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
Tell powerful conservation stories with your camera. With Cornwall’s landscape as your studio, on this Marine & Natural History Photography degree you’ll explore terrestrial and marine environments through still and moving imagery. Working with some of the best photographic equipment of any UK university, and backed by scientific and environmental knowledge, you’ll learn to tell powerful conservation stories with your camera. You will: Take part in regular photography field trips Have the option to learn professional underwater photography Take your skills to the industry through work placements with big brands and studios, which form a key part of the second year Be supported by staff who are global practitioners in photography, filmmaking, art, science and exploration Build technical expertise using our cutting-edge photographic equipment, as well as studios, post-production suites and dark rooms Follow in the footsteps of former students who’ve travelled to the likes of the Ecuadorian rainforest and Norwegian glaciers to produce their Major Project Become part of an alumni community that’s worked with companies including the BBC and Netflix as well as developing successful independent ventures.
Modules
Blending professional practice with theoretical knowledge, this environmental photography course will help you develop the critical understanding essential for your future career. You'll also have the chance to gain real-world experience during and after your studies through our relationships with agencies and conservation trusts. Year one You'll practice photographic skills alongside research and critical thinking. During this year, you'll explore biodiversity and habitat, as well as the marine environment, and will participate in a number of local field trips to land and marine environments. Modules Developing Practice Research and Critical Thinking Biodiversity and Habitat Exploring Practice: Land or Underwater Communicating Nature The Marine Environment Year two Alongside studying moving image and still photography, you'll develop your research and critical thinking skills, explore global conservation, and get ready for your own research project. You will also get the opportunity to undertake a short period of work experience. Modules Extending Practice: Land or Underwater Introduction to Filmmaking Conservation Stories Photography of the Natural World Independent Filmmaking Practice Work Experience Year three You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the 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 In your final year, you’ll create your Major Project using still or moving images, or a combination of both. You will support this with an extensive piece of writing about the subject of your project, along with a career plan to help you move into your chosen area of the industry. Modules Project Development Culture and the Environment Major Project Professional and Entrepreneurial Practice 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
Practice-based modules will be assessed on the presentation of portfolios, including preparatory work. Critical studies modules will be assessed on written assignments or presentations. In the final year, you’ll be assessed on your major independent project which is supported by an extended piece of contextual writing and a professional portfolio. Feedback is given throughout the modules to help you improve your work.
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:
- PY37
- 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