Photography Diploma Level 3

Who is this course for?

The Photography BTEC Extended Diploma is an exciting course designed to develop essentials skills and understanding in photographic disciplines. It provides a firm base for those wishing to follow a career in photography through Higher Education or employment. The full award is equivalent to 3 A Levels and you will also have the opportunity to document your progression into Higher Education or employment via portfolio building and delivered assignments.

What will I do on the course?

The course will enable students to explore photography practices including both traditional techniques in our in-house darkroom alongside digital techniques, and apply these skills both with an artistic sense and that of more commercial needs, such as in advertising, PR and journalism.

You will learn how to:

• Interpret, develop and use visual language
• Select and use appropriate media techniques and technology to create images (2-D) and objects (3-D)
• Generate work to meet assignment briefs
• Reference the work of artists and designers, both historical and contemporary
• Develop skills in relation to professional practice

The BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design is made up of 18 units which are worth between 5 and 20 credits per unit. To achieve the full award you will need to gain 180 credits from the following areas.

Five mandatory units:

• Visual Recording in Art and Design- 10 credits
• Materials, Techniques and Processes in Art and Design - 10 credits
• Ideas and Concepts in Art and Design- 10 credits
• Communication Through Art and Design- 10 credits
• Contextual Influences in Art and Design- 10 credits

Thirteen specialist Units which may include:

• Studio Photography
• Digital Image Capture and Editing
• Photography Location Techniques
• Photographic Media, Techniques and Technology
• Experimental Imagery in Photography
• Darkroom Practice
• Lens-based Image Making
• Mixed Media Image Making

What qualifications do I need?

Entry requirements:

• 4 GCSEs at Grades A-C including English or Maths OR 5 GCSEs at Grades A-C excluding English or Maths. Also including 1 art or design GCSE
• BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design
• A portfolio of your work will be examined at interview as well as qualifications to assess suitability and skills level
• A real desire to develop your creative skills and become part of creative culture

When does the course start?

September

Where is it held?

Lichfield Campus

How long does the course last?

Two years - full time

What could I do after completing the course?

Higher Education:

• Foundation Degrees
• BA (Hons)

Employment:

• Freelance photography
• Photo journalist
• PR Photography
• Fashion & Events Photography
• Product Photography

Are there any additional costs?

Please note that students may be required to purchase small items of personal equipment (such as photography paper, roll film, portable flash drive) during the course. Prices and details will be available from your course tutor near the start of the course. Although this is not a necessity, it is highly recommended that during the course learners invest in a digital stills camera. Additional costs may be required to cover study visits to local, National and International Galleries and Museums.