Msc.Photography

The aim of the follow‑up Master’s programme in Photography is to support the advanced artistic, intellectual and research‑based development of the student, deepening their authorial position in relation to their individual focus and abilities. The programme emphasises intensive studio‑based work and artistic research carried out in close cooperation with teachers, and develops the student’s capacity for critical reflection in both creative and theoretical contexts. It encourages curiosity, an authorial and research‑driven approach, openness to dialogue and the ability to engage critically with different perspectives while maintaining intellectual and artistic integrity. The programme develops the ability to work with feedback, critique and dialogue as essential tools for the articulation, development and contextualisation of artistic and research‑based practice within contemporary cultural and social frameworks.

A graduate of the Master’s study programme in Photography is an independent and critically oriented author whose artistic practice is grounded in advanced studio‑based work and artistic research. They develop a clearly articulated artistic position through long‑term projects realised within the framework of Studios KF and the MgA Project, integrating theoretical reflection, research methods and experimental approaches into their own practice. Graduates are capable of critically engaging with photography and technical images within broader visual, cultural and social contexts, and of situating their work within contemporary artistic discourse. They cultivate a reflective awareness of the role of the artist‑researcher in society, actively engage with current cultural and social issues, and are able to articulate, present and defend their work in professional and public contexts. Based on an informed understanding of artistic, cultural and institutional structures, graduates are prepared to critically reflect on and intervene in these structures through their artistic and research‑based practice.

Expertise

Graduates of the programme:

possess advanced knowledge of contemporary concepts and theories of photography, technical images and visual culture
understand and are able to apply research methods from the humanities and social sciences, particularly within the framework of artistic research, as an integral part of their own creative practice
are capable of critically situating their work in relation to current artistic, cultural and media discourses
are able to reflect theoretically and critically on their own practice and place it within historical and contemporary artistic contexts
are familiar with the institutional, curatorial and organisational frameworks of exhibitions, galleries, festivals and related cultural platforms, and are able to navigate these contexts as part of their professional artistic activity

Professional skills

Graduates of the programme:

are able to develop and realise complex, long‑term artistic and research‑based projects grounded in studio‑based practice and artistic research
creatively and critically use photography, technical images and cross‑media approaches as means of inquiry, experimentation and artistic articulation
integrate artistic research methods, theoretical reflection and experimental strategies into their own authorial practice
are able to articulate, present and defend their artistic and research‑based work in professional, academic and public contexts
can work independently as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary artistic, research and curatorial environments
are capable of initiating, developing and managing artistic projects within institutional, exhibition and cultural frameworks
can critically reflect on their own working processes and adapt their artistic strategies in response to research outcomes, feedback and public presentation
are prepared for professional artistic practice within contemporary art contexts, including collaboration with curators, theorists and cultural institutions

General competencies

Graduates of the programme:

are capable of independent, long‑term artistic and research‑based work grounded in a clearly defined authorial position
are able to critically engage with contemporary cultural, social and political issues through artistic practice and research
can work autonomously as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary and international artistic and research contexts
are able to initiate, develop and manage complex artistic projects within institutional, curatorial and cultural frameworks
demonstrate the ability to communicate, present and defend their artistic and research‑based work in professional and public contexts
are capable of reflective self‑evaluation and continuous professional development as artists and artist‑researchers
are prepared for further academic and artistic research, including doctoral study, or for sustained professional practice in contemporary art and cultural institutions

The admission procedure consists of two rounds.
For the first round, applicants submit a portfolio and motivation letter, and their talent aptitude is assessed without the presence of applicants on a two-level basic (pass/fail).
The second round consists of:
1. conceptual assignment,
2. interview with the admission committee.
The talent aptitude, creative ambitions, motivation and suitability for bachelor’s-level study are assessed by evaluating 1) and 2) with points; applicants who pass a minimum overall threshold will be recommend to the Dean of FAMU for acceptance into the programme.

https://www.famu.cz/