Marine and Natural History Photography, BA (Hons), with industry placement

This course equips students to tell compelling conservation stories through photography and filmmaking, blending rigorous research with creative storytelling to address ecological challenges and celebrate nature's beauty. Set in the UK's stunning landscapes, participants learn from award-winning photographers, filmmakers, and scientists, developing technical skills, critical thinking, and professional networks. Highlights include exploring biodiversity, marine environments, and global conservation, with opportunities for field trips, work experience, and international adventures.In years one and two, students build foundational skills in photography, filmmaking, and research through modules like Biodiversity and Habitat, Introduction to Filmmaking, and Conservation Stories. Year three offers a professional placement for real-world experience, while year four culminates in a major project supported by contextual writing and a career plan. Assessment is entirely coursework-based, focusing on portfolios, assignments, and reflective work, with ongoing feedback to enhance development.

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.