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


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10527
Campus: Bangor
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Photography
Course Overview

 

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. 

 

You would like to progress into a career in the expanding creative industries within Photography, Art & Design and Digital Content Creation or continue into higher education.

You will learn how to use a DSLR/Mirrorless camera, present, display and sell your work, digital image creation, extended photographic techniques, how photographers use related materials, techniques, processes and Adobe editing softwares Photoshop and Lightroom .   The hands-on approach to this course and developing your photographic skills using a range of techniques and equipment within our modern and well-equipped photography studios and darkrooms. Displaying and selling your work through the various exhibition opportunities and student enterprises. The visits to galleries, exhibitions and locations for Landscape Photography. Working on internal and external client commissions.

The hands-on approach to this course and developing your photographic skills using a range of techniques and equipment within our modern and well-equipped photography studios and darkrooms. Displaying and selling your work through the various exhibition opportunities and student enterprises. The visits to galleries and exhibitions in Dublin and Belfast. Working on internal and external client commissions.

 

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.

 

Available Sessions

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Terms & Conditions

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.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

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