Belfast Metropolitan College
Titanic Quarter Campus
7 Queens Road
Belfast
BT3 9DT
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
School of Creative and Digital Industries
Email:creativedigital@belfastmet.ac.uk
Phone:028 9026 5321
Commercial Photography & Cinematography
- FD
- 2 Years
- Full-time
- 08/09/2025
- Undergraduate
- E3/Springvale Campus
- Awarded by:
- The Open University
Course summary
This Foundation Degree in Commercial Photography and Cinematography is a creative and practically oriented programme designed for those who wish to gain the skills and experience necessary for the photography and cinematography industries.
You will be engaged in the making of various visual projects, encompasing a wide range of photographic genres, commercial cinematography, corporate cinematography, sound recording, editing and colour grading. In doing so, you will have opportunities to explore a range of industry roles and network with local experts in the field. The aim of the programme is to increase your technical competence, hone your creativity and develop autonomy.
Covering a range of pre-production, production, and post-production roles in a highly collaborative nature, this 2-year programme facilitates learners to enter the industry with confidence and even a sense of familiarity.
This course will allow access to our state-of-the-art studio facilities and the use of professional lighting, camera and sound equipment including Sony A7Siii’s, Red Komodo’s, Medium Format Cameras, BMPCC4K’s, Ursa Minis, Canon C300’s, Aputure and Nanlite lighting and Rode, Zoom and Seinnheiser sound equipment as well as film cameras the film of which will be developed in our custom dark room. We also have a state of the art photographic printer allowing us to print professional photos in-house.
E3 Studios is uniquely equipped with fully operational, state-of-the-art production studios that are designed to give students hands-on experience of the industry, we deliver award winning bespoke courses in Film, Factual Television & Journalism, VFX and Commercial Photography & Videography.
This programme of study is likely to include enrichment units which are an additional component to enhance your employability.
Key Areas of Study:
Cinematography (Lighting)
Cinematography (Camera)
Photography (Lighting)
Photography (Camera)
Sound Mixing
Video Editing
Photo Editing
Film Developing
Directing
Producing
Ready to take your career to the next level in Photography & Cinematography? Explore the links below to learn more about our validated awards and regulations:
OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found under the Higher Education section of our public documents.
Please read our Terms and Conditions before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses.
The structure of our Commercial Photography and Cinematography course ensures you have a wide variety of experience in a range of photography and cinematography genres. Therefore, our students will graduate from the course with 2 years’ worth of relevant experience that proves to mirror industry standards, making the transition into the photography and cinematography industries outside the college as seamless as possible. Career prospects include:
Cinematographer
Photographer (corporate, studio, wedding, product, fashion, street)
Freelance Videographer
Editor
Lighting Technician
Colourist
Our courses also accommodate to those wishing to further their studies, particularly through top-up degrees that have been established with various partnering universities across the UK. These allow students who graduate from our course to go on to complete just one more year at another university to gain a full undergraduate degree.
Modules
Key Areas of Study:
Cinematography (Lighting)
Cinematography (Camera)
Photography (Lighting)
Photography (Camera)
Sound Mixing
Video Editing
Photo Editing
Film Developing
Directing
Producing
Assessment method
Whenever possible, we make our assessment methods practical in a way which reflects industry, with written components primarily being used to reinforce technical understanding and personally reflect on own performance. However, research is a core component to the development of any skillset, and so will be tested through written assessment alongside academic writing skills appropriate to the foundation degree level.
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- U428
- Institution code:
- B07
- Campus name:
- E3/Springvale Campus
- Campus Code:
- E
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Belfast Met will not be sponsoring new applications for a student visa for the academic year 2025-26. More information on Right to Study and applying with overseas qualifications is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/how-to-apply/application-faqs/
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
80 pointsThe minimum entry requirement accepted for this course is 80 Tariff Points. Depending on the number of applications, we may have to increase this.
You will also need to have a keen interest in image making and content creation. Prior experience and/or qualifications in Moving Image/Art/Media/Film is not mandatory but would be highly beneficial.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
A level
The minimum entry requirement accepted for this course is 80 Tariff Points. Depending on the number of applications, we may have to increase this.
You will also need to have a keen interest in image making and content creation. Prior experience and/or qualifications in Moving Image/Art/Media/Film is not mandatory but would be highly beneficial.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
The minimum entry requirement accepted for this course is 80 Tariff Points. Depending on the number of applications, we may have to increase this.
You will also need to have a keen interest in image making and content creation. Prior experience and/or qualifications in Moving Image/Art/Media/Film is not mandatory but would be highly beneficial.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Access to HE Diploma
The minimum entry requirement accepted for this course is 80 Tariff Points. Depending on the number of applications, we may have to increase this.
You will also need to have a keen interest in image making and content creation. Prior experience and/or qualifications in Moving Image/Art/Media/Film is not mandatory but would be highly beneficial.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Scottish Higher
The minimum entry requirement accepted for this course is 80 Tariff Points. Depending on the number of applications, we may have to increase this.
You will also need to have a keen interest in image making and content creation. Prior experience and/or qualifications in Moving Image/Art/Media/Film is not mandatory but would be highly beneficial.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Please click on the course page link to find out more about entry requirements for this course.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Additional entry requirements
- Other
- Following receipt of application, applicants will enter a Pre-Entry Advice process. Applicants must be complete this stage before moving to the next stage of the process.
English language requirements
There are minimum English Language requirements for full-time Higher Education programmes. Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification.
Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4. You are advised to check the individual course entry requirements. You can find these within the Entry Requirements section under each individual course. Where a GCSE grade in English is specified as the only qualification accepted, other English competency qualifications may not apply.
If you have not achieved GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or an equivalent level, you will be asked to provide evidence of English Language competency. Other qualifications may be accepted as evidence of level of competency on a case-by-case basis.
To provide evidence of English Language competency, please contact us on 028 90 265 265 or email studentportal@belfastmet.ac.uk You will be referred to the appropriate curriculum area who will guide you on your next steps.
Where an ESOL qualification is used, the appropriate level must be achieved across all skills - Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening.
Applicants should also check the English language criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary.
Please click on the link below for more information about course entry requirements. https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/course/p01428-aa/foundation-degree-in-commercial-photography-cinematography-validated-by-the-open-university/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification
to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.
Please click on the link for more information on Belfast Met's Higher Education entry requirements and our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £3110 | Year 1 |
| England | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £3110 | Year 1 |
| International | £7735 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
The College reserves the right to introduce bursaries, offer concessions and vary fees within this schedule during the financial year to ensure optimal participation.
The College reserves the right to vary fees within this schedule during the financial year in line with amendments to Government policy.
Applicants and students will be informed, at the earliest opportunity of any rate change.
All course fees must be paid, or payment terms agreed with the College in advance of course commencement.
Please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy 2025-26 available from the Public Documents section of our website at www.belfastmet.ac.uk
Sponsorship information
Our Student Funding service provides advice and guidance to students on funding opportunities available in support of their studies. We aim to inform students about the range of financial assistance available, the relevant criteria and how these funds can be accessed. Please visit our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-finance/ to find out more information.
Related courses
At Belfast Metropolitan College
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