Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)

Program Overview

This Cornwall-based program combines research and storytelling to address environmental issues. The program offers optional underwater photography training and a professional placement, preparing graduates for careers in photography, filmmaking, conservation, writing, and education.

Program Outline

Outline:

This program combines the rigor of research with the creativity of storytelling to explore and address environmental and conservation issues.

• Learn research and critical thinking methods.
• Study biodiversity and habitat, focusing on a local habitat.
• Choose between land or underwater exploration of photographic techniques.
• Explore important ocean issues through the study of the marine environment.

Year Two:

• Delve deeper into moving image and still photography.
• Study global conservation issues and learn how visual media impacts these issues.
• Learn from experts in the photography world through lectures and live examples.
• Choose between focusing on land or underwater photography techniques.
• Produce a collaborative short film on nature and the environment.
• Gain practical experience through a short work placement.

Professional Placement (Optional):

• After your second or third year, you have the option to undertake a professional placement.
• Gain valuable industry experience and skills while earning your degree.

Year Three:

• Create your Major Project using photography, moving image, or a combination of both.
• Develop a career plan to guide your entry into the industry after graduation.

Assessment:

• Year-one assessments focus on practice-based portfolios including preparatory work.
• Critical studies modules are assessed through written assignments or presentations.
• In the final year, your Major Project forms the core of your assessment with an accompanying written piece and career portfolio.
• Feedback is consistently provided throughout the modules to facilitate improvement.

Teaching:

This program utilizes a blend of teaching techniques including:

• Field trips, photographic, and scientific excursions
• Technical workshops
• Lectures, seminars, and tutorials
The course offers an optional program in underwater photography. Students have the opportunity to utilize this program by practicing their skills in the Red Sea, in addition to Cornish waters. In the final year, you'll pursue an independent Major Project which can use either stills, moving image, or a combination of both, to tell stories from anywhere on the planet. Previous projects have documented climate change in Norwegian glaciers, researched the Ecuadorian rainforest, filmed conservation work in the Amazon, and told the story of the Bajo indigenous fishing community. This program utilizes a "digitally enhanced learning and teaching" approach. While your experience will primarily be in-person (seminars, tutorials, studio teaching), specific elements are delivered online, either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous).

Careers:

This program prepares you for a variety of careers in:

• Photography: wildlife photographer, documentary photographer, commercial photographer, etc.
• Filmmaking: filmmaker, camera operator, editor, etc.
• Conservation: conservation researcher, education coordinator, project manager, etc.
• Writing: science and nature journalist, non-fiction author, grant writer, etc.
• Education: photography and film lecturer, workshop facilitator, etc.

Other:

Learning Resources and Facilities:

The program utilizes various facilities including:

• Multiple studios, darkrooms, and print suites.
• A walled garden with a fully equipped hide for nature study, photography, and filming
• Digital and traditional processing facilities
• A sports center with a large gym and modern equipment.
This offers valuable insight into the range of possibilities and outcomes within the program.