UAL Creative and Professional Photography

Where will this course lead?

Our UAL level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in creative and professional photography aims to prepare you for higher education and give you a broad range of ability and knowledge.
The course is taught vocationally, with an emphasis on the specialist skills you will need in the industry as well as the core, practical understanding that is essential to succeed.
An option to move onto higher education upon completion of this course in either broad based Photography or a more specialised related field is the norm.

The course will prepare you to be a creative practitioner and also give you a vast range of employability skills.

What will I study?

Photography is a discipline that is very varied; we will work to briefs in the following areas:

• Digital imaging and manipulation

• History of art and photography

• Darkroom practice

• Location photography

• Studio photography

• Experimental imagery

You will produce project work in the first year that covers all these areas, with an emphasis on developing and responding to briefs in an independent and creative way.

The second year goes into more depth in all the briefs you are assigned, but you will have even more freedom to specialise in the area you wish to progress into through the Final Major project.

How will this course be delivered?

UAL Awarding body's level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design are characterised by experiential, experimental and integrated learning. 

Both qualifications focus on the application of practical skills and acknowledge the common principles and distinctive characteristics of different art and design disciplines.

You will study up to a maximum of 20 hours per week over a maximum of 4 days. Classes generally run between 9am-5pm but may vary.

Timetables will be given to all students during enrolment and induction week.

There are 13 units across the two years of the programme.   

What qualifications will I get?

You will achieve a UAL Diploma or Extended Diploma in Art and Design (Photography) at pass, merit or distinction.  The Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels and is a valid qualification to progress to higher education.

How will I be assessed?

All 13 units will be internally assessed and internally verified through student's portfolios of evidence and are subject to UAL Awarding body's external quality assurance.

How do I get a place on the course?

You must complete an application form. Once your application has been registered you will be invited to attend an interview to determine your suitability for the subject and level.

Places on the course are offered following a successful interview where you must present a portfolio of your work and produce a positive reference.

You will also be invited to attend a welcome day in late June, where you will have the opportunity to view an exhibition of current students work, meet the teaching team and other students who will be beginning the course in September.

What are the entry requirements?

At least 4 GCSE 's at grade C/4 or above, two of these must be in Art or photography and English language, or a BTEC level 2 diploma in art and design at a merit grade or above.

What else do I need to know?

At the start of the course, trips to galleries take place, which will be an additional cost. There is an expectation to visit galleries independently and there is an opportunity to take part in a European trip, which will be relevant to your programme of study.

You will need to provide all basic creative materials and equipment; this is normally purchased from us as a kit at the beginning of the academic year.

Good levels of English and maths are important for success on your course, your chosen vocation and life. English and maths skills are embedded throughout your specialist pathway.

If you have not achieved a A*/9 - c/4 grade in English or maths at GCSE, or a level 2 functional skill, you will be working towards achieving that qualification at the appropriate level.

You will also need to provide any additional stationery which is required for your coursework.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we assist with this too.

What can I do after this course?

Progression from this course normally moves into higher education onto a HND, Foundation degree or BA Hons in Photography or a related subject.