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Key details

Award title
BA(Hons) Photography (Top-Up)
Awarding body
Falmouth University
Level
6
Duration
1 year
Mode of study
Online, part-time
Total course fee
£6,935
2 start dates per year
January and September
Next welcome week
Recruitment paused
Next start date
Recruitment paused
Application deadline
Recruitment paused

BA(Hons) Photography (Top-Up) 

Whether you wish to become a practicing photographer - or specialise in supplying a technical service such as image editing - you’ll benefit from the practical skills, knowledge and critical analysis that this course delivers. 

At the end of your studies, you’ll have an internationally-recognised undergraduate qualification.

You will also have an extensive photographic project, that will see you well on your way to making your career aspirations a reality. 

On this course you will:

  • Develop specialist practical skills within, and knowledge of, photographic and lens based technologies, materials and processes, to be able to produce inventive and progressive practical outcomes
  • Deepen your intellectual powers and understanding of philosophical, cultural and economic contexts and their relation to contemporary photographic practice and visual culture
  • Enhance analytical skills and critical self-awareness to enable you to contextualise your practice in a range of formats and to a range of audiences
  • Encourage discernment in the making and resolution of practical work, and an ability to develop and enhance a practical project over an extended period of time
  • Develop a range of transferable skills, including communication skills, entrepreneurship and independent judgment, that will enhance your employability after you’ve graduated. 

Why study with us?

This course is built to help individuals committed to improving the quality of their practice, and to making practical work that contributes to society, the economy and the environment.

The course accomplishes this by equipping you with the real-world capabilities needed to make an impact within the industry. During your studies, you’ll develop the resourcefulness and imagination required to elevate your output – plus the professional skills to navigate the creative sphere.

Your course overview

Join one of our Course Advisors and Course Leader Jesse Alexander for an overview of the Top-Up, the entry requirements and how it can help you achieve your goals. Watch now:

 

Careers and employability

Upon graduating, you’ll be well-positioned to secure work within your specialism. Your degree can also help you pursue other roles that would benefit from your offering. Some examples include working as an art therapist, digital marketer, gallery curator, or visual merchandiser.

Explore BA Photography careers

In addition to the guidance offered by our tutors, you can also access our RealWORKS, our careers and employability service throughout your studies, and for up to 5 years following graduation.

Our expert team will help you identify potential opportunities in the UK or internationally, prepare for job interviews, advise you on starting up your own business, and more.

Have a question? 

Our Course Advisors can help. Contact us to discuss any aspect of the course, funding options, or how you'll study online:

Discuss my options

Entry requirements

You should have:

240 HE credits in a related subject for example, from the first 2 years of a degree, a completed Foundation Degree or HND. 

A digital portfolio of practice that demonstrates the quality of your photographic practice, and your creative potential. This may include published work, personal projects, or work made on a recent course.

If your first language is not English, you'll need to take one of the following tests to verify your proficiency:

  • IELTS - minimum overall score of IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
  • TOEFL iBT (online test) - minimum of 80 overall and at least 19 in all 4 components
  • LanguageCert (online test) - a High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2 parts)

We accept a number of additional English language qualifications as well. All applications are considered on an individual basis, and may or may not include an interview.

Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are also encouraged to apply. If you have prior learning or experience with this subject, you may even be able to apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). You can learn more about this via our APL guide.

For more information on course requirements, including advice regarding your eligibility, please get in touch via the form at the end of this page.

Course details

What you’ll learn

You will experiment with a range of practical and creative approaches, and our expert team of teaching staff will equip you with the industry skills and knowledge necessary to discover your own professional niche.  

Course structure

For the BA(Hons) Photography (Top-Up), you will need to complete two 40-credit modules and one 40-credit major project (120 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. 

Please note the module orders are subject to change.

Module one

Contemporary Approaches in Practice (40 credits) 

In the first module, you will be introduced to key themes and concepts in contemporary photography.

You will be encouraged to experiment with a range of practical and creative approaches, and produce a small independent project to be assessed at the end of the module.

Module two

Professional Contexts and Development (40 credits) 

In the second module you will learn about the range of professional contexts for contemporary photography.

Alongside this, you will draw upon practical work produced during the first module, and develop an independent practical project that is both critically informed and aligned with relevant professional context(s). 

Major project

Major Project (40 credits) 

In the final module, you will either further extend the practical project you began in the previous module, or work on a single, new body of work.

By the end of the module you will have produced an extensive photographic project, ideally of a publishable standard. 

Want to learn more about any of the modules?

Get in touch with our expert Course Adviser team. They’ll be able to answer all your questions about the programme, our application process, funding options, and more.

Contemporary Approaches in Practice (40 credits) 

In the first module, you will be introduced to key themes and concepts in contemporary photography.

You will be encouraged to experiment with a range of practical and creative approaches, and produce a small independent project to be assessed at the end of the module.

Professional Contexts and Development (40 credits) 

In the second module you will learn about the range of professional contexts for contemporary photography.

Alongside this, you will draw upon practical work produced during the first module, and develop an independent practical project that is both critically informed and aligned with relevant professional context(s). 

Major Project (40 credits) 

In the final module, you will either further extend the practical project you began in the previous module, or work on a single, new body of work.

By the end of the module you will have produced an extensive photographic project, ideally of a publishable standard. 

Want to learn more about any of the modules?

Get in touch with our expert Course Adviser team. They’ll be able to answer all your questions about the programme, our application process, funding options, and more.

How you'll learn

With Falmouth Flexible, you access your course content, interactions with other students and tutors, and learning resources, through Canvas, an easy-to-use online platform.  

You can access the course wherever you are in the world, and you can stop, pause and rewind lectures whenever you want.  

Engaging learning activities will help you apply theory to practice. They could include: 

  • Concise online presentations to introduce key concepts 

  • Small group and class discussions and crits to facilitate interaction and dialogue 

  • Online critiques to test assumptions, ideas and to receive feedback from peers and tutors 

  • Individual and group tutorials throughout the course 

  • Independent study 

  • Self-evaluation and peer feedback. 

All assessments are taken and submitted online.  

The ratio of practice-to-theory is approximately 60% practical, 40% theory. 

As one of our students, you’ll have access to a range of services designed to support your studies and make your time with us as enjoyable as possible.

  • Falmouth’s comprehensive online library of books, journals, and resources

  • A Student Advisor team to answer non-academic queries

  • Online software tutorials via LinkedIn Learning

  • The Students' Union community

  • Career advice, CV creation, practice interviews, and more via our careers platform

"My goal was to formalise my education and experience into a degree. I'm based in the United States with a very busy work schedule, and Falmouth Flexible provided me with the flexibility I required to accommodate work and study. I believe Falmouth to be an exceptional University and this course is the perfect solution for full-time working professionals like myself."

Kelly Harrington, BA(Hons) Photography (Top-Up) 

Combined BA and MA offer

Many applicants already know that they are likely to continue their studies to masters level where they will be able to further their passion, knowledge and skills.

For these students we can guarantee both an offer and a place on our sought after MA Photography, provided you are awarded a 2:1. You will also save £3,600 on the course fee. Please contact us for more information on +44(0)1326 332 125.

Photo credit: Leah Jade Galloway

Borderless perspectives: Photography face-to-face events

At Falmouth Flexible, we foster a strong online community between students – so even as a distance learner, you’ll never feel alone.

You’ll then be able to build on these relationships at our face-to-face events. We hold up to two of these events per year across Europe, and they’re the ultimate chance to meet your peers and tutors in person. From high-profile photography exhibitions to practical workshops, each event agenda is unique and jam-packed with activities. Deep dive into your passion, and bond with like-minded creatives.

Whether it’s fresh insights, lasting friendships, mentorships or future collaborations, there’s no limit to what you’ll gain from attending our face-to-face events.

View our face-to-face events

How to apply

Before you apply 

Visit our Application process page for detailed information on how to apply.

Should you require assistance with your application, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable course advisors. They are dedicated to guiding you through the application process, ensuring you submit the strongest possible application for your course admission.

Late applications may be considered if places are available. 

Application steps 

  • Submit an online application form
  • Submit a copy of your first degree certificate or Level 6 equivalent qualification and your IELTS certificate if English is not your first language
  • Submit a digital portfolio of practice that demonstrates the quality of your photographic practice, and your creative potential. This may include published work, personal projects, or work made on a recent course.

Fees, costs & funding

Fees

Total course fee

£6,935 (including £250 acceptance fee)

Payment options  

  • One-off payment 
  • Three equal instalments spread over a one-year period. 

Payment methods  

Payments can be made online or by phone, using a credit or debit card, or by bank transfer. 

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.

 

Typical course costs

All students on the course are expected to have access to their own photographic equipment.

What this will consist of will vary according to your practice and preferred ways of working. Typically, this will mean a good quality DSLR plus the lenses you require.

You will also need to purchase the Adobe Creative Cloud and have a laptop/desktop capable of running these applications.

For further advice, please call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.

 

Funding options

Loans

You may be eligible for funding from the UK Government.

Application offers

We also offer bursaries, early application offers, and alumni discounts.

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.

 

Total course fee

£6,935 (including £250 acceptance fee)

Payment options  

  • One-off payment 
  • Three equal instalments spread over a one-year period. 

Payment methods  

Payments can be made online or by phone, using a credit or debit card, or by bank transfer. 

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.

 

All students on the course are expected to have access to their own photographic equipment.

What this will consist of will vary according to your practice and preferred ways of working. Typically, this will mean a good quality DSLR plus the lenses you require.

You will also need to purchase the Adobe Creative Cloud and have a laptop/desktop capable of running these applications.

For further advice, please call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.

 

Loans

You may be eligible for funding from the UK Government.

Application offers

We also offer bursaries, early application offers, and alumni discounts.

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.

 

Student work

What type of work do students produce on the course?

As part of a project for his BA(Hons) Photography (Top-Up), student Elias Tsigounis has documented the nurses and midwives working at King's College Hospital, London.

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