MA Photography

Deepen your knowledge and strengthen your handling of people, emotions and the view for the essentials.

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Mastering Moments, Illuminating Futures.

Our MA Photography programme is designed to expand your understanding of photography’s numerous creative and professional applications. Through our curriculum, you’ll gain deeper insights into contemporary art practices and commercial industry standards, helping you unlock your full artistic and professional potential. We encourage you to explore the role of photography in cultural, political, and social contexts, developing your unique vision while engaging with current trends in art and design. Throughout the programme, you will also acquire the skills to discuss and write about your work with confidence, grounding your practice in historical and critical contexts. By the time you graduate, you’ll possess the conceptual skills and technical expertise to bring your ideas to life in both artistic and applied projects using state-of-the-art technology.
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Photography Curriculum

The MA Photography curriculum at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences aims to provide students with an in-depth look into the photography industry. With the option between two, three or four semesters, those who choose to study MA Photography can tailor the programme around their personal and professional commitments.
All three options include specialisation modules such as Concept & Context and History and Theory of Photography as well as concluding with a Thesis & Colloquium to give you insight into the industry and explore your creativity.

Key facts MA Photography

Check out our Location

Take a look at our Campus Berlin.
Immerse yourself in a city full of culture, diversity, and opportunities!

Do you want to see our campus but aren’t around? Check out our Virtual Campus Tour.

Admission Requirements

Here are some things you will require for your application at the UE:

  • Completed admission form
  • Transcript & language proficiency
  • CV & Copy of passport
  • A portfolio is required
Photostudio at Berlin Campus

Our campuses are equipped with professional workspaces and an extensive range of equipment. Facilities include spacious photo and green screen studios, an analogue darkroom, a scanning and print studio, film editing suites and sound studios. Students also have the opportunity to borrow a range of photographic equipment free of charge for projects both on and off campus.

Semesters & Credits

  • 2, 3 or 4 semesters
  • 60, 90 or 120 ECTS (Credits)
  • Choose between the Standard Track (120 ECTS) and the Fast Track (60 or 90 ECTS) study options based on your previous education
  • Teaching language: English
  • Classes are typically scheduled between Wednesdays & Saturdays

Examination and Study Regulations

The programme starts in both the winter and summer terms.

Fees

  • EU applicants standard: from € 854 monthly
  • Non-EU applicants standard: from € 12,000 yearly

Got questions about financing? Check out our fees!


How to build a successful career in photography

The Master’s in Photography programme is a dynamic, project-focused degree tailored for students with a background in photography, art, or design. Over the first two semesters, you’ll engage in interdisciplinary, project-based courses such as Concept & Context, Identity & Culture, and Professional Photography Practice, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both the practice and theory of photography.

With this master’s degree, you’ll be well-prepared to thrive as a freelance photographer or artist, or to take on leadership roles within agencies and companies. You’ll gain the expertise to work in interdisciplinary, international teams across diverse settings, including art institutions, design agencies, advertising, publishing, magazines, galleries, and the film and media industries.

Career paths are varied and include roles such as editorial and commercial photographer, artist, art buyer for advertising agencies, picture editor for print and digital media, photography educator, curator, or gallerist. The Master of Arts qualification also opens doors to academic careers, allowing you to pursue further qualifications like a doctorate or post-doctorate.

Apply now for your Photography studies! The application deadlines end shortly before the start of each semester, so you can also start at UE at short notice. However, you can apply up to one year in advance - simply fill out our application form online.

In addition, we require a portfolio for the Master's degree programme, consisting of a selection of your projects. How exactly you present yourself and which work samples you would like to include is your own decision. If you still need help with your portfolio, our regular portfolio workshops are a useful option.

Your Portfolio should consist of at least 20 photos. It is particularly desirable to see from the selection of images, that the applicant works on a thematically coherent series.
Important: In the application phase, you must have already decided on which of our degree programmes you would like to study. However, please note that you may change programmes at a later time if desired. 

More flexible, more interdisciplinary, and more practice-oriented - the new Master's programmes make the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) even more attractive! Students of selected MA programmes at UE have the choice of a Master's degree in 60, 90, or 120 ECTS which gives them full flexibility. Students can apply for one of the three options depending on the education they've already achieved and how many ECTS they've already accumulated in their previous Bachelor's (or Master's) courses. Practical experience will also be taken under consideration. 

Photography in Berlin

Berlin is an ideal setting for studying an MA in Photography, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity that creates a vibrant landscape for photographers. The city is rich with opportunities to engage with exhibitions, workshops, and network with international professionals. Home to renowned events like the European Month of Photography—one of Europe’s largest photography festivals—Berlin places you at the heart of the photographic world. With countless galleries, photography events, and contemporary art spaces, Berlin offers ample platforms to showcase your work. Its lively mix of modern and historic areas, along with its diverse population, provides endless inspiration for street photography and artistic projects alike.

During your studies, distinguished artists will deliver guest lectures, and you will also have opportunities to join study trips to major international photography events and festivals, including Rencontres d'Arles, OFF Bratislava, and Paris Photo, among others.

  • Canon Logo
  • EUROPEAN MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY BERLIN (EMOP)
  • Celebrating Reporters without Borders for Press Freedom
  • HKW Logo
  • Royal College of Art Logo
  • MAGNUM PHOTOS


We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Edge Student Hub, offering students fantastic new accommodation options in Zoessen. Located just 45 minutes from Berlin's vibrant Potsdamer Platz, Edge Student Hub provides a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Book and pay for your entire study duration to save at least €6,000 over the course of your studies.  Choose from shared rooms, single rooms, or apartments, all equipped with modern amenities and secure access.
Why Choose Edge Student Hub?
  • Modern, fully equipped accommodation options
  • Prime location in Zossen, with direct access to Berlin
  • Comprehensive facilities including communal kitchens, study areas, and more
  • Vibrant community and secure living spaces

Check with your Student advisor

Learn from our Experts

Here you will find further valuable information about our professors and their career.

Prof. Walter Bergmoser

Prof. Walter Bergmoser

Walter Bergmoser is the Vice Dean of the Art & Design faculty at University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Berlin and professor for Photography.
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Prof. Dr. Till Julian Huss

Prof. Dr. Till Julian Huss

Prof Dr Till Julian Huss is Professor of Art and Media Theory at UE Berlin and Vice Dean for Business and Art & Design at the UE Innovation Hub in Potsdam.
Read More

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FAQs

The MA Photography programme at UE is a project-based degree programme designed for students who have completed undergraduate studies at university level in an artistic, design area or photography.

A master’s degree in photography will give you the qualifications to work as a freelance photographer or artist or to take on a leadership role in an agency or company. If you are looking to work in a wide range of contexts such as art institutions, design agencies, advertising, publishers, magazines and more, an MA Photography course is a good option.

The MA Photography course at UE is delivered over two, three or four semesters. Those who choose to study MA Photography can tailor the programme around their personal and professional commitments.

UE’s MA Photography course is delivered at its Berlin Campus. Studying photography in Berlin provides students with inspiration and opportunities to develop their creativity in the multicultural, vibrant capital city.

During an MA Photography course, you will gain a variety of valuable and in-demand skills including professional practice and portfolio development, research and critical analysis and conceptual thinking.