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The Level 2 in art and design photography course is a general art and design program aimed at young people who have a specific interest in developing photography skills. The core units in this course are general art and design focused, so all studetns will be expected to develop their drawing skills, research artists and designers work and develop a portfolio of work and sketchbooks. As the course developes students will then develop more specialist skills as an introduction to photography.

On completion of this course, you will achieve a Level 2 UAL Diploma in Art and Design.

  • What will I study?

    The units you will study are likely to include:

    Core Units:

    1. Introduction to materials, processes and technical skills in art and design
    2. Introduction to contextual research in in art and design
    3. Introduction to drawing skills
    4. Introduction to communication skills in art and design
    5. Solving 2D creative problems
    6. Solving 3D creative problems
    7. Solving time-based creative problems
    8. Developing and producing a personal project in art and design
  • Who is this course for?

    This course is ideal if you have an interest in focussing your learning and career development in Photography and wish to gain a Level 2 qualification in Photography.

  • How is the course assessed?

    On the UAL Diploma in Art and Design students will take a total of eight units to complete the qualification. All work is internally set and assessed and unit 8 is externally moderated by the exam board.

    All units are graded and students are required to achieve a minimum of a pass in each unit to achieve the full qualification grade. Units 1 - 7 are awarded at a pass grade only. Unit 8 provides the overall qualification grade either P (Pass), M (Merit), D (Distinction).

  • Your Study Programme

    If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

  • Knowledge

    You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

    • A range of different artists, crafts and designers both from current art practise and in art history and other cultures
    • The creative industries relevant to a specific chosen area of focused interest

    • Sustainable practise in the creative industries and how this can be applied to student's own studio practise.
  • Skills

    You will have the ability to:

    • Develop specialist skills in a range of art and design materials, techniques and processes relevant to the chosen course of study

    • Develop skills in applying design ideas, problem solving and to be able to apply them to specific design project briefs

    • Develop skills in presenting art work in a portfolio of work, both digital and practical to prepare for progression to employment or university.
  • Behaviours

    What is required?

    • To be able to plan and organise your own work to meet industry standards and expectations in the creative industries and to meet specific timescales

    • To be able to work as a reflective practitioner, evaluating and analysing work practise and action plan to make changes and improvements to own work practise

    • To be able to take responsibility for your own work through project management and development, responding to feedback from potential clients or stakeholders.
  • General info

    Students will be expected to purchase some basic equipment relevant to the course. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol.

    There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.

    At Level 2 we do not expect students to provide their own cameras or buy their own specialist photography kit, but going forward this investment is necessary for Level 3 students.

  • Progression and Career Opportunities

    Students are able to progress onto UAL level 3 Photography and then onto a degree in photography.

  • Entry Requirements for new students

    4 GCSEs Grade 3 incl Art & portfolio showing ability to develop ideas. This can include GCSE Art & photographic work from home (if not taking GCSE Art - 4 GCSEs at 3 plus a portfolio as above). The level of course will be based on the quality of artwork.

  • Admissions Process

    We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
    Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.