BA (Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography with Professional Placement Bachelor's degree at Falmouth University
BA (Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography with Professional Placement at Falmouth University. You'll develop technical and conceptual skills across core theory, research methods, applied practice, and specialist options, culminating in an independent project where you direct your own work.
About this course
Explore the financial support available to help fund your undergraduate degree. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography with Professional Placement is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Falmouth University, based in Penryn Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Cinematics and photography graduates from this provider, 86% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 51% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for History, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 86% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 88% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 6 modules
- Base CampCore
Module details
In your first module, you'll be introduced to basic photography skills and camera techniques.
- Research and Critical ThinkingCore
Module details
Establishing research and critical thinking skills, you'll learn how to generate ideas, understand the impact of photography and improve your writing.
- Biodiversity and HabitatCore
Module details
In this module, you'll study and photograph the intricate web of life in a local habitat.
- Exploring Practice: Land or UnderwaterCore
Module details
For this module there are two options. You can explore further photographic skills on land or practice them in an underwater environment. To qualify for the underwater photography option, you must have achieved the PADI Rescue diver qualification (or equivalent ie. BSAC Sport diver) by the start of the academic year.
- Communicating NatureCore
Module details
Through lectures and live examples, you'll learn to communicate scientific ideas through text and photographic sequence.
- The Marine EnvironmentCore
Module details
You will explore and photograph the seashore right on our doorstep and learn about important ocean issues.
Year two 6 modules
- Extending Practice: Land or UnderwaterCore
Module details
Choosing between the Land or Underwater option for this module, you'll practice advanced techniques through the development of an independent project. To choose the Underwater option, you must have completed the Exploring Practice: Underwater module in your first year.
- Introduction to FilmmakingCore
Module details
Through the process of producing a collaborative short film, you'll learn how nature and environmental films are made.
- Natural History StoriesCore
Module details
Examine conservation issues and learn how visual media can have a huge impact.
- Photography of the Natural WorldCore
Module details
In this module, you'll learn how photographers use images to make a positive difference and produce your own portfolio.
- Independent Filmmaking PracticeCore
Module details
Working independently, you'll create and produce your own short film about people and planet.
- Work ExperienceOptional
Module details
You will spend a short period of time undertaking work experience in a relevant professional context. You will be responsible for finding and securing your placement, with support from course lecturers.
Year three 4 modules
- Project DevelopmentCore
Module details
You'll research and begin to develop a major project using still or moving image.
- Culture and the EnvironmentCore
Module details
You'll research and write an extended essay on the subject of your major project.
- Major ProjectCore
Module details
This module marks the culmination of your studies. You'll complete your Major Project and produce a professional portfolio ready to take into industry.
- Professional and Entrepreneurial PracticeCore
Module details
With support from lecturers, you'll develop a clear plan showing how you intend to move into your chosen area of the industry after graduating.
Integrated Foundation Year 4 modules
- ExploreCore
Module details
You'll begin your foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. You'll take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.
- TechniqueCore
Module details
You'll take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. You'll also enhance your analytical and organisational abilities.
- IndustryCore
Module details
You'll enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. You'll also gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.
- LaunchCore
Module details
You'll develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project will be the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work you have created.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
A course like this normally moves from foundational work in historical sources and archives, through broad surveys of medieval, early modern and modern periods, to increasingly specialised study. You'll typically begin with The Historian's Craft, learning how historical arguments are built and evidence evaluated. In Year 2, you'll progress to focused study of particular periods or themes through primary sources, alongside historiography that shows how interpretations change over time. Public history modules connect academic work to museums, heritage and public engagement. Year 3 emphasises depth: advanced special subjects, often with specialisations such as medieval studies, global and imperial history, social and cultural history, public history and heritage, or archival research, culminating in an original dissertation based on primary evidence.
Who it's for
You're drawn to observing the natural world and want to communicate what you see through the camera. You have a strong eye for composition and light, and you're curious about how photography shapes how we understand wildlife and marine environments. You thrive in studio and field settings alike, enjoy collaborative projects, and are comfortable with both technical problem-solving and conceptual thinking. This course suits you if you're ready to develop your photography craft seriously whilst gaining real-world experience through professional placement.
Careers & job market
Across History courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Among those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows graduates in this field earn between £23,500 and £31,000 at the 15-month mark, with earnings ranging from £25,500 to £36,000 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate population and vary by role and sector.
University & format
This degree is studied full-time at Falmouth University (Penryn Campus) over 4 years, taught in English. Falmouth is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; this degree is nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Professional placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 91% |
| another higher-education qualification | 3% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 3% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| a Baccalaureate | 1% |
| a foundation course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Falmouth University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What History graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,000 | £21,000 – £26,000 | 45 |
| 3 years after | £19,500 | £14,500 – £24,000 | 300 |
| 5 years after | £23,500 | £18,500 – £29,000 | 300 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in history · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs History nationally
National figures for History graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with History courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,423 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 23% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 12% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 280; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How History graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where History graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Museums & archives
- Heritage bodies
- Schools
- Civil service & media
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit History graduates.
History & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingChartereastdulwichHistory & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingThe Charter Schools Educational TrustHistory Teachers in Kirklees and HalifaxCV-LibraryHistory TeachersSABIS NETWORK SCHOOLSIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
86% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 79.3% · in work or study 86% · continued 88%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Falmouth University
Historical, philosophical and religious studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Penryn Campus
153 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is History right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Falmouth University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Falmouth University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Falmouth University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Falmouth University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Falmouth University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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