ma contemporary photography and theory begins from a fluid and interdisciplinary understanding of photography, situating it in relation to fine art and through an engagement with contemporary philosophy and theory. the course is located in photography’s ‘expanded field’, wherein traditional, medium-bound notions of what constitutes a photograph find themselves challenged by other forms of making, including film and video, installation, sculpture and assemblage, performance, and painting. taking photography as a starting point—but not an end—this course understands the practice of image-making as central to the condition of contemporary society. in our current landscape, visual literacy is more important than ever. by learning to think with and through photography (whether or not you employ it in your practice), you will be inspired to critically engage with images: both those that you make, and those which you are surrounded by. you will be asked to look beyond framing devices like racial, gendered and geographic hierarchies, and to consider not only what these capture but what they leave out. by attending to photography and other image-making practices, the complex systems in which we work and live can be unpacked and re-formed. ma contemporary photography and theory invites students and staff to learn from each other through taught seminars, group critiques, workshops and exhibitions. this will help you to integrate your making and thinking, developing your practice as both an artist and a researcher. academic and teaching staff will support you as you refine your work, helping you to position it within a field of discourse appropriate to your interests. what to expect practice as process: the extended full-time mode of study allows students to cultivate their practice over two years, balancing it alongside work and other life commitments. this gives students the time and space to commit to their practice as a process, and to develop at their own pace. artistic development: we create a flexible, supportive, and curiosity-driven space for students to explore their practice, and to experiment with new materials and ways of working. we encourage you to take risks, and by doing so, to come closer to what drives you as an artist. critically engaged practice: you will cultivate a practice that responds to the politics and ethics of image making, developing your artistic work alongside a body of independent research. students are encouraged to work sustainably and collaboratively as they explore photographic methods in the context of climate crisis and the ongoing collapse of binary thinking. employability, professional practice and opportunities this ma attracts students from around the world, and from different artistic and/or professional backgrounds. students are part of the wider postgraduate art community and come together around shared exhibitions and events, creating dynamic and diverse spaces for exchange. events hosted by the wider art programme will give you the opportunity to hear from visiting artists and we have a number of public facing exhibitions and events during the two years of ma study. these opportunities bring together students from across the central saint martins postgraduate art programme community and include the interim show (year 1), editions (year 2), and the showcase (year 2). these events depend on students’ collective participation. optional, extra-curricular opportunities that arise will be advertised to all students on the course. these might include additional opportunities to expand and develop your practice, such as exhibitions and publications, interdisciplinary partnerships, and site-specific events in both real and virtual environments.