Press & Editorial Photography BA(Hons)
You’ll graduate from this fast-paced course as a visual storyteller, with an in-depth knowledge of both digital and analogue photography, as well as video and multimedia.
Key details
| Location | Penryn Campus |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | WP65 |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
This course is in Clearing
Apply through Clearing
Introduction
On this dynamic and responsive course, you’ll learn to shoot real-world photography with a clear sense of audience and purpose. From long-form documentary photography and breaking news, to immersive multimedia pieces, you’ll learn to tell visual stories in creative, fresh and engaging ways.
Our internationally renowned team will equip you with the skills and connections to succeed in the demanding and exciting world of Press and Editorial Photography.
You will:
- Work to briefs from the start while gaining valuable industry insight and technical know-how.
- Exhibit your work in London during the course’s annual professional week.
- Have full access to our cutting-edge open-plan facilities, studios, exhibition spaces and equipment, as well as being able to take advantage of fantastic locations across Cornwall.
- Get the opportunity for extensive local, national and international placements.
- Benefit from a programme of visiting lecturers and industry mentors.
What our students do
Institute of Photography Publishes Zine Celebrating Student Work
Mayn Creative, our in-house photo...
Photographer Inspires Students
Photography students met one of their idols last week when they welcomed British documentary...
Double-Whammy: Two Students Shortlisted for Photographer of the Year
Every year, the UK Picture Editors’ Guild runs a competition to find Britain’s most talented...
Photography Student Wins BBC Award
Third year Press & Editorial Photography student Peter Flude...
Students Honoured at Prestigious Awards
Two Press & Editorial Photography students received honours...
Student Selected for Photography Mentorship Programme
Press & Editorial Photography student Amara Eno has been selected for Women Photograph's...
Canon to Take Lucky Students to International Photo Festival
Four Press & Editorial Photography students have been selected to attend the International...
What our graduates do
Our graduates have directed their career paths towards roles in photojournalism, editing, curating, research, and publication.
Photography Grad Becomes NatGeo Explorer
Amy Romer has been making some serious waves with her photography. Since graduating from...
Powerful Photography: Graduate Lands Job at Barcroft Media
Photography plays a huge part in our lives; from the adverts we see, the articles we read and...
Falmouth Photographers Commissioned for National Celebration of Female MPs
In recognition and celebration of the centenary of women’s right to vote, a group of female...
Photographers Shortlisted for Regional Prize
Four Photography graduates have been shortlisted for this...
Photographers Shortlisted for Renowned Exhibition
This year's graduates and staff from the Institute of...
Course details
What you'll learn
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From photography’s history and theories to essential technical and creative skills, you’ll learn what’s behind the everyday practises of photographers and publications. You’ll study practical modules, communication and copyright, magazine and layout production, and business operations.
Modules
Elements of photographic narrative
Professional practice
Histories, theories, practices and contexts of editorial photography and visual storytelling
Photographic narrative in context
Critical approaches to reading the image
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We’ll explore theoretical studies alongside ethics, representation and media law. You’ll develop audio and multimedia skills, and promote your work in print, online and at an exhibition in London. We’ll also help you develop your professional network as you’ll complete a work placement and get the opportunity to study abroad.
Modules
Audio visual & multimedia
Media law, ethics & human rights
Audiences
Cultural & critical context
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On top of producing a multi-part developmental portfolio and completing your dissertation, you’ll work toward a final major project in a subject area and medium of your choice.
Modules
Developmental portfolio
Dissertation
Final portfolio
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 take on practical projects and build your portfolio, as well as complete essays, lectures and seminar presentations. Throughout the course you’ll have the chance to go on work placements in places like New York, Amsterdam and London, gain paid work at our in-house photo agency, and work with Rex/Shutterstock, Getty and Alamy. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your technical skills through local and international study trips and workshops.
How you'll spend your time
Year | Timetabled teaching and learning activity | Guided independent study | Placements |
1 | 31% | 69% | 0% |
2 | 20% | 75% | 5% |
3 | 11% | 89% | 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
- Continuous assessment with no formal examinations.
- Portfolios, presentations and essays.
- End of year project and exhibition.
Staff
You’ll learn from our team’s experience working with companies like the New York Daily News, The Sunday Times Magazine, Rex/Shutterstock, The Guardian Magazine, Marie Claire, and The South China Morning Post.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.
Tom Ingate
My undergraduate was in photographic communication from Falmouth Collage of Art and my teacher...
Gretchen Viehmann
I have been the director of photography for the New York Post and the New York Daily News and...
Eva Cooney
My work as a photographer is rooted in classic photojournalism but since then I have developed a...
Dan Cainey
In 2009 I moved to Cornwall to study on the BA(Hons) Press & Editorial Photography course....
David White
I joined Falmouth University in 2011. Prior to my appointment as course leader on Press &...
Graham Lawrence
I studied photography and then documentary film making in the late 70's and after working as a...
Kate Bell
I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan in 2007 with a First Degree Hons in BA Photography....
Dave Mann
I have worked as a professional photographer and photography educator for many...
Facilities
- Large professional-standard studios
- Black & white and colour darkrooms
- Fully colour-managed digital suites
- Film and paper processing facilities
- Digital training area with Adobe Software
- Professional printing and mounting services
- Photography store containing a wide range of equipment for loan
How to apply
This course is in Clearing
Entry requirements
104 - 120 UCAS points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications like A-Levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma, or a Foundation Diploma.
Check how many points your qualifications are worth
We’ll also consider you based on your individual merit and potential. So get in touch if:
- You’re predicted points below our requirements
- You’re thinking about transferring from another institution
- You have other qualifications or professional experience
Language requirements
GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
We also accept qualifications equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
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).
Apply via UCAS
Enter these codes at UCAS Apply and Track
- University code F33
- Course code WP65
Deadlines
UK/EU applications: 15 January
Late applications will be considered if there are places available.
International fee payers can apply after the deadline. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Next steps
You’ll need to submit an online portfolio to be considered, and if you receive an offer you’ll be invited to a post-offer visit day. Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive a Falmouth Applicant Portal login, where you’ll find more details about these requirements.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
- Has visual skills, technical ability and engages with photographic narrative.
- Can communicate verbally and through writing.
- Knows about photographic history, contemporary practitioners and current affairs.
- Is curious about the world, and eager to explore through photography and storytelling.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees
-
£9,250 - full-time UK/EU
£15,000 - full-time international
Typical course costs
- £300 - Recurring annual costs
- £500-£700 - One off costs for the course duration (compulsory trips, final portfolios or shows, etc)
- £800-£1000 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
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
-
£9,250 - full-time UK/EU
£16,000 - full-time international
Typical course costs
- £300 - Recurring annual costs
- £500-£700 - One off costs for the course duration (compulsory trips, final portfolios or shows, etc)
- £800-£1000 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
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
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.
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page.
Ask a student
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