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Where will this course lead?

Our UAL level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in creative and professional photography aims to prepare you for higher education and give you a broad range of ability and knowledge.
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.
An option to move onto higher education upon completion of this course in either broad based Photography or a more specialised related field is the norm.

The course will prepare you to be a creative practitioner and 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:
- Digital imaging and manipulation
- History of art and photography
- Darkroom practice
- Location photography
- Studio photography
- Experimental imagery

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

The second year goes into more depth in all the briefs you are assigned, but you will have even more freedom to specialise in the area you wish to progress into through the Final Major project.

How will this course be delivered?

UAL Awarding body's level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design are characterised by experiential, experimental and integrated learning.  Both qualifications focus on the application of practical skills and acknowledge the common principles and distinctive characteristics of different art and design disciplines.

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 13 units across the two years of the programme.   

What qualifications will I get?

You will achieve a UAL Diploma or Extended Diploma in Art and Design (Photography) at pass, merit or distinction.  The Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels and is a valid qualification to progress to higher education.

How will I be assessed?

All 13 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?

At least 4 GCSE 's at grade C/4 or above, two of these must be in Art or photography and English language, or a BTEC level 2 diploma in art and design at a merit grade or above.

What else do I need to know?

At the start of the course, trips to galleries take place, which will be an additional cost. There is an expectation to visit galleries independently and there is an opportunity to take part in a European trip, which will be relevant to your programme of study.

You will need to provide all basic creative materials and equipment; this is normally purchased from us as a kit at the beginning of the academic year.

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?

Progression from this course normally moves into higher education onto a HND, Foundation degree or BA Hons in Photography or a related subject.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2024

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

CACAH092BCF0

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.