Level 3 Photography

Year 1 Unit 1: Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice An exploratory unit where students investigate various creative disciplines to inform their practice. Unit 2: Specialist Practice in Art and Design Students develop a focused approach to their chosen area of interest within art and design. Unit 3: Final Major Project A self-initiated project that synthesizes learning from the previous units, demonstrating the student's creative and technical abilities.

Year 2 Unit 4: Professional Practice in Art and Design Students explore professional contexts and prepare for entry into the creative industries. Unit 5: Collaborative Practice Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration within creative projects. Unit 6: Personal and Professional Development Focus on developing a personal brand and preparing for future career opportunities.

This course is designed for students with a genuine passion for Photography and Visual Arts, who are keen to develop their creativity into future opportunities. It offers the chance to refine practical and technical skills, build confidence, and explore a range of photographic and visual disciplines while working towards a recognised qualification.

If you are motivated to expand your photographic abilities and committed to completing the programme, it will support you in achieving a UAL Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Photography. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to experiment, challenge yourself, and produce work that demonstrates both technical expertise and personal expression.

Completing this qualification provides a clear progression route to higher-level study at degree level, apprenticeships, or entry-level employment within the photography and creative industries. It is an excellent foundation for ambitious students who want to unlock their full potential and prepare for a successful career in photography and related visual fields.

Assessment is portfolio and assignment-based, with work completed to strict deadlines in line with UAL expectations.

• On the UAL Level 3 Diploma, students complete a total of three units.
• On the Extended Diploma, students complete six units. [Inclusive of year 1] All units are internally set and assessed, with Unit 3 (Diploma) and Unit 6 (Extended Diploma) externally moderated by the awarding body. Each unit is graded, and students must achieve at least a pass in every unit to gain the full qualification.
• Units 1, 2, 4, and 5 are graded Pass only.
• Units 3 and 6 determine the overall qualification grade, awarded as: o P ? Pass o M ? Merit o D ? Distinction This structure ensures students develop a broad range of skills before applying their learning to the externally moderated final project, where creativity, independence, and technical ability are demonstrated.

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).

Photographers, visual artists, and practitioners: Explore a wide range of contemporary and historical photographers, fine art practitioners, and visual storytellers, helping you draw inspiration and contextualise your own photographic work at Level 3.

Creative industries: Learn about sectors relevant to photography, including commercial, editorial, fine art, and fashion photography, professional expectations, and emerging trends, supporting progression to higher-level study, apprenticeships, or employment.

Sustainable practice: Develop an understanding of environmentally responsible and ethical approaches in photography, including responsible production, sustainable materials, and ethical image-making, and apply these principles to your own studio practice and projects.

Digital skills: Gain competence in photography software, digital editing, and digital portfolio presentation, enabling you to produce work that meets Level 3 professional standards.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative practice: Explore how AI is applied in photography, including image generation, editing, and workflow enhancement, and learn to critically integrate AI into your own photographic practice.

Specialist skills: Build expertise in a wide range of photography techniques, including digital and analogue camera work, lighting, composition, studio and location shoots, and post-production, enabling you to produce high-quality, industry-informed work.

Design and problem-solving: Learn to generate, develop, and apply creative ideas to photography project briefs, enhancing your ability to solve visual and technical challenges independently and confidently.

Presentation and portfolio development: Gain the skills to present your work effectively in both digital and physical formats, creating a cohesive portfolio that demonstrates your abilities and supports progression to higher education, apprenticeships, or employment in photography and related visual industries.

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.

On successful completion of this programme you can: Progress to a Foundation course or degree in Art and Design Launch a career in the creative industries-Entry level Take on a creative apprenticeship

Gain skills for entry-level roles in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Fashion, Photography, 3D Design, Illustration, and more

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Art
• A portfolio demonstrating your skills and particular interest in Art. This may include GCSE artwork and personal work produced at home
• The level of course you enrol on will be determined by the quality of your portfolio
• References may be requested by the course lead

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.