Belfast Metropolitan College
Titanic Quarter Campus
7 Queens Road
Belfast
BT3 9DT
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Course contact details
School of Creative and Digital Industries
Email:creativedigital@belfastmet.ac.uk
Phone:028 9026 5321
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Commercial Photography & Cinematography
- FD
- 2 Years
- Full-time
- 14/09/2026
- 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, encompassing 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. In second year, learners will also get training in dark room techniques and shooting 35mm film photography. We also have a state-of-the-art large format photographic printer allowing us to print professional photos in-house.
Our lecturers continue to develop in their practice and are active in the industry providing learners with the most up to date and industry relevant training. We are a Blackmagic Design Education Partner, and our lecturers are certified trainers with Blackmagic design. Da Vinci Resolve provides cutting edge, editing, colour, sound, and VFX post-production as well as industry leading collaboration features. Lecturers are also certified in Lightroom, photoshop, capture one, premier pro, and avid media composer
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 and Camera)
Photography (Lighting and Camera)
Video Editing
Photo Editing
Colour Grading
Audio Mixing
Capturing and developing film photography
Working with clients
Developing your artistic voice
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:
https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents
Please read our Terms and Conditions before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses: https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.belfastmet.ac.uk%2Fmedia%2Fgjoj3uq4%2Fbelfast-met-terms-and-conditions-for-enrolment-and-application-2026-27-v1-oct-2025.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK
Modules
Key Areas of Study:
Cinematography (Lighting and Camera)
Photography (Lighting and Camera)
Video Editing
Photo Editing
Colour Grading
Audio Mixing
Capturing and developing film photography
Working with clients
Developing your artistic voice
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
14 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 2026-27. 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/
International Qualifications
Belfast Met and University partners (UU, QUB and OU) must verify that applicants holding international qualifications meet course entry requirements before they can be enrolled onto a course.
To help us verify that course entry requirements are met, applicants must:
• Provide a full English language translation of your qualifications. Belfast Met will only accept the full English translation from UK ENIC www.enic.org.uk. UK ENIC is the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills.
• Ensure that the translation provides clear evidence that your qualifications meet or exceed the course entry requirements. UK ENIC can also help with Statements of Comparability and UK Qualification Reference Statements. There is a charge for this service.
• For more information on UK ENIC, visit their website at www.enic.org.uk .
• The Department for Communities can also provide information and/ or help with qualification equivalencies. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 points
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.
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.
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number and Essential Skills Numeracy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
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 at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/media/hfcicz0g/apl-guidance.docx
It is essential that applicants check entry requirements for each programme they are applying for. Please note, these are qualifications that applicants must have been completed and certified by the start date of the course to gain entry onto the respective programmes.
Please note that in the event of undersubscription to a course, entry requirements may be lowered.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Additional entry requirements
- Other
- You must ensure that you meet the following non-academic entry requirements, for courses running during academic year September 2026 – August 2027: You must be 16 years old by 1 July 2026 (born before 2nd July 2010). You must provide proof of your right to study in the UK. For courses with work placement, you must also provide proof of your right to work in the UK. You must provide photographic evidence of your identity. Access NI/ SOSCARE - Admission to certain courses will be subject to satisfactory Access NI/criminal records and SOSCARE checks. Criminal Convictions Disclosure - The College has a student Criminal Convictions Disclosure Policy therefore you must disclose criminal convictions when applying or enrolling onto a course. More information is available on our Student Criminal Disclosures webpage: https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-criminal-disclosures/ Failure to disclose will impact on your place at the College including work placements. The College reserves the right to increase the entry requirements for all Higher Education provision before offers are made, to reflect required academic standards as specified by the Awarding Body/validating organisation. This will be clearly communicated in the entry requirements on course details page.
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/full-time/higher-education/entry-criteria-higher-education
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.
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 | £3235 | Year 1 |
| England | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| International | £8045 | 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
Tuition fees apply to the College financial year beginning 1 August 2026 and ending on 31 July 2027 and are chargeable in each year of study. Tuition fees are payable in full at the time of enrolment and can comprise course fees, registration fees or any other charge relating to the course. Payment is accepted by cash, credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard), direct debit or World Pay. For more information on 2026/27 Fees and Charges, please read Belfast Met’s Fees and Charges Policy 2026-27 at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents
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.
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