This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
Falmouth University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Expose truths, prompt emotion and provoke action through visual media. On this Documentary & Editorial Photography degree, you'll discover how to use the power of still and moving images to tell stories, expose truths, prompt emotion or provoke action via the news and media. With support from experienced and industry-connected lecturers, you’ll learn to shoot with a clear sense of purpose while gaining professional expertise and insight. Working in long-form documentary photography, portraiture, news, sport, music and fashion, as well as immersive multimedia narrative, you’ll acquire the skills to produce thoughtful and considered documentary and editorial work that’s highly sought after in the creative industries. You will: Learn from experienced, industry-connected lecturers that offer unparalleled access into the ever-evolving photography industry Work like a professional photographer from the start, while gaining valuable industry insight and technical know-how Develop essential skills in creative problem solving and collaboration, and an understanding of photographic law, ethics and human rights Have full access to our state-of-the-art educational photographic facility, which includes the latest camera equipment, studios and post-production technology Enjoy opportunities for local, national and international work placements Take part in optional local and international study trips, to places including London and New York Get the opportunity to present your work to leading names in industry through our annual Press Awards and have the option to display your work at an exhibition in London.
Modules
You’ll learn to tell compelling and original visual stories by developing comprehensive and sophisticated photographic and multimedia techniques. You’ll develop a deep understanding of how impactful photographic stories are constructed, explore the relationship between image and audience, nurture critical communication, collaboration and professional skills and discover the importance of media law and ethics. Year one You’ll start by building a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of photographic techniques, the history of photography and the basics of professional practice. Through a series of modules, you’ll develop skills in studio lighting, editing and production software, website building and presenting. You’ll also be introduced to concepts of critical thinking, analysis and reflection. Modules Essentials of Photographic Narrative Professional Presence Photography Histories & Visual Culture Photographic Narrative in Context Critical Approaches to Reading the Image Year two In year two, you’ll add moving image to your artistic toolkit. You’ll apply your new photographic and analytical skills to video and multimedia, taking creative risks as you continue to develop your unique approach to visual narrative storytelling. Building on your professional experience, you’ll also organise and complete a work placement. Modules Audio Visual & Interactive Storytelling Law, Ethics & Human Rights Audiences Cultural & Critical Context Year three You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the RealWORKS employability team. Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. How you’ll study during your placement year You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth. Year four You’ll start your final year deep in dissertation research, while pursuing guided independent photographic work for your final major portfolio. Reflecting on the work completed in the early part of the academic year, you’ll build your final major project and prepare a professional toolkit for entry into industry. Modules Developmental portfolio Dissertation Final Major Portfolio Professional Futures The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
Assessment method
Continuous assessment with no formal examinations. Portfolios, presentations and essays. End of year project and exhibition.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- PY59
- Institution code:
- F33
- Campus name:
- Penryn Campus
- Campus code:
- P
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Through the award of international scholarships, we aim to support academic enrichment by encouraging diversity and excellence at Falmouth. For details of our international scholarships, and how to apply for them, please visit our website at www.falmouth.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
T Level - P - M
If you are able to demonstrate relevant, current, equivalent experience instead of formal qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Please contact our Applicant Services team before applying, for advice regarding your individual experience and eligibility. If you are an international applicant and require a Student visa to study in the UK, you must have a recognised English language test approved and vouched for by the University at the appropriate level. Our Applicant Services team can help you with any general questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests. For more specific advice, we recommend you also consult UKCISA http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Portfolio
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | An (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening |
| Trinity ISE | A minimum of Trinity ISE II with Distinction in all four components is required. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Level B2 | A minimum on the Cambridge English scale of 169 is required |
| PTE Academic | 55 | A minimum score in the Pearson Academic Test of English of 55 overall is required, with a minimum of 51 in all four components. |
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
English language support at Falmouth
https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/international/english-language-support
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Falmouth University
Woodlane
Falmouth
TR11 4RH