The UAL Photography Diploma builds core creative skills through studio, darkroom, and digital practice. You’ll experiment with 2D, 3D, and digital processes, develop contextual understanding of photography, and learn to express personal ideas. Exhibitions, gallery visits, and both independent and group projects enhance your practical and presentation abilities.
You’ll combine traditional and digital techniques to create a professional portfolio spanning moving image, portraiture, advertising, documentary, and fine-art photography. Contextual study in art, design, photography, and fashion deepen and support your studio work.

Throughout the course, you’ll also strengthen English, maths, and employability skills, preparing you for higher education or a career in the creative arts.

Photography Level 3 may include:

• The Creative Process
• Developing Creative Practice
• Responding to a set Brief
• Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
• Specialist Technical Skills Development
• Specialist Creative Outcome

• 5 GCSEs (9-4), including English and Maths (or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent) plus an Art and Design subject, or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 2 qualification
• An interview with a portfolio of artwork

Photography Level 3 Portfolio Example:

On successful completion of the first year Diploma programme you can continue your study of Photography onto the second year: Extended Diploma at Level 3; alternatively you can choose to study for the Art and Design Foundation Diploma, or other further/higher education courses.

The second year Extended Diploma programme will prepare and guide you through the UCAS application to progress to university or to employment within the Creative Arts sector, or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (Photography or Video Production).

Opportunities exist ranging from freelance photography to work for a wide range of employers, including creative businesses, publishers and photographic agencies, or in the education or public sector. Most professional photographers specialise in one area, such as commercial photography (including product, fashion, food or illustration photography), fine art, picture editing, picture research, photojournalism or social photography.