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Press & Editorial Photography BA(Hons)

This fast-paced degree teaches you to become a dynamic visual storyteller, working across all photographic media, from digital to video, to traditional film. Join one of the only courses of its kind in the UK, providing students with industry expertise and professional insight.

Press & Editorial Photography BA(Hons)

Key details

LocationPenryn Campus
Course Duration3 years
AttendanceFull-time
UCAS codeWP65
Contact01326 254350

Apply now

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Introduction

Supported by our internationally renowned academic team and industry partners, you’ll learn to shoot with a clear sense of purpose. Working in long-form documentary photography, breaking news, sport and fashion, as well as immersive multimedia narrative, you’ll acquire the skills you need to tell stories in fresh and engaging ways.  

You will:

  • Work as a professional photographer from the start, while gaining valuable industry insight and technical know-how. 
  • Have full access to our state-of-the-art educational photographic facility. 
  • Benefit from a programme of visiting lecturers and industry mentors. 
  • Enjoy opportunities for local, national and international work placements.  
  • Exhibit your photography in London during the course’s annual Professional Week.

Covid-19 update

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have reviewed and made changes to our courses to provide flexible, blended delivery that offers high-quality digital engagement and access to face-to-face teaching in our facilities. You can see how your course may be adjusted by viewing the changes for the current academic year by visiting our welcome letters & latest course updates pages

  • Students
  • Graduates
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    What our students do

    A surfer riding a large breaking wave
    Head and shoulders portrait of woman in cowboy hat.
    Asian food vendor on boat with food, chopsticks and sauces.
    Four horse mounted policemen with helmets.
    Lady with blue painted face and green and blue streaks on matching background.
    Surfer coming in on large wave.
    Youth carrying barrel full of fire on shoulders.
    Close up images of flowers frozen in ice.
    A herd of elephants, group of tourists in front of them taking selfies.
    Article
    Article

    Photography Student Snaps Best in Show at the AOP Student Awards

    27 July 2020
    BA(Hons) Press and Editorial Photography graduate Elliot Caunce has received the Best in Show title...
    Article
    Article

    Splendid Isolation in Scotland

    26 June 2020
    We caught up with Elliot Caunce in April when he introduced us to Davey, a Scottish man who's been...
    Article
    Article

    Student film on BBC The Social

    8 April 2020
    3rd Year Press and Editorial Photography student Elliott Caunce has his film featured BBC Scotland’...
    Article
    Article

    Cameron Smith Wins Student Photographer of the Year

    10 March 2020
    Press & Editorial Photography student, Cameron Smith, won 2019 Fujifilm Student Photographer of the...
    Article
    Article

    Four Students Nominated for UK Photography Awards

    14 February 2020
    Four Press & Editorial Photography students have been shortlisted for the UK Picture Editors Guild...
    Article
    Article

    Student Captures Strength of Storm Ciara for the News

    12 February 2020
    Press & Editorial Photography student, Cameron Smith, caught Storm Ciara in action at Porthleven...
    Article
    Article

    Student on Assignment for Getty Images

    15 January 2020
    Third year Press & Editorial Photography student, Will Dax, went on assignment for Getty Images in...
    Article
    Article

    Institute of Photography Publishes Zine Celebrating Student Work

    23 June 2019
    Mayn Creative, our in-house photo and video agency, is excited to announce that the Institute of...
    Article
    Article

    Photographer Inspires Students

    9 April 2019
    Photography students met one of their idols last week when they welcomed British documentary...
    Article
    Article

    Double-Whammy: Two Students Shortlisted for Photographer of the Year

    14 March 2019
    Every year, the UK Picture Editors’ Guild runs a competition to find Britain’s most talented...

    What our graduates do

    Our graduates have directed their career paths towards roles in photojournalism, editing, curating, research, and publication.

    Article
    Article

    Splendid Isolation in Scotland

    26 June 2020
    We caught up with Elliot Caunce in April when he introduced us to Davey, a Scottish man who's been...
    Article
    Article

    Graduate Fighting Against Acid Attacks

    9 April 2020
    Press and Editorial Photography Graduate Ellie Smeaton was so inspired by one of her university...
    Article
    Article

    Photographer Shortlisted for Regional Award

    30 August 2019
    Press & Editorial Photography graduate Peter Flude has been shortlisted for this year's South West...
    Article
    Article

    Photography Grad Becomes NatGeo Explorer

    3 June 2019
    Amy Romer has been making some serious waves with her photography. Since graduating from BA(Hons)...
    Article
    Article

    Powerful Photography: Graduate Lands Job at Barcroft Media

    23 April 2019
    Photography plays a huge part in our lives; from the adverts we see, the articles we read and the...
    Article
    Article

    Falmouth Photographers Commissioned for National Celebration of  Female MPs 

    13 February 2019
    In recognition and celebration of the centenary of women’s right to vote, a group of female...
    Article
    Article

    Photographers Shortlisted for Regional Prize

    20 August 2018
    Four Photography graduates have been shortlisted for this year's South West Graduate Photography...
    Article
    Article

    Photographers Shortlisted for Renowned Exhibition

    25 July 2018
    This year's graduates and staff from the Institute of Photography have had their work shortlisted...
    Article
    Article

    The Dark Figure

    23 May 2018
    Press & Editorial Photography graduate Amy Romer has created a documentary feature called The Dark...

    Course details

    What you'll learn

    From day one, you’ll work as a photographer in the field and the studio, acquiring the essential skills of visual storytelling. 

    • Year one
    • Year two
    • Year three
    Year one

    From photography’s history and theories to essential technical and creative skills, this photojournalism course will teach you what lies behind the everyday practice of photographers and publications. You’ll study practical modules, communication and copyright, and magazine and layout production. 

    Modules

    Elements of Photographic Narrative

    In this module, you’ll develop your narrative photographic technique through a series of assignments designed to build your skills of observation, your ability to find stories and the technical understanding required to create compelling images. 

    Professional Practice

    This module will equip you with the basis for your growing identity as a professional photographer. You’ll build your own website, create your CV and develop a network of professional contacts. 

    Histories, Theories, Practices and Contexts of Press & Editorial Photography

    We’ll cover key debates and theories in communication and cultural studies, such as the changing role of photography as a social practice; how photojournalism has evolved within news and magazine industries; the growth of digital storytelling; the changing political and economic structures of journalism, and its role in shaping public opinion. 

    Photographic Narrative in Context

    You’ll produce relevant, real-world work that aligns with, and is attractive to, pre-existing editorial print spaces and clients. As part of this, you will recognise valid content relevant to specific spaces, by understanding products, audiences and markets within a press and editorial context.   

    Critical Approaches to Press & Editorial Photography

    This module provides an introduction to the varying ways that images convey meaning, and how we read them. Through a series of lectures, discussions, workshops and student-led seminars, you’ll engage with the origins of these theoretical and philosophical conventions in image communication.  

    Year two

    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 complete a work placement and get the opportunity to study abroad. 

    Modules

    Audio Visual & Multimedia

    This module will demonstrate the power and potential of multimedia storytelling. Through an introduction to the diversity inherent within multimedia practice, and via practical workshops and processes, you will learn how to marry story, content and context to create work that resonates with an audience. 

    Media Law, Ethics & Human Rights

    Through this module, you’ll develop a working knowledge of the legal and ethical frameworks that impact on story identification, gathering and publishing across digital and print media. 

    Audiences

    This module introduces you to the theory and practice of engaging and understanding audiences across a range of media and contexts. Working in groups, you will develop the identity of your project, assign the necessary roles to manage the project, and complete the production, editing and curation of content. 

    Cultural & Critical Context or News, Editorial and Photojournalism Genre

    We’ll consider generic conventions across media and how they shape public knowledge. In doing so, we’ll look at specific journalism, documentary, editorial, photojournalism and visual storytelling genres. A combination of lectures and seminars will encourage you to critically contextualise practices with wider social, cultural, technical and political contexts. 

    Year three

    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

    The developmental portfolio is driven by and designed for each individual, being built upon previous portfolio success and married to the unique aspirations of each student. You’ll be supported in this development process through stages of proposal, portfolio and reflection. You will align your ambitions and abilities with the five-part practical construct, ensuring that your unique voice is heard and supported. This module will help you to identify your specific strengths, which will direct future possibilities. 

    Dissertation

    Your dissertation is the major piece of academic work undertaken in the final year of study, and is an opportunity for you to explore your own interests. While writing, you’ll engage with research and analysis into the historical and professional concepts, practices and theories that have been introduced during the course. Although supported by workshops, seminars and specific supervision, the emphasis of this module is student-led independent learning. 

    Final portfolio

    Building on previous experience, and especially upon the strengths of your developmental portfolio, you’ll design individual and unique outputs that speak to an identified audience. Evidencing a deep and clear understanding of context and purpose, your creative work will be dictated by you with the support of your tutors. Your final submission will be highly professional, creative and critically engaged. 

     

    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.

    From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details

    We are making changes to our curriculum framework for courses starting in 2022. Modest amendments to our course module structure will provide you with new opportunities to collaborate and co-create with students from across disciplines during your studies.

    This course page will be updated when these changes have been finalised and applicants will be notified.

    How you'll learn

    You’ll take on practical projects and build your portfolio, as well as completing essays, lectures and seminar presentations. Throughout this exciting photojournalism course, you’ll have the chance to complete work placements in places like New York, Amsterdam and London, gain paid commissions at our in-house photo agency, and work with our industry partners around the world. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your technical skills through local and international study trips and workshops, while our visiting lecture programme will introduce you to some of the photo industry’s most influential practitioners. 

     

    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%

    The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.

     

    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.

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Tom Ingate

    Senior Lecturer in Photography

    My undergraduate was in photographic communication from Falmouth Collage of Art and my teacher...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Gretchen Viehmann

    Head of Press & Editorial Photography

    Gretchen has been the Director of Photography for both the New York Post and the New York Daily...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Eva Cooney

    Lecturer, Press & Editorial Photography

    My work as a photographer is rooted in classic photojournalism but since then I have developed a...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dan Cainey

    Technician, The Institute of Photography

    In 2009 I moved to Cornwall to study on the BA(Hons) Press & Editorial Photography course. After...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    David White

    Course Leader: BA(Hons) Press & Editorial Photography

    I joined Falmouth University in 2011. Prior to my appointment as course leader on Press & Editorial...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Graham Lawrence

    Technical & Facilities Manager

    I studied photography and then documentary film making in the late 70's and after working as a...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Kate Bell

    Photography Technician

    I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan in 2007 with a First Degree Hons in BA Photography. During...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dave Mann

    Technical Instructor

    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

    Take a virtual tour

    Porthleven by Annabel May Oakley-Watson

    How to apply

    Apply 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: WP65

     

    Apply now

    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

    Application advice & interview information

    Go to Toolkit
    • Entry requirements
    • Language requirements
    • Deadlines
    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 student visa to study in the UK, you'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

    Deadlines

    UK applications: 29 January 2021 (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.

    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

    • Tuition fees 2020-21
    • Tuition fees 2021-22
    Tuition fees 2020-21

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK/EU

    £16,000 per year - full-time international

    Tuition fees 2021-22

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK

    £16,950 - full-time EU

    £16,950 - 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

    • £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

    Funding

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

    Ask a student

    What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students? 

    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.

     

    Virtual Open Days & online events

    See how we turn real industry experience into real careers.

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