BA (Hons) - Wildlife Media (with integrated foundation year)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-10-15 |
| 2024-05-02 | 2024-01-31 |
Program Overview
Course Overview
You will study wildlife biodiversity, habitat, and behaviour, alongside the theory and practice of film and photography. You will benefit from opportunities to work with leading industry professionals in a biodiverse World Heritage Site with regular field trips and visits.
Our foundation year will help you reach the right level for taking the rest of the degree, building a solid foundation of skills from which to expand upon.
This degree will both challenge and support you to produce your own short experimental films; plan photography exhibitions; film, edit and create your own documentaries; and plan and manage an expedition to a destination of your choice. Throughout your learning you will grow in confidence, developing and enhancing your personal skill set, working towards specialisms that match your interests and career ambitions.
On this course you will...
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Program Outline
What you will learn
Our foundation year will help you reach the right level for taking the rest of the degree, building a solid foundation of skills from which to expand upon. We will hone your skills in a diverse range of media, including photography, documentary film making and writing for wildlife media.
On our course you’ll learn to create polished, professional wildlife documentaries charting the relationship between humans and the natural world. Capture the stories of animals across different environments when you explore bushcraft and wildlife survival skills. Immerse yourself in their world and capture your experience using top-quality photographic and filming equipment.
Throughout the course, you will develop your film and photo editing skills to suit a brief or chosen goal. And, celebrate your success through showcases and presentations where you will learn how to develop a professional portfolio for exhibition and receive feedback for your work.
Year one
Your foundation year will see you build the skills and knowledge that will put you in the strongest possible position to excel academically and professionally.
An introduction to key theoretical frameworks and debates relating to modern media texts and media based practice.
Develop an understanding of the structures applicable to a range of media organisations, fully exploring their diversity and viability.
Explore approaches to fiction and non-fiction narratives in reference to a variety of media forms.
Develop conceptual, practical and technical awareness, at an introductory level, of the production phases for print and online material.
An introduction into, and the experience of, using traditional and contemporary technical photographic processes.
An introduction to factors that have shaped Britain and it natural history, with a framework for interpreting the natural world from both a scientific and cultural perspective.
Year two
In your second year, you will develop the solid technical and academic skills required to understand and successfully capture the environment.
Develop a working knowledge of a range of key technical skills in the media production making process.
An introduction to, and the experience of using, technical photographic processes to illustrate natural history.
An introduction to the cultural, historical and social contexts in which creative work from a range of disciplines will be considered.
An introduction to the relevant natural history based skills required for a career in wildlife media production.
Develop skills as a communicator conveying key conservation messages and engender positive change and activism.
Work with other students to explore and practice the skills involved in creative collaboration.
Year three
Going into your third year, you will further develop and enhance your personal skill set working towards specialisms that match your interests or proposed career path. You'll explore and reflect on key wildlife and media-related issues, together with developing critical analytical skills.
Develop a critical understanding of documentary and non-fiction practice whilst developing an informed perspective on the genre.
Learn to interpret the animal behaviour you will encounter in practice.
Develop the principles of independent practice in wildlife photography through self- initiated project work with an individual approach looking at the natural world.
Prepare to research, plan and execute a natural history documentary.
Review career attributes, ambitions, and trajectory within the context of an evolving ‘professional development portfolio’.
Prepare to undertake and successfully complete a Research Project.
Year four
In your final year, you will take charge of your own chosen research project, working towards your major final work. This could be a substantial piece of journalism, a set of photos or a film.
Use practical and conceptual skills developed throughout the programme to complete a final year project.
An opportunity to bring together the various theoretical and practical skills learnt to produce a self-directed practical piece.
Explore the ways in which to deliver conservation-based theory and how this can be applied to media.
Perfect the skills necessary to identify and successfully engage with the media industries post-graduation.
An investigation into a relevant research topic towards submission of a research output.
University of Cumbria
Overview:
University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.Student Life:
A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.Research:
Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.Business & Employer Services:
Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:
Beautiful Campuses:
Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.Community Focus:
A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.Facilities:
Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.Student Support:
A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.Strong Industry Links:
Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Focus on Employability:
High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.Unique Locations:
Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.Academic Programs:
University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:
Health:
Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.Education:
Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.Arts:
Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.Science and Environment:
Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.Business and Leadership:
Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.Sport and Rehabilitation:
Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.Other:
The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.
40 UCAS Tariff Points. You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the
UCAS tariff table
.