Photography Level 3

Year 1

In the first year of the Photography UAL Diploma qualification you will have the opportunity to explore your creativity developing some of the essential skills that underpin all creative disciplines.  With access to a photography studio, mac suite and darkrooms you will learn through experimentation using a broad range of 2D, 3D and digital processes. Projects will help you to gain a contextual understanding of art and design and support you to make and articulate personal connections and interpretations.  You will have the opportunity to take part in exhibitions and gallery visits and to develop your skills through independent and group learning.

Year 2

In the second year, projects enable you to develop a more specialist understanding and to apply your creativity in response to a series of fast paced industry relevant briefs. The Photography UAL Diploma programme encourages you to combine traditional and digital photography processes to create a portfolio of work suitable for moving image, portraiture, advertising, documentary as well as and fine-art photography. Regular contextual lectures on the history of art and design, photography and fashion, will underpin and complement your studio work.

The course will enable you to make informed choices with regard to a career in the Creative Arts sector. In addition to your main study programme you will also engage in activities to develop your English, maths and employability skills to enhance your progression to Higher Education or to employment.

Photography UAL Awarding Body Diploma / Extended Diploma Level 3 units 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 and 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:

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.

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, including the BA (Hons) in Fine Art available through University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute, or to employment within the Creative Arts sector, or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (Photography or Video Production).