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Where will this course lead?

Our UAL Level 2 diploma will immerse you in the world of art and photography, getting you to grips with your raw skills and ambitions to succeed within a creative capacity.

The UAL Awarding Body Level 2 Award in Art & Design has been developed to provide students with an interest in art and design with the opportunity to explore the materials, methods and processes that support art and photography activities, and to begin to develop some related technical skills. 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.

We aim to prepare you for the next level of your studies with a range of skills and practice that will help you choose a specialism at level 3.

The course will 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:

- Art history and theory - through research and gallery visits

- Photographic studio processes

- Darkroom developing and printing

- Observational drawing

- Computer aided design, such as Photoshop & Lightroom

- 2D/3D/time-based creative problem solving

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

How will this course be delivered?

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 8 units you will complete across the course of the academic year.

What qualifications will I get?

You will achieve an UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

How will I be assessed?

All 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?

4 GCSEs at grade D/3 including English, a successful interview and a good reference from your school. 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 can help with this too.

What else do I need to know?

On starting the course you will be required to purchase a kit of standard art and design materials.

We expect a high level of attendance and punctuality to ensure you can achieve to your full potential.

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?

If you achieve a merit grade or higher you will have the opportunity to apply for a level 3 specialist art or design pathway.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2024

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

CAAAX092BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Media Researcher

Media researchers support television, radio and documentary producers by finding out details of show contributors, locations and background information.

What’s Involved?

Media Researchers liaise with production team to generate and develop ideas for film, television and radio programmes. They research sources for accurate factual material, find suitable contributors to programmes or print features and deal with any copyright issues. They provide administrative support for programme development such as booking facilities. They present findings in the required format, via written reports or presentations. They also research images for clients in a wide range of media using specialist picture libraries and archives, museums, galleries etc., or commissions new images. They liaise with clients on the appropriate image/s to be used. They deal with copyright issues and negotiates fees.

Arts Director

Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.

What’s Involved?

Art Officers/Producers/Directors choose writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assume overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget. They direct actors, designers, camera teams, sound crews and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects. They break scripts into scenes and formulate a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets. They also prepare rehearsals and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. They ensure necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required. They also manage health and safety issues. They select, contract, market and arrange for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.

Photographer

You could work in press photography, advertising photography, editorial photography, corporate photography, or go freelance!

What’s Involved?

Photographers select subjects and conceive composition of picture or discuss composition with colleagues. They arrange subject, lighting and camera equipment. They insert lenses and adjust aperture and speed settings as necessary. They also operate scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulate image to achieve the desired effect. They photograph subject or follow action by moving camera. They also take, record and manipulate digital images and digital video footage.

Artist/Illustrator

Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.

What’s Involved?

Artists/Illustrators conceive and develop ideas and ways of working for artistic composition. They select appropriate materials, medium and method. They prepare sketches, scale drawings or colour schemes. They also build up compositions into finished work by carving, sculpting, etching, painting, engraving, drawing, etc. They approach managers of galleries and exhibitions in order to get finished work displayed. They use artistic skills to restore damaged artworks. They liaise with writers and publishers to produce book illustrations. They also market and sell finished work directly to customers. They produce work on commission basis for clients.

Higher Education Photography Lecturer

Higher education teaching professionals deliver lectures and teach students to at least first degree level, undertake research and write journal articles and books in their chosen field of study.

What’s Involved?

Higher Education Photography Lecturers prepare, deliver and direct lectures, seminars and tutorials. They prepare, administer and mark examinations, essays and other assignments. They advise students on academic matters and encourage independent research. They also provide pastoral care or guidance to students. They participate in decision making processes regarding curriculum, budgetary, departmental and other matters. They direct the work of postgraduate students. They also undertake research, write articles and books and attend conferences and other meetings.

Journalist

Jobholders in this unit group investigate and write up stories and features for broadcasting and for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, evaluate and manage their style and content and oversee the editorial direction of these types of output and publication.

What’s Involved?

Journalists determine subject matter and undertake research by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances etc. They write articles and features and submit draft manuscripts to newspaper, magazine, periodical or programme editor. They select material for broadcast or publication, check style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arrange for any necessary revisions. They also liaise with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing.

Director

Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.

What’s Involved?

A Director chooses writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assumes overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget. They direct actors, designers, camera team, sound crew and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects. They break script into scenes and formulate a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets. They also prepare rehearsals and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. They ensure necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required. They also manage health and safety issues. They select, contract, market and arrange for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.

TV or Film Camera Operator

Workers in this unit group operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras and operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes.

What’s Involved?

A TV or Film Camera Operator selects subject and conceives composition of picture or discusses composition with colleagues; arranges subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones; inserts lenses and adjusts aperture and speed settings as necessary; operates scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulates image to achieve the desired effect; photographs subject or follows action by moving camera; takes, records and manipulates digital images and digital video footage; controls transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identifies and solves related technical problems; checks operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment, and mixing and dubbing equipment; operates equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes; manages health and safety issues; operates sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.