Marine and Natural History Photography, BA (Hons)

This course empowers you to capture compelling conservation stories through photography and filmmaking, joining a community of environmentalists who use images to drive change. By integrating rigorous research with creative storytelling, you'll address key ecological challenges while celebrating nature's beauty. Based in the UK's remarkable landscapes, you'll learn from expert photographers, filmmakers, and scientists, developing technical skills, critical thinking, and professional networks to boost your career.The program spans three years, starting with foundational modules in photographic practice, research, and environmental exploration. Later years advance to filmmaking, global conservation, and independent projects, including work experience. Assessment is fully coursework-based, focusing on portfolios, written assignments, and a final major project supported by contextual writing and a professional portfolio, ensuring you graduate ready for industry success.

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 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.