Level 3 Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography)
This two-year Photography course is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree level study or employment in the Photography and Art & Design sectors
The course provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in photography to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure that is stimulating and demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study.
The course is equivalent to two A levels and students who successfully complete this course can apply directly to study at University or apply for one of our one year Foundation Diploma courses or higher level courses.
Students gain valuable experience by taking part in our Student Company – Northern Light and participating in and organising exhibitions of their work throughout Year one and two.
Units covered may include:
Unit 1 Art and Design in Context
Unit 10 How Artists and designers Use 2D Materials, Techniques and Processes
Unit 12 Planning, Researching and Developing Ideas for a Specialist Art or Design Brief
Unit 13 Realising an Outcome for a Specialist Art or Design Brief
Unit 14 Presenting, displaying, promoting and selling artwork
Unit 16 Exhibiting and Presenting Artwork
Unit 22 Portrait Photography
Unit 23 Exploring Artists as Photographers
Unit 24 Digital Image Creation
Unit 25 Landscape Photography
Unit 35 Design for Advertising
The programme typically runs for a minimum of 15 hours a week.
Year 1 -
This course has been designed as a full 2 year programme and establishes a broad creative base developed from a range of Photography and Art & Design Units.
In the first year of the programme you will complete 6 units which will give you a Level 3 Introductory Diploma (equivalent to 2 AS Levels).
Year 2 -
On successful completion of the first year you will 'top-up' by studying for an additional 6 units which will give you the full OCR Diploma (equivalent to 2 ‘A’ levels.
You will work on a variety of exciting projects developing skills in Product and Advertising Photography, planning and organising a Photography event/exhibition as well as developing a self-initiated brief for a Final Major Project.
You will also exhibit your work as part of the course alongside other courses within the creative department and learn the skills to process film in a photographic darkroom.
You will have the opportunity to acquire the essential knowledge and tools for the world of work in the Photography and Art & Design Industry by developing transferable skills such as planning, organizing, research and analysis, working with others and effective communication.
Many of our students progress to further study at a higher level. Some may apply for entry to the University of their choice, but many choose to stay with us for the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design or Foundation Diploma in Art Design and Digital Media moving into Higher Education or employment from there. Further study could lead to many career options within the photographic, art, content creation or graphic design industries.
4 GCSEs at Grade C or above preferably with English, Maths or Level 2 in Art and Design or Media and a successful outcome from the interview questionnaire/exercises and portfolio. If you have previously completed Level 2 Art & Design or Level 2 Media course you need to achieve at least a Merit grade to progress to Level 3 Art & Design (Photography). There will be additional costs for equipment. Your tutor will give you details of these. This course will be timetabled for 15 hours of vocational classes, and 3 hours of Essential Skills English and Maths if you require this. You will also work towards a Personal Development qualification and will be involved in a range of activities, designed to improve employability. You will be required to complete Essential Skills in ICT, Literacy and Numeracy if you do not have a GCSE grade C in English, Maths or ICT.
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Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.
We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.
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