| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
BA (Hons) Wildlife Media (with integrated foundation year)
Course Overview
This course combines your interest in wildlife and the natural world with technical expertise and scientific knowledge. You'll learn the fieldcraft and naturalist skills to identify and track wildlife, together with the lens craft expertise to create sophisticated wildlife photography and film.
Key Details
- Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
- Course Location: Carlisle - Brampton Road
- Institute: Institute of Education, Arts and Society
- UCAS Code: CW37
- Delivery Style: Blended Learning
- Course Duration: Full-time: 4 Years
- Course Start Point: September
- Award: BA (Hons)
Minimum Entry Requirements
- 48 UCAS Tariff Points
Tuition Fees
- £9,535 (UK, year)
- £14,900 (International, year)
Related Courses
- BA (Hons) Wildlife Media
- BA (Hons) Film and Television
Course Structure
What You Will Learn
Our foundation year will help you reach the right level for taking the rest of the degree, building a solid foundation of skills from which to expand upon. We will hone your skills in a diverse range of media, including photography, documentary film making, and writing for wildlife media.
Year One
- Media in Context
- Professional Practice
- Media Narratives
- Published Media Products
- Student Initiated Photographic Project
- Biodiversity and Habitat for Media
Year Two
- Media Craft Skills
- Developing Photography Practice
- Cultural Contexts
- Naturalist Skills
- Communicating the Natural World
- Collaborative Brief
Year Three
- Documentary
- Interpreting Animal Behaviour for Media
- Wildlife Photography
- Natural History Filmmaking
- Professional Development
- Theory & Research Methods
Year Four
- Graduate Project
- Minor Project
- The Application of Media in Conservation
- Festival and Exhibition
- Research Project
Teaching & Assessment
How You Will Learn
At the University of Cumbria, we bring theory into practice through a stimulating and diverse learning environment. Facilitated by our expert practitioner, students will focus on developing skills ready for a career in wildlife media, whether working freelance or within an organisation.
How You Will Be Assessed
Throughout your degree, you will take part in a range of summative and formative assessments to monitor your progress, receive feedback on your work, and equip you with the skills you need to work within a brief.
Entry Requirements
- A-levels: A
- T-levels: P (D or E)
- Access to HE: 45 Credits at pass
- CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: D
- OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: PPP
- Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points
- Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points
Fair Admissions
When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.
Selection Criteria
As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Wildlife Media. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.
Contextual Admissions
Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed.
Funding
Fees for foundation year are as stated. For further information about funding, please visit our undergraduate funding page.
Additional Costs
There will be some additional costs. For example, all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees, etc. although such features are usually options within the course.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This 4-year BA (Hons) Wildlife Media program, including a foundation year, is designed for individuals passionate about wildlife and the natural world, specifically interested in photography and filmmaking, and seeking to become a wildlife photographer or filmmaker. This program combines interest with technical expertise and scientific knowledge, providing the necessary skills to progress into the full BA (Hons) Wildlife Media programme.
Objectives:
- Develop fieldcraft and naturalist skills for identifying and tracking wildlife.
- Master lens craft expertise for sophisticated wildlife photography and film creation.
- Achieve skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for a career in wildlife media production.
- Create short experimental films, plan photography exhibitions, film, edit, and create documentaries.
- Plan and manage an expedition to a destination of choice.
- Develop a professional portfolio.
Assessment:
Assessment includes a range of summative and formative methods to monitor progress, provide feedback, and equip students with the necessary skills for the field.
- Authentic assessment types: photographic displays, short films, websites, magazine articles, portfolios, etc.
- Demonstrate: ability to critically deconstruct and evaluate.
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures and Seminars: encouraging further reading and discussion.
- Workshops: developing practical skills like photo or video editing.
- Field trips and Expeditions: applying skills in the field, exploring environments, and finding inspiration for projects.
- Self-Directed Research: exploring topics of choice, developing theoretical understanding of media practices to support practical work.
- Collaboration: students study alongside others from across the Institute of Arts during the first year, promoting interdisciplinary thinking and large team work experiences.
Other:
- Biodiverse World Heritage Site: benefits from opportunities to work with leading industry professionals.
- Regular field trips and visits: gain practical experience.
- Industry connections: Cumbria Wildlife Trust, RSPB, WWT, SSSI’s, and AONB.
- Portfolio development: for exhibition and feedback.
- Degree Shows: to celebrate the progress of work.
- Showcases: public online gallery exhibitions and the Vallum Gallery on campus.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
- Tuition Fees 2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK £13,575 - International
- 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.
- Fees for foundation year are as stated.
University of Cumbria
Overview:
University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.Student Life:
A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.Research:
Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.Business & Employer Services:
Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:
Beautiful Campuses:
Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.Community Focus:
A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.Facilities:
Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.Student Support:
A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.Strong Industry Links:
Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Focus on Employability:
High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.Unique Locations:
Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.Academic Programs:
University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:
Health:
Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.Education:
Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.Arts:
Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.Science and Environment:
Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.Business and Leadership:
Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.Sport and Rehabilitation:
Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.Other:
The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.
Entry Requirements:
- UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS Tariff Points.
- A-levels: AT-levels: P (D or E) All subjects are accepted for entry to this course.
- Access to HE: 45 Credits at pass.
- CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: DOCR
- Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: PPPS
- Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points.
- Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points.
- Fair Admissions: Admissions specialists will review the entire application.
- They look for potential to succeed by assessing qualifications, work experience, the personal statement, and references.
- Applicants who do not quite meet the required grades/UCAS Tariff scores may have their application reviewed again, taking into account mitigating circumstances.
- All places are offered subject to a successful interview and portfolio review.
- The Integrated Foundation Year program is designed for students who may not have all the necessary qualifications, skills, or experiences to join the degree in Year 1.
- Contextual Admissions: The university considers an applicant's potential when making admissions decisions, taking into account factors such as location, personal circumstances, and educational attainment.
- Applicants who live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education may be offered a place at the bottom of the UCAS Tariff range.
