Photography A Level

On the A Level Photography course you will learn how to use a range of cameras to take incredible pictures. You will be taught new skills in both digital and analogue photography. The course is all about exploration, of your ideas and your vision as a photographer.

Throughout the course you will learn to print your photographs in the darkroom as well as work in Mac suites using the latest Adobe software to enhance and redefine your digital imagery. We will teach you how to produce a portfolio of individual and expressive photographs.

The first year of study is a journey of discovery. You will be encouraged to be curious and proactive as you learn new ways of thinking and creating. Our staff are experienced, specialists who are passionate about photography. We are keen to help you develop your skills and find your own visual language. We offer excellent facilities including an industry standard photographic studio and a large, well-equipped darkroom which you will learn to use, to take your photography further.

In the second year, you will produce a sustained and focussed portfolio of work to submit for the coursework component. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on developing your creativity through studying the work and techniques of established photographers. You will learn to use your research as inspiration in the development of your own projects. You will be expected to reflect on your practical work and produce an illustrated essay based on investigations into your chosen photographic practice.

We offer students an exciting range of enrichment activities, including regular trips to galleries, and location shoots. To help you make informed choices about your future, we invite visiting speakers who are leading industry practitioners as well as representatives of universities. We encourage our students to participate in work opportunities, gaining valuable experience and enhancing their photographic skills. Our students benefit from great educational, residential trips like the trip to Paris to visit the Photo Festival in November. Students interested in a career in photography and the creative industries are encouraged to put on exhibitions of their work in the college.

Year 1 Modules

Initial Project

Personal Project

Advanced Skills

Year 2 Modules

Personal Investigation

Externally Set Assignment

40% Exam

60% Coursework

Exam Board: AQA

Progression from this course can be directly to either the Level 4 Art Foundation course, university or employment.

Students have progressed into careers in the creative industries such as photojournalism, fashion photography, commercial photography, photo editing, media, and advertising, teaching, medical photography.