Master's Degree in Contemporary Photojournalism

Contents

This Master's Degree in Lifelong Learning offers comprehensive and balanced training in contemporary photojournalism, combining theory (35%) and practice (65%). Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to work in traditional and digital media, web platforms, social media, and independent multimedia projects, as well as to pursue a career as freelance photojournalists. The programme also equips students to manage their own projects, promote their work, and access international publication and funding opportunities.

Fundamentals

This module introduces students to the basic principles of photojournalism, covering its history, evolution and relevance to society. It examines narrative techniques, aspects of professional ethics, social responsibility and criteria for accuracy, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. Students will learn to select and prioritise stories of social interest, gather relevant information, critically analyse images and narratives, understand the legal framework and reflect on the social impact of their work. Furthermore, new multimedia trends and their application on web platforms and social media are explored.

Main topics:

- History and evolution of photojournalism
- Selection and analysis of stories of social interest
- Documentary sources
- Visual narrative, storytelling and journalistic writing
- Professional ethics, accuracy and social responsibility
- Legal aspects: image rights / copyright / freedom of information
- Web platforms / social media

Laboratory

By combining content creation with debate and critical analysis, the module, through its initial assignments, introduces students to the practice of contemporary photojournalism. The capabilities and suitability for different uses of various equipment – photography and video – are analysed, and there is an introductory exploration of post-production in both media. This module lays the foundations for the subsequent development of both more complex assignments in specialist areas and students’ own short- and medium-term projects.


Main topics:

- The role of the photojournalist in traditional and digital media
- Equipment: analysis of features, suitability and uses
- Techniques and languages of photography and video
- Assignments
- Content production and post-production

Occupation

This module enables students to familiarise themselves with the professional standards that define contemporary photojournalism and to understand how the industry and its professional environment function. Students will apply the production techniques and visual narratives they have learnt to real-world cases, thereby gaining practical and contextualised experience. The course will foster the development of the skills needed to integrate theoretical knowledge with professional practice, encouraging a critical, rigorous and committed approach to the practice of photojournalism.

Main topics:

- Analysis of projects and real-world case studies from the sector
- Best practice, ethics and professional standards
- Networking and professional development strategies

Projects

It provides the knowledge and tools needed to carry out real-time news coverage and develop short- and medium-term features. Students will learn to critically analyse both their own work and that of other professionals, incorporating ethical criteria into their decision-making. They will also apply production techniques tailored to print, digital and social media, and acquire the skills needed to draw up funding proposals, plan the dissemination of projects and manage their professional activity as freelancers, including presenting their work to the media.

Main topics:

- Advanced skills in contemporary photojournalism
- Production and editing of cross-p

Specific skills

- KT01: Identify the fundamental principles of contemporary photojournalism, including ethics, accuracy, and multimedia storytelling.
- KT02: Recognize social, cultural, and technological changes that can be documented through visual content.
- KT03: Describe current trends in photography, video production, and digital storytelling.
- KT04: Explain theoretical knowledge regarding the evolution of media, digital platforms, and hybrid narratives.
- KT05: Identify techniques, tools, and software used in photographic and videographic production.
- KT06: Define formats and genres of visual content across traditional, digital, and multiplatform media.
- KT07: Explain principles of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling applied to photojournalism.
- KT08: Describe representative cases of contemporary photojournalism to draw insights and lessons.
- KT09: Recognize the relationship between technology, creativity, and ethics in visual content production.

- ST01: Apply photographic coverage techniques and video production skills in high-quality visual projects.
- ST02: Produce photographic, videographic, or multiplatform reports reflecting social, cultural, or environmental changes.
- ST03: Organize material, technical, and human resources for the development of audiovisual projects.
- ST04: Adapt visual content to different formats and platforms, considering the requirements of traditional and digital media.
- ST05: Solve technical and production issues during the creation of visual content.
- ST06: Select relevant information for the development of well-grounded visual content.
- ST07: Experiment with digital, multimedia, and interactive tools to enhance visual communication.
- ST08: Produce visual materials that promote critical reflection and effective storytelling.

- CT01: Independently address planning and execution needs for visual and multiplatform projects.
- CT02: Integrate ethical and professional principles into photographic and audiovisual projects.
- CT03: Apply research skills to document and support visual content.
- CT04: Develop creative solutions in project development, adapting to new technologies and digital narratives.
- CT05: Plan resources, timelines, and processes in audiovisual projects.
- CT06: Overcome challenges and obstacles in visual production environments, ensuring objectives are met.
- CT07: Work within multidisciplinary teams, integrating roles in editing, design, production, and dissemination.
- CT08: Integrate strategies for publishing, dissemination, and promotion of content on social media, web platforms, and digital media.

Title obtained

Master's Degree in Lifelong Learning in Contemporary Photojournalism