated: MA)

qualification: Photographe

3. Field of study: Art

4. Degrees accepted as prerequisites for admission to master's programmes:

4.1. Full credit value can be taken into account: basic training courses in the fields of art and art mediation.

4.2. In addition, the credits specified in Section 9.3 may be taken into account for bachelor's and master's degree programmes, as well as programmes under Act LXXX of 1993 on Higher Education, which are accepted by the credit transfer committee of the higher education institution based on a comparison of the knowledge serving as the basis for determining the credits.

5. Duration of training in semesters: 4 semesters

6. Number of credits required to obtain a master's degree: 120 credits

• Orientation of the programme: practice-oriented (60-70 percent)
• Credit value assigned to thesis preparation: 20 credits
• The minimum credit value that can be assigned to elective courses is 10 credits

7. Classification of fields of study according to the uniform classification system for vocational training areas: 213/0211

8. The training objectives and professional competencies of the master's programme

The objective of the programme is to train photographers who, with their up-to-date knowledge of visual arts, photography theory, cultural history, and media, are capable of building a long-term independent artistic, creative, and research career, of continuous creative renewal, while maintaining a critical approach to the use of media. They are able to develop, plan, and implement photographic projects independently or in collaboration with representatives of other arts, and are prepared to transfer their professional knowledge and to represent and apply it in an international context. They are prepared to continue their studies in doctoral programmes.

8.1. Professional competencies to be acquired

8.1.1. The photographer

a) knowledge

• Possesses renewable independent knowledge, part of which is broad-based education.
• Has extensive, systematic, and specialised knowledge of the theories, concepts, traditions, defining historical and contemporary trends and discourses of photography, as well as its influential creators, their works, and achievements.
• Has extensive, systematic, and specialized knowledge of the broader artistic and cultural context of photography, its historical development, defining periods, trends, as well as its current functioning and major trends.
• Has diverse and systematic knowledge of the contemporary social, economic, market, environmental, and information technology contexts related to photography, how they work, and how they relate to and connect with their profession.
• Has specialised knowledge of the methodology of artistic research in the field of photography, as well as methods of data and source collection, management, selection, and evaluation.
• Understands and has a high level of knowledge of how creativity and creative thinking work, and understands how they can be applied to solve complex problems.
• Understands complex, holistic thinking and has a high level of knowledge in the areas of special idea and concept development and innovation methods.
• They are proficient in interdisciplinary design and creative methodology, and are familiar with and understands the interrelationships and systems of complex design and creative processes, as well as how these are realised in their own creative work.
• Has a high level of aesthetic and critical sense, as well as refined taste.
• Possesses a high level of specialised knowledge of traditional, classic, and innovative materials, media, tools, and techniques used in photography, and is familiar with the main technological, manufacturing, and production processes and the conditions under which these activities are carried out.
• Has a high level of understanding and knowledge of project management operations, processes, and applications in their own field of expertise.
• Has a high level of knowledge of the visual communication and presentation tools, methods, and channels of photography, has a thorough knowledge of photographic terminology, and is able to communicate effectively in their native language and at least one foreign language, both verbally and in writing.
• They are familiar with the details and system of economic, financial, copyright, and ethical standards and regulations related to art, understand the framework for operating their own business, and have a thorough overview of the broader institutional system affecting their field of expertise.
• Knows and understands their own strengths and weaknesses in their professional activities, and understands how lifelong learning and renewing knowledge can be useful to them.

b) abilities

• Recognises complex photographic problems, develops his/her own design and creative programme, and performs independent creative professional work based on this.
• Applies previously acquired and systematised knowledge and experience in a strategic manner in changing, new types of complex situations.
• Independently examines complex issues related to photography, conducts complex artistic and design research, critically evaluates data and sources, and systematically interprets broader contextual relationships and processes.
• Based on high-level critical thinking, they are capable of creative and design reflection, as well as forming independent, solid professional opinions. 
• Mobilises his creativity even in changing, new types of complex situations and develops innovative solutions that go beyond the traditional framework.
• Independently and routinely, consistently carries out the photographic design and creative process, makes high-level and complex design and creative decisions, and creates complex, original works.
• Routinely and innovatively applies the appropriate photographic tools, methods, procedures, and production technologies to realise individual concepts and independent plans.
• In an interdisciplinary creative environment, they represent their own field of expertise competently and to a high standard, working as an equal member of a team and collaborating creatively with representatives of related professions and different artistic fields.
• Manages photographic art projects, processes, and resources; works in a team, taking on a leadership role and directing creative, design, and implementation activities.
• Presents their photographic work, ideas, and achievements to the public with great confidence and competence, and engage in high-level dialogue with their professional community, representatives of related professions, experts, clients, and the lay public on complex topics related to their field, in their native language and in a foreign language.
• Represents their professional position and interests in debates with supporting arguments, and is capable of conflict management in cooperation situations.
• Applies ethical and copyright standards in their field of expertise and applies their knowledge in different institutional settings in accordance with professional expectations.
• He/She is able to evaluate their own photographic work, professional strengths and weaknesses, and continuously update, renew, and develop their knowledge, skills, and creative design practice.

c) attitude

• Actively seeks new professional knowledge, methods, and techniques, monitors contemporary artistic, social, economic, market, ecological, and information technology processes and trends.
• Motivated and committed in their work as a photographer, and their creative activity is characterised by intellectual freedom, experimentation, and a spirit of enterprise.
• Consciously strives to transcend and surpass his own professional boundaries, as well as the boundaries between disciplines and traditional frameworks.
• Actively seeks out challenges and complex problems where they can apply their professional knowledge and creativity to provide appropriate solutions and produce original work, either independently or as part of a team.
• In their creative activities, He/She approaches new types of challenges, problems and situations flexibly and adaptively.
• Their photographic creative activity is characterized by a high degree of quality and value orientation, artistic sensitivity and intellectual approach.
• Actively seeks collaboration with actors from other art forms and fields, actively initiates interdisciplinary projects, and carries out their professional activities with an integrative approach.
• Recognises, identifies, and reflects on the social and ecological needs related to their own creative and design activities.
• They are socially and ecologically sensitive and committed, strive to implement sustainability aspects in their work, and are inclusive, tolerant and empathetic towards different social and cultural groups.
• He/She is able to place their own creative and design activities in the broader cultural, economic and market context, and adhere to the ethical and copyright standards of their profession.

d) autonomy and responsibility

• His/Her professional identity has developed.
• He/She is independently informed about artistic issues, have their own taste and professional opinion.
• He/She creates his own artistic concept, which they implement independently and professionally.
• He/She regularly initiates, leads and shapes photographic art projects.
• He/She also acts autonomously and responsibly in interdisciplinary activities.
• He/She takes responsibility for his own photographic work, as well as for the projects and activities he/she leads.
• As a member of the international community of photographers, he/she takes responsibility for his community, the values ​​and ethical standards of his/her field.
• His/her professional work is characterised by socially, culturally, and ecologically sensitive, conscious, and responsible activities.

9. Characteristics of the master's degree programme

9.1. Professional characteristics

The disciplines and areas of expertise leading to the professional qualification, from which the major is built: 

Along with the completion of the diploma thesis: 

• photography-specific theoretical and practical knowledge 40-80 credits;
• theoretical knowledge of social sciences (economics, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, law) 20-40 credits;
• communication, production and organisational skills 10-20 credits;
• visual and artistic knowledge 10-30 credits.

9.2. Minimum requirements for entry into the Master's degree cycle for holders of the diploma specified in point 4.2.

The minimum number of credits required for entry into the master's programme is 60 credits in the areas of artistic knowledge, photography theory, professional photographic competencies, humanities and social sciences, economics, philosophy and law, media studies, communication and presentation skills, and entrepreneurship.

The condition for admission to the master's programme is that the student has at least 30 credits in the listed areas based on his/her undergraduate studies. In the master's programme, the missing credits must be obtained according to the study and examination regulations of the higher education institution.