01206 712 000
Contact Us

POP UP

UPDATE 15.30pm 01/07/2022: Online Applications Update
We are currently experiencing an intermittent availability issue with online applications for full-time courses, apprenticeships and part-time courses. If you are trying to make an application or if you are having trouble logging in, we kindly ask that you try again a few hours later

*This issue does not affect applications for University Centre Colchester Degree level courses

Photography Level 2

The Photography UAL Diploma Level 2 provides an introductory experience which will help you to develop practical and research skills, improve confidence and learn about progression opportunities in the photographic industry.

***Applications for full-time courses and joint apprenticeship applications will close at midnight on Sunday 3rd July 2022.

If you have not yet made an application then we encourage you to do so before this date, as we are unable to process any applications received after this time.

Course Info
Do I have to pay a fee?
How to make an Application
Other courses in this area
What Will I Learn?

Your studies will provide you with a basic introduction to a broad range of traditional and digital photography techniques, working with moving image and location and studio photography. With access to a photography studio and darkrooms, you will learn through experimentation using a broad range of 2D and 3D 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 improve your communication and presentation skills through taking part in group activities and student exhibitions.

The course will enable you to make informed choices with regard to a career in the Creative Arts sector. As part of the course you will also engage in activities to develop your English, maths and employability skills in order to enhance your progression to the next level of education or to employment.

Course Content

Photography Level 2 – Course Content

  • Introduction to Materials, Processes and Technical Skills
  • Introduction to Contextual Research
  • Introduction to Drawing Skills
  • Introduction to Communication Skills
  • Solving 2D Creative Problems
  • Solving Time-Based Creative Problems
  • Developing and Producing a Personal Project
Entry Requirements
  • 4 GCSEs (9-3), including English and Maths plus an Art and Design subject, or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 1 qualification
  • An interview with a portfolio of artwork
Career Opportunities

You may seek employment within the photographic or visual arts industries, initially at a junior or assistant level, for example as a lab technician within a print company.

At a higher level 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.

Course Progression

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be eligible to progress on to courses such as; Art and Design UAL Diploma Level 3, Graphic Communication UAL Extended Diploma Level 3, UAL Extended Diploma in Photography Level 3, Interactive Media and Games Level 3, or the UAL Extended Diploma in Fashion and Textiles Level 3.

All students aged 16-18 on the first day of their course will have their course fully-funded by the government.

Costs of studying

If you are/will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31st August in the calendar year when you begin a programme of study, you DO NOT pay tuition fees, College registration fees or examination/board registration fees. However, there are some courses which have additional costs which could include:

  • equipment costs – such as uniforms, kits, boots, etc.
  • trips and enrichment activities
  • DBS checks (formerly CRB checks)

For students with an identified low household income, there may be financial support available. Bursary awards can help with your course related costs such as travel, books and equipment and much more.

Aged 19+ - Fees and Funding

If you are aged 19 and over, in certain circumstances you may be eligible for a fee waiver and therefore you will not have to pay for this course. 

Eligibility for a fee waiver will depend your age at the start of the course, your previous qualifications, your employment status and whether you claim certain benefits.

If you do not meet the criteria for a fee waiver, you may be eligible for some assistance from the College’s Bursary Funds, depending on the household financial circumstances.

If you do not meet the criteria for a fee waiver, and are not eligible for assistance from the Bursary Fund, you will have to pay for this course.

Published course fees for this course are located further down this course information page.

Aged 19+ - Do I have to pay a fee?

The information in this section applies to this course, and may not apply to other courses with different funding criteria.

You will not pay tuition fees if you are:
aged 19-24 on the 31st August 2022 and have an active Education, Health and Care Plan
aged 19 – 23, and already have a level 2 qualification in another subject (or 5 GCSEs grades 9-4) and are unemployed and in receipt of benefits
aged over 24, unemployed and in receipt of benefits
aged 19-23, already have a level 2 qualification in another subject (or 5 GCSEs grades 9-4) and are employed with a gross annual salary under £17,374 per annum
aged over 24 and are employed with a gross annual salary under £17,374 per annum

You will pay the published fee (where part of the fee is paid by the government) if you are:
aged 19-23, already have a level 2 qualification in another subject (or 5 GCSEs grades 9-4) and are unemployed but do not claim a benefit
aged 19-23, already have a level 2 qualification in another subject (or 5 GCSEs grades 9-4) and earn over £17,374 per annum
aged over 24 and are unemployed but do not claim a benefit
aged over 24 and are employed with a gross annual salary over £17,374 per annum
If you are aged 19-23 and do not already have a level 2 qualification in any other subject or 5 GCSEs grades 9 – 4, you will not qualify for any government funding and will pay a considerably higher amount than the published fee.

In certain circumstances, the College’s discretionary bursary fund maybe able to assist with a contribution towards tuition fees. Eligibility to the fund depends on the household’s financial circumstances. Further information regarding the discretionary bursary fund can be found further down this page.

Please note that if you have to pay the full-cost fee, you are unable to access any financial assistance from the College Bursary Fund.

Am I eligible for a bursary?

If you are aged 19 at the start of the course, unemployed and not in receipt of benefits, or employed and earning over £17,374, you may be eligible for assistance with your tuition fees from the College Bursary fund. 

Bursary funds are targeted at households with a net income of under £25,000.

If you are assessed as being eligible for a bursary award to assist with your tuition fees, the award will not exceed 75% of the fee payable and you will be responsible for paying the balance of the fee.

Students of all ages can apply for assistance from the bursary fund for other course related costs, such as transport, meals, books and equipment.

The bursary fund cannot assist with any general living costs nor can it be used as an attendance incentive.

Applications to the fund are not normally considered if the household income exceeds £25,000 but may be considered in some instances if the household is experiencing severe financial hardship.

When can I apply?

16-19 and 19+ Bursary Fund applications for courses starting in the 2022/23 academic year will be open from June 1st 2022.

For courses starting in September 2022, applications should be made by 1st November 2022. If you find yourself in financial hardship after this date it is important that you still contact Student Services. Applications received after 1st November will be considered on a pro-rata basis subject to need and the availability of funds.

Full details of the bursary funds can be found here:

16-18 Bursary Information
19+ Bursary Information
Payment Options

Can I pay in instalments?

Where total course fees exceed £200 you (or your employer, if they are paying your course fees) can choose to pay your fees in instalments through a monthly payment plan.

40% of the fee or £500 (whichever is lower) will be payable at enrolment.

The balance must be paid within 6 months or by the end date if the course is less than 6 months in duration.

Payment in full in advance

Payment should be made in full at the time of enrolment. Acceptable payment methods include Debit Card and Credit Card (excluding American Express). Please note that we are no longer able to accept cash or cheque payments.

How to make an Application – Watch our video guide!

***Applications for full-time courses and joint apprenticeship applications will close at midnight on Sunday 3rd July 2022. If you have not yet made an application then we encourage you to do so before this date, as we are unable to process any applications received after this time.
Photography Level 2
Qualification: UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design
LevelLevel 2
LocationColchester
DurationOne year
Study ModeFull-Time
CampusColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2022 - Applications open on 1st October 2021
Fee(s)16-18 year olds: Free
19+: £2,976
Apply Online For ColchesterCourse Enquiry Line: 01206 712 777Course and Application EnquiriesOpen Event UpdatesReceive Updates For Parents & GuardiansFee Exemptions Apply

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2021-22 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

Better Careers Begin Here
Home