A-Level Programme - Photography

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.

For the generic A-Level Programme you will need:

• GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths, plus at least 3 more GCSEs at grade 5 or above

For this specific A-Level you will need:

• GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths, Grade 5 or above in relevant Arts subject (Portfolio submission can support application) and at least 2 others at grade 5 or above

How long is this course?

2 years

When does this course start?

04/09/2023

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at the college are generally 3-4 days per week (you may be in an extra day if you are resitting English and/or Maths). All students are expected to complete study hours in the Learning Resource Centre and at least 30 hours work experience on top of their college hours.

* Certain courses may have additional costs to cover trips or DBS checks, and for some courses you will be expected to purchase additional items such as uniform or equipment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional fees related to the programme, such as additional equipment or uniform, trips, DBS checks and work placement costs. Further information will be sent to all applicants before enrolment.

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

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

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.