Commercial Photography BA(Hons)

From creating photographs and films for high-end advertising and marketing campaigns to producing branded video content for social media and cutting edge advertorial, you’ll develop a strong creative portfolio for a future in commercial photography.

Key details

Location	Penryn Campus
Course Duration	3 years
Attendance	Full-time
UCAS code	W643
Contact	01326 254350
Subject to validation during this academic year	✔

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Introduction

This course is new for entry year 2020.

With a solid understanding of advertising, marketing, branding, narrative and audience, you’ll produce innovative photographic, video and multimedia content to tell compelling, omni-channel stories, using the latest camera technology and professional lighting systems in our state-of-the-art studios and digital post-production suites.

You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with Creative Advertising students at our Falmouth Campus on live campaigns and brand strategies, and shoot real commissions with our in-house agency, MAYN Creative, building your professional network through work experience in industry.

You will:

Work on real industry challenges, building the skills to respond to client briefs - from concept through to pitch and delivery.
Explore still life, food, product, portrait, beauty, fashion, location, lifestyle, documentary, interiors and architecture in both still and moving image.
Gain a thorough understanding of planning, project management and workflow - including pre and post-production, design, layout and retouching.
Acquire valuable skills in creative problem solving, critical thinking, negotiation and collaboration, alongside budget management and legal and ethical considerations.

Course details

What you'll learn

You’ll gain a solid understanding of advertising, marketing, branding, narrative and audience. Using industry-standard technologies, equipment and processes, you’ll produce innovative photographic, video and multimedia content.

Year one

From day one you’ll develop specialist photographic skills and learn to market yourself as a professional visual content producer. You’ll explore the contexts and histories of modern advertising and the fundamentals of marketing communications, and we’ll introduce you to a range of commercial photography and moving image-making techniques and technologies.

Year two

Through portfolio development, live briefs and work placements you’ll raise your level of technical ability, explore the commercial environment and build on your critical and collaborative working skills. You’ll also begin to investigate using photography and moving image within multichannel campaigns and use theories and concepts to critically reflect on the impact of emerging technologies.

Year three

This year is your chance to shape your professional and creative identity. Putting your skills to use, you’ll showcase your unique photographic practice and critical mind through your final contextual project, portfolio and degree show.

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

How you'll learn

You’ll build valuable technical, critical and business skills through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, group ‘crits’, work placements and masterclasses from industry experts.

How you’ll spend your time

Year	Timetabled teaching and learning activity	Guided independent study	Placements
1	35%	65%	0%
2	25%	70%	5%
3	25%	75%	0%

How you’ll be assessed

Year	Written exams	Practical exams	Coursework
1	0%	0%	100%
2	0%	0%	100%
3	0%	0%	100%

Assessment methods

Coursework assignments with no formal examinations.
Portfolios, projects, exhibitions, journals, presentations and papers.

Staff

As well as our staff of experienced photography, advertising and branding practitioners, you’ll gain insights and placement opportunities from a network of inspiring visiting professionals.

Facilities

Hire stores housing a huge range of professional digital cameras, lenses and peripherals.
Professional photographic studios and lighting.
Location lighting kits.
Digital post-production suites.
In-house professional Photo Lab.
Discounted student membership through our affiliation with the Association of Photographers.
A range of creative workshops across the university through the Workshops Festival and Wednesday Open Workshops.

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How to apply

Applying via UCAS

Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below.

University code: F33
Course code: W643

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Applying as an international student?

International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.

International applications

Entry requirements

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

Language requirements

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard, which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.

If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

Deadlines

UK/EU applications: 15 January 2020 (for equal consideration)

Late applications will be considered if there are places available.

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

Interview information & application advice

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How to Apply

Get application information including personal statement advice, interview tips and what to include in your portfolio.

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Portfolio Advice

What is a portfolio and how do you make one? Read our guide.

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Personal Statement Guide

How do you write a personal statement and what should you include? Read our advice.

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Interview Information: Commercial Photography BA(Hons)

Find out what to expect from your Commercial Photography interview.

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After You Apply

Find out what happens after you apply to Falmouth and what you'll need to do.

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees 2020-21

£9,250 - full-time UK/EU

£16,000 - full-time international

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Typical course costs

£200-300 per year for photographic materials
£300-£1000 throughout degree for optional study visits and placement
£300-£500 for degree show portfolio production in your final year

If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Funding

For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page

Ask a student

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From course details, our facilities and the local area to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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See how we turn real industry experience into real careers.

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