BA Hons Wildlife and Media

Wildlife based photography, television, film and print are ever popular themes within modern   culture.  For many people, their  interpretation of the natural world is increasingly based upon its portrayal in the media. This is an exciting practical degree course, taught in conjunction with the Faculty of the Arts, combining two key themes of wildlife and  practical media skills.  The use of media technology stimulates people’s interest in the natural world at a time when environmental issues are at the forefront of public thinking.  The media therefore plays a crucial role in the understanding and conservation of the world’s wildlife.
 
This degree provides a practical grounding in aspects of wildlife identification, ecology and behaviour and in the production of   photography, television and radio.

The BA in Wildlife and Media is based at two campuses within Cumbria.  This large   county with its variations in climate, topography and natural habitats is an ideal location to study wildlife.  The county supports one quarter of all the species listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and 80% of its coastline is classified as being of international wildlife importance.

The Penrith campus is located on the edge of the Lake District National Park with easy access to the lakes and hills.  The Brampton Road campus is located in the vibrant and historic city of Carlisle with easy access to a wide range of leisure activities.

Modules are taught using expertise from the two campuses but are not taught in isolation.  Close communication between staff ensures that there is a close correlation between what is studied during the biodiversity and media components of the course.

STUDY MODE
Students attend full time for 3 years at our Penrith campus with one full day per week based at the Brampton Road campus in Carlisle.

COURSE CONTENT
The first year of the programme provides a thorough background knowledge of the worlds biodiversity and includes animal and plant identification skills.  This supports studies of ecology where an understanding of how elements of biodiversity interact with the environment and each other is developed.  These modules link to a practical double module in photography which introduces students to a range of photographic methodologies and techniques in the field.  The module explores photography as both a method of visual recording and a form of visual language and provides a base for further media work in years 2 and 3.  The practical fieldwork element is further developed in an expedition planning module and academic and personal skills are developed in a study skills module and elective module.
The second year of the programme builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the first year.  The media element concentrates on documentary film making skills for television and radio.  The biodiversity element is further expanded by looking at techniques for biodiversity monitoring and assessment.  Students are introduced to the study of animal behaviour.  Personal skills are further developed by looking at investigative research techniques relevant to wildlife and media and an elective module allows students to further develop their expedition skills or take a range of other courses.
In the final year, students undertake a media project of their own choosing. These projects will be showcased at a public media event in Cumbria.  This is in addition to a residential field course where a further wildlife project is studied.  Students also undertake a module in wildlife and  media that evaluates the relationship between people, the natural world and the media. Two optional wildlife modules allow some specialist development at level 3.

Year 1
Adventure / Wildlife Photography Practice Double Module (C)
Ecology (C)
Biodiversity (C)
Expedition Planning (C)
Developing Academic and Personal Skills (C)
Elective

Year 2
Adventure / Wildlife Filming Double Module (C)
Animal Behaviour (C)
Biodiversity Monitoring (C)
Expedition Planning (C)
Investigative Techniques (C)
Elective

Year 3
Media Production Project Double Module (C)
Wildlife and Media (C)
Fieldwork (C)
Conservation in Aquatic Ecosystems (O)
Behavioural Ecology (O)
Conservation Strategies (O)
Contemporary Issues in Natural Resources (O)

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
The diverse learning environment provides a stimulating challenge for students.  The   programme is designed to increase the independence of students during the course.  Skills will be gained from lectures, seminars, laboratory work, field visits, residential field course, practical sessions and project studies.  

ASSESSMENT
The course is assessed using a mixture of coursework and exams.  All modules have some aspect of coursework and in many cases this is built around practical elements of the topic area.  Some modules that a high proportion of theory also have examinations.  The course is assessed by about 90% coursework and 10% examination.

CAREERS
This vocationally orientated degree is designed to help students who aspire to a career in wildlife media, whether working for a large organisation or as an independent practitioner.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
The BA (Hons) degree allows students to progress onto a variety of postgraduate courses in the UK and overseas.  There may be opportunities for students to sign up to additional relevant qualifications which will widen the skills base and aid employment prospects.


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