About the course
This is an incredibly popular and successful course. It is designed to give the student a broad introduction to the world of photography and develop their personal and visual skills which will enable future career choices to be made.
Entry requirements
Entry is by interview (informal). Candidates will need either a minimum of four GCSE's Grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification. One of these must be in either English or Maths - or both. Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss the course content and requirements during their interview and provide a portfolio of work demonstrating their creative ability. Applicants will need to be able to be motivated, manage their own time and have a mature outlook.
Qualifications
Successful students will achieve the UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design (Photography). This is a highly valued and respected qualification by universities and employers.
What you'll learn (core modules)
Over the two years, students will be introduced to portraiture, location shoots, photo-journalism, photo-montage, fashion, fine art work, graphic design and action photography. Students will study a wide range of chemical and digital-based techniques as well as still and moving images. Students will work with different cameras and a range of image-based software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and I-Movie. Visual communication through design and typography are also taught as these are essential skills to any contemporary photographer and designer. The study of the history and contemporary practices within photography are also a key part of the course. Visits to shows and galleries underpin this.
See some of the work our students have created on Instagram.
Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE A* to C (9 to 4 on the new grading structure) or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.
Students experienced the hustle and bustle of New York as part of their studies.
New York Residential Adventure 11-16 November 2019
The School of Art and Design
Derek Johnson – Director
55 members of the School of Art and Design returned from an incredible 5-day residential in New York City, USA. The trip was packed and fast moving – early morning starts and walking many miles each day – covering the breadth of Manhattan through to the far south of Brooklyn.
It was a truly inspiring, demanding, happy and simply fantastic week.
Read the diary and view gallery
Benefits, skills and character strengths
In the School of Art and Design we have a culture of outstanding standards. All courses require resilience, determination to succeed and professional conduct. Full attendance and meeting assignment deadlines is critical to success. We are preparing individuals for university education and employment. Building character strengths and ambition underpins everything we do.
How will I be assessed?
There are no 'exams' for any of our qualifications within the School of Art and Design. Assessment is of presentation of the set assignments by the different lecturers. 1-1 recorded feedback and targets are given at key milestones. All work is assessed and verified internally. The Final Major Project in term 3 is moderated externally. Final qualifications are awarded at either a Pass, Merit or Distinction level. At Level 3 all qualifications provide relevant UCAS points for university entry.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
All aspects of the timetable are delivered in Leonardo House - a purpose-built Art School on the Bury St. Edmunds campus. Lessons are within specialist studios and workshops. These include 3D workshops, laser cutting/3D printing suite, fashion studios, a darkroom, photographic studios, ceramics workshop, drawing rooms, printmaking studio, interior design studio and 4 Apple Mac suites with over 120 I-Macs and 40 MacBooks.
Where will the course take me?
Students on this course have a great record of progressing to university degree courses and employment. The UAL Level 3 qualifications all carry the same UCAS points as equivalent A-levels. Art universities respond incredibly favourably to Extended Diplomas as they know that they have been delivered within a specialist Art School environment with specialist Lecturers.
Last year, 82 per cent of students progressed to university and 18 per cent were successful in finding employment. Students who decide not to progress to university generally undertake trainee employment positions within the creative industries. We have an outstanding track record of our students having amazing careers and fulfilling their dreams.
Will I need any materials or equipment?
Students will need to provide their own film and photographic paper. All students are also expected to have an A2 portfolio for display of their final outcomes. A vast majority of students have their own digital SLR camera and this is of a considerable advantage to their studies. At the very start of the year, the course also collects money from each student to cover colour printing and trips throughout the year. In addition to this there will be ongoing costs for materials and equipment.
Days & times
Starting September 2021