Documentary Photography / Dokumentarfotografie (B.A.)

The Documentary Photography BA is built around practice-based learning, critical thinking and real-world application. Over the course of three years (or one year for the HE Certificate), you’ll progress through core modules that develop your technical skills, creative identity and professional understanding.

Year 1: Foundations of visual storytelling

• Introduction to camera techniques, composition and digital workflow
• Core principles of documentary practice: ethics, authorship, and narrative
• Projects exploring street photography, portraiture and urban storytelling
• Visual culture and history of photography
• Introduction to research methods and reflective practice

You'll begin working independently and collaboratively on location-based assignments in Berlin, developing your confidence and creative direction.

Year 2: Expanding your voice and toolkit

• In-depth exploration of long-form projects and visual essays
• Multimedia storytelling: combining image with text, audio and video
• Developing personal style, research questions and thematic focus
• Workshops in publishing, sequencing, and photo editing
• Critical theory and contextual studies, connecting your work to wider artistic, social and political frameworks

You’ll also explore interdisciplinary collaboration with peers across Catalyst’s music, film and acting schools.

Year 3: Independent project and professional practice

• Development of a major self-directed documentary project
• Professional portfolio building and final degree show
• Industry-facing modules: pitching, publishing, funding and exhibition
• One-to-one mentorship and group critique
• Final research dissertation (written or multimedia format)

Your final year is dedicated to refining your voice, building your network, and preparing to enter the field as a documentary photographer or visual storyteller.