A-Levels
Level 3
Photography, A Level
This course is designed to develop your artistic skills and open doors to a creative career in photography. Throughout this programme, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic processes and techniques specific to photography. You will cover various aspects of photography, including traditional film photography, digital photography, experimental techniques, photo editing, and image manipulation. You'll have the chance to delve into each of these areas and specialise in the ones that resonate most with your individual talents and interests.
You will be encouraged to examine and take inspiration from a range of photographers, to find your own style and to push your creative boundaries to bring photography to life through both shooting and editing.
Located at Loxton Campus, our Sixth Form provides a purpose-built facility designed to simulate a university environment, preparing you for future higher education studies in photography. You will have access to subject-specific spaces and equipment, including darkrooms, digital labs, studio setups, and editing suites, helping you fully explore the diverse aspects of photography and develop your technical skills.
When you study here, you will automatically join our Career Excellence Hub, providing you with a range of additional opportunities to enhance your career prospects. We have established strong partnerships with respected photographers, agencies, and photography studios, enabling you to gain valuable work experience in the field. We'll support you in finding suitable placements or provide a week of experiences within the college that align with your career aims.
In the first year of your course, you'll have the opportunity to follow a pathway that aligns with your career aspirations in photography. Pathways such as media and creative will provide you with additional skills and experiences to enhance your career prospects. You'll be taught by experienced tutors who bring real-world industry experience to the classroom. Our engaging environment fosters lively discussions and collaborative learning, allowing you to benefit from the diverse perspectives and talents of your classmates.
Tutor Learning Mentors will guide you in developing effective study skills and preparing for exams. We offer dedicated assistance and guidance for interviews, whether you're applying to university or seeking job opportunities in the photography industry.
WHAT DOES THIS COURSE INVOLVE
You will experience a range of photographic approaches and skills including digital and analogue camera work, Adobe programmes, studio-based work and darkroom. You will investigate a range of experimental artistic styles and grow your skillset as a photographer through varied subject matter.
You will be expected to do a large amount of work in your own time, as the subject encourages a unique and individualistic approach. You are expected to show critical contextual understanding, creative making and reflective recording through written, visual, and other forms.
This programme is part of a Sixth Form offer, learners typically choose three or four A Level subjects to study over a two-year period. Which A Levels you study can affect your choices at university and your future career. Take a look here at our other A Level programmes
ASSESSMENT METHOD
There is an end-of-year assessment during your first year that determines progression into the second year. During your second year you will be assessed through coursework (60%) and controlled assignment (40%).
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
You could progress to degrees including Photography in Practice at University Centre Weston, or even the pre-degree Art and Design Foundation Diploma at the College. In addition, there are numerous professions within this field, including photographer, technician, educator, and curator.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Five GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English and maths, and grade 5 or above in an art-based subject.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Ready to apply – please use the ‘apply now’ button at the top of this page.
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