Masters Degree Description
Explore the creative interplay between urban theory and the visual representation of urban cultures and places.
- Developed by the Centre for Urban and Community Research, the degree encourages creative interplay between practice and theory – you’ll develop your practical photography skills and examine key ideas and debates in the representation and evocation of contemporary city life.
- You'll have the chance to consider cutting-edge debates in cultural and social theory in a research setting that actively encourages the development of photographic practice.
- If you are already a working photographer, visual artist or media practitioner, this programme gives you space to reflect critically on your practice.
- For those with a background in sociology, urban and cultural geography, cultural studies or anthropology, the degree provides an opportunity to combine visual forms of representation with standard forms of research techniques in investigating urban life and the physical environments of the city.
- The programme aims to link directly to professional research outcomes, and many graduates have secured employment within urban research, ethnography, teaching, curatorial and arts practice, human rights, and architectural research.
- You'll be joining our world-leading Department of Sociology. We've been rated top 20 in the UK for sociology by QS World University Rankings 2025.
Entry Requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject. You will also need to demonstrate proficiency in photographic practice, including familiarity with a 35mm camera and photographic printing.
You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
Fees
For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more
Programme Funding
Goldsmiths offers a range of financial support including postgraduate scholarships, bursaries and fee waivers. These are awarded based on a variety of criteria, for example academic achievements or personal circumstances.
Student Destinations
Graduates of the programme have progressed to the following areas and careers:
- Doctoral studies
- curating
- public relations
- urban planning
- advertising
- community arts education
- social research
- journalism
Module Details
Compulsory modules
- Navigating Urban Life 30 credits
- Through The Lens Part A: Imaging the City 15 credits
- Theories and Debates in Visual Research Sociology 15 credits
- Talking Practice A 15 credits
- Urban Photographers 15 credits
- Through The Lens Part B: Urban Identities* 15 credits
- Talking Practice B 15 credits
As well as these modules, you will complete a Dissertation and Major Visual Project (60 credits).
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