Master's in Photography

The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU) stands as a prestigious institution with a rich cinematic legacy. FAMU is renowned for its contributions to the world of filmmaking and its commitment to nurturing creative minds in the realm of visual storytelling. Situated in the heart of Prague, a city with a vibrant cultural backdrop, FAMU benefits from a unique environment that inspires artistic expression. FAMU's programs cover a spectrum of cinematic disciplines, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of film and television production, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and more. The school's emphasis on practical experience, combined with theoretical knowledge, equips graduates with the skills necessary to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the film and television industry. FAMU's commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness establishes it as a cornerstone in the education of future filmmakers, contributing to the global cinematic tapestry.

The Master’s programme is intended for the best selected graduates of the Bachelor’s programme at FAMU or another tertiary art school. The graduates of the Master’s programme are expected to create high quality original work pursuing new approaches and contributions to the development of photography in a chosen area, based on a combination of theory and practical work. The MgA. degree is bestowed on students who create and defend a Master’s graduation set of art works, a pictorial publication and write a theoretical thesis as well as pass a state examination in the history and theory of photography. The specialised Department of Photography was formed at FAMU in 1975 and it is one of the oldest schools of its type in Europe. It offers a three-year Bachelor’s programme and the subsequent two-year Master’s programme, both taught in the Czech and English languages. Studies take place in seven principal studios led by major photographers and contemporary artists in general – the Studio of Postconceptual Photography, the Studio of Imaginative Photography, the Studio of Documentary Photography, the Studio of Classic Photography, the Studio of Photography and New Media, the Studio of Photography Restoration and the Studio of Intermedia / Temporary Arts. Students get to know a wide range of techniques for the production and postproduction of photographic images, learn and understand their opportunities and limitations, and find and invent creative means corresponding to their own intentions and preferences. In addition, the opportunities for gaining experience at other FAMU departments (cinematography, editing, sound engineering etc.) during the studies fosters overlaps into the audiovisual field. Courses in the history and theory of photography and media are an integral part of the teaching.