A-Level Programme - Photography

Our A-Level in Photography will enable you to explore a variety of approaches to photography. You will develop an appreciation of different approaches to recording images, such as observation, analysis, expression and imagination, alongside an awareness of intended audience or purpose of images.

On our A-Level programme, you will study three or four subjects. Please apply for three or four subjects and use our course selector here to check what options you can do!

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Select your A-level subjects and apply

Course Description

What will I study?

Taught in our outstanding photography suites, with dark rooms and photo studios, you will gain an appreciation of different ways of working, such as installation, portraiture, landscape, documentary and fashion, gaining an understanding of how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images.

Upon completing the course, you will have knowledge and understanding of the work of others, historical and contemporary developments, different styles, movements and genres and a working vocabulary and specialist terminology that is relevant to the photography industry.
Entry Requirements
You will need:
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths and, for this specific subject;
- GCSE grade 5 or above in relevant arts subject (Portfolio submission can support application)
Course Length

How long is this course?

2 years

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.
Course Fees

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Please note the information on this page was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
Additional Information

What qualification will I achieve?

AQA A-Level in Photography

How is my course assessed?

Year 1

Component 1: Portfolio (60%)

During the first half of the year, you will develop a portfolio of images and supporting sketchbook that explores a variety of media, techniques and ideas.

Component 2: Externally Assessed Assignment (40%)

In February you will receive a question paper with a choice of five questions/themes to respond to. There will be a period of 10 hours under exam conditions towards the end of the year.

Year 2

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%) During the first half of year you will develop a personal investigation supported by a written project.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) In February you will receive a question paper with a choice of eight questions/themes to respond to. There will be a period of 15 hours under exam conditions at the end of the year.