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Marine and Natural History Photography with Professional Placement at Falmouth University - UCAS

Falmouth University

Degree level: Undergraduate

Marine and Natural History Photography with Professional Placement

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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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. Join a passionate group of environmentalists who believe that images can change the world. Evolve as a skilled communicator, exploring important and powerful ecological and conservation issues and bring them to life with your camera. Combining the rigour of research with the creativity of storytelling, you’ll expose some of the biggest challenges that face people and planet, while celebrating the beauty of nature. Based in some of the most outstanding landscapes in the UK, you’ll learn from award-winning and industry-connected photographers, expert filmmakers, explorers and scientists, gaining career-boosting insights and opportunities during your studies. While developing technical proficiency, we also encourage students to think critically, to ask questions and to challenge patterns of thought and behaviour to make a difference. Why study this course at Falmouth? Cornwall’s diverse marine and land environments will be your studio – you can get from campus to coast or moorland in a matter of minutes  Rivalling professional studios, our facilities and stores are stacked with high-spec digital and analogue equipment and are some of the best of any UK university You'll gain insider insights and professional connections through masterclasses, guest speakers, field trips and live briefs We encourage adventure – former students have travelled to the Ecuadorian rainforest, Indonesian coral reefs, and Norwegian glaciers to produce their Major Projects You’ll become part of our close-knit, globe-trotting alumni that have picked up huge commissions (BBC, Netflix) and awards for their work As part of our supportive creative community, you’ll start building your professional network from day one of your degree

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.

Modules

You'll develop a passionate understanding of earth’s habitats and fragile ecosystems while mastering the technical film and photographic skills to create images that inspire, move and educate audiences. As well as developing an industry-ready portfolio of original work, you’ll graduate with the professional skills to turn your creative practice into a rewarding career. 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 professional placement 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 As part of our process of continuous improvement, we routinely review course content to ensure that all our students benefit from a high-quality and rewarding academic experience. As such, there may be some changes made to your course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on our website. Any students affected will be informed of any changes made directly.

Assessment method

100% of your assessment will be coursework. Assessment methods 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

29Jan

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
  • Year 2

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

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

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6An (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
Trinity ISEA minimum of Trinity ISE II with Distinction in all four components is required.
Cambridge English AdvancedLevel B2A minimum on the Cambridge English scale of 169 is required
PTE Academic55A 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
78%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
88%
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.
Marine and Natural History Photography with Professional Placement at Falmouth University - UCAS