Master of Documentary Photography
The Master of Documentary Photography (MDP) is a professional development program for photographers designed to provide training in the area of documentary still image making.
The program develops the conceptual and technical skills required to produce a documentary photography project in both book and exhibition formats.
Students present a proposed area of investigation at the beginning of the course to develop as a Project Major. In the first semester of study students are introduced to the conceptual and technical means required to plan and develop the project. In the following semester, the program consolidates and expands on the conceptual, aesthetic and technical methodologies of documentary photography to equip students to work at an advanced level of practice to complete their project. An academic advisor supervises the student’s progress and a panel of academic staff assess the completed project. The Practice Seminars provide students with proficiency in using digital still equipment including medium format cameras, digital file preparation including establishing a Photoshop workflow, film scanning, large format inkjet printing, and the use of electronic flash in the studio and on location.
The History of Documentary Image Making considers the work of critics, theorists and selected historical and contemporary practitioners central to the development of documentary photography. The subject includes discussion and analysis of issues relating to contemporary practice and documentary photography’s place in contemporary culture. Students deliver short presentations and write essays on areas related to documentary image making and their practice.
The MDP is offered full time over one year or part time over two years. Students have access to the studio facilities outside class hours. Enrolments are accepted each semester.
Course Structure
Semester I and II
| Documentary Photo Project Major | Documentary Photo Practice Seminar | History of Documentary Image Making |
|---|
Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to have:
- An undergraduate degree or
- equivalent professional skills and experience and
- some knowledge of film and digital media production processes and
- a demonstrated ability to undertake advanced art practice and coursework
If English is not the first language, the applicant must also satisfy the University that he/she can express himself/herself (in both written and spoken English) sufficiently well to pursue the research satisfactorily. For further information about English language requirements visit the University of Sydney, International Office website www.usyd.edu.au/internationaloffice/student.
All applicants are required to submit a questionnaire and portfolio.