Level 2 Art and Design (Photography)

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

This course is designed for students with a genuine passion for photography and visual storytelling who are eager to develop their creative practice into future opportunities. It offers the chance to refine practical photographic skills, build confidence, and explore a range of photographic techniques while working towards a recognised UAL qualification.

If you are motivated to expand your photographic abilities and committed to completing the course, this programme will support you in achieving a UAL Level 2 Award & Diploma in Art and Design, with a focus on photography. Along the way, you will be encouraged to experiment, challenge yourself, and produce work that demonstrates both technical expertise and personal expression, from film and studio photography to digital editing and creative lighting.

Completing this qualification provides a clear pathway to Level 3 study, specialised apprenticeships, or entry-level roles in photography and the wider creative industries. It is an excellent foundation for ambitious students who wish to develop their artistic vision, strengthen their portfolio, and prepare for a successful future in photography.

On the UAL Level 2 Award & Diploma in Photography, you will complete a total of eight units. All work is internally set and assessed, with Unit 8 externally moderated by UAL (University of the Arts London).

To achieve the full qualification, you must successfully pass all units. Units 1?7 are graded at Pass only, while Unit 8 determines your overall qualification grade. This final unit is crucial, as it provides your final outcome: Pass (P), Merit (M), or Distinction (D).

This structure allows you to develop a broad range of skills across the early units before applying your learning to the externally moderated final project. By demonstrating creativity, independence, and technical ability in Unit 8, you have the opportunity to achieve the highest grade and strengthen your portfolio for future progression.

If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. 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.

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.

If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.

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.

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).

On the UAL Level 2 Photography course, you will develop a broad understanding of your creative field, including:

Photographers, artists, and designers: You will explore a wide range of photographic practitioners, alongside artists and designers from contemporary practice, art history, and diverse cultural contexts. This will help you draw inspiration and contextualise your own work.

Creative industries: You will learn about sectors relevant to photography, including potential career pathways, professional expectations, and emerging trends, supporting progression into Level 3 study, apprenticeships, or employment.

Sustainable practice: You will understand environmentally responsible approaches within photography and the creative industries, and apply these principles to your own studio and photographic practice.

Digital skills: You will gain competence in digital tools, software, and platforms commonly used in professional photography, enabling you to produce work that meets industry standards.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in photography: You will explore how AI is being used in creative practice, including its benefits and ethical considerations, and learn to critically evaluate and integrate AI into your own photographic workflow.

On the UAL Level 2 Photography course, you will develop practical and professional skills, including:

Specialist skills: You will build expertise in a range of photographic techniques, materials, and processes, including film, studio and lighting work, darkroom processes, pinhole photography, and digital editing. This will enable you to produce high-quality, industry-informed photographic work.

Design and problem-solving: You will learn to generate, develop, and apply creative ideas to specific photographic briefs, enhancing your ability to solve visual and technical challenges independently and confidently.

Presentation and portfolio development: You will gain the skills to present your photography effectively in both digital and practical formats, creating a cohesive portfolio that showcases your abilities and prepares you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, or higher-level study.

Planning and organisation: You will manage your own workload effectively, plan and organise projects to meet industry standards, and ensure deadlines are achieved.

Reflective practice: You will critically evaluate your own work, analyse your practice, and implement changes to improve outcomes and develop as an independent creative practitioner.

Project responsibility: You will take ownership of your projects, managing development from concept to completion, and responding constructively to feedback from tutors, clients, or other stakeholders.

Professional conduct and attendance: You will demonstrate consistent attendance, punctuality, and good studio practice, maintaining a professional attitude and fully engaging with all academic and practical learning opportunities.

Engagement and collaboration: You will actively participate in group activities, tutorials, and workshops, contributing to a productive studio environment and supporting your own learning and that of others.

You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.

Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college. Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734333.

If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.

A UAL Level 2 Diploma provides an excellent foundation for progression onto more advanced study. Many students continue their journey by moving on to UAL Level 3 study programmes in areas such as: Art and Design Fine Art Fashion and Clothing Photography Interior Architecture and Spatial Design Illustration Alternatively, you may wish to consider apprenticeships, specialist training programmes, or entry-level employment within the creative industries. To progress to any Level 3 course, you will need to achieve a Pass grade or above in your UAL Level 2 Diploma, as well as GCSE English (or an equivalent qualification) at Grade 4 or higher. These requirements ensure that you are fully prepared to succeed at the next stage of your studies and to continue building towards your long-term career goals.

You will need a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including Art/Photography, plus a portfolio demonstrating your ability to draw and develop ideas.

Your portfolio may include work produced at school (such as GCSE Art) as well as personal projects completed at home.

If you have not studied GCSE Art/Photography, you can still apply with four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, provided you can present a portfolio that shows your creativity, technical ability, and potential for development. The level of course you are offered will be based on the overall quality of your artwork.

References may also be requested by the course leader to support your application.

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.