The Advanced Programme in Photography (APP) is a multidisciplinary course that balances technical skills, conceptual development, and professional readiness. It emphasises contemporary trends in photography, multimedia storytelling, and real-world applications. 

The Advanced Programme in Photography (APP) is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive education that balances technical skills, conceptual development, and professional readiness. The course emphasises contemporary trends in photography, multimedia storytelling, and real-world applications. The APP aligns with MPW’s mission to nurture socially conscious visual storytellers by equipping students with the skills needed to produce socially  engaged commercial and conceptual narratives of African realities.  

What makes the APP unique? 

• It’s an experimental, multidisciplinary programme that encourages students to explore critical thinking through research-based projects. 

• Students are guided to develop an independent and self-motivated body of work while receiving professional, technical, and conceptual training to prepare for photographic practice. 

What you’ll gain from the APP: 

• The opportunity to undertake and realise assignments in different professional contexts. 

• A solid understanding of operational demands and professional opportunities, such as PR, networking, research, and communication. 

• The skills to apply for awards, bursaries, funds, and tenders (including proposal writing and budgeting). 

• Guidance on pursuing your personal career interests and specialisation with confidence. 

Who is this programme for? 

• Ideal for those who have successfully completed the Market Photo Workshop Intermediate Course or an equivalent course from another institution. Applicants must demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge through a portfolio presentation. All applications will be assessed by a panel to ensure the applicant is ready for the challenges of the course. 

Course Structure & Methodology 

The APP is designed around self-directed learning and active participation in projects, engaging with facilitators and professional assignments. Students are required to define their areas of interest, reflect on their personal strengths and weaknesses, and articulate their needs and aspirations. 

What does the APP cover? 

Technical Practice: 

• Photographic Techniques  

• Post-Production  

• Printing 

Applied Photography 

• Studio Practice 

• Fashion 

• Architecture 

Visual Narrative: 

• Extended visual narrative projects, using an exploratory and experimental lens to produce informed and considered photographic bodies of work. 

Multimedia: 

• Combining photography, audio, video, sound, and text for digital platforms, with a focus on creative storytelling. 

Professional Practice: 

• Preparing students to be entrepreneurial or to excel as employees by understanding various career paths in the lens-based services, multimedia, and visual narratives industries. 

Visual Studies: 

• This module focuses on image-making, observational skills, and analytical thinking. Students explore how images work across different cultures and times, learning how to develop a vocabulary for discussing images and creating compelling visual stories. 

Internship 

In the third term, students have the opportunity to pursue an internship that aligns with their technical and creative skills and interests. These placements can be with professional photography studios, fashion houses, media companies, or art galleries. The goal is to gain hands-on experience in areas such as commercial photography, photo editing, exhibition printing, or curating photography shows. These internships are essential for preparing students for diverse career paths. 

Duration: The Advanced Programme in Photography is a year-long programme. 

APP2025 : 27 January – 21 November 2025 

*Dates may change.* 

Time: Mon – Fri     09h00 – 17h00 

 Cost:  R22 050 for South African students and students from the continent. 

R63 340 for International students. 

For international students, It is advisable to pay an application and registration fee of R1100 instead of R100 upon your application to save on bank fees, although it is not compulsory