PHOTOGRAPHY: UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE PRACTICE

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Discover the fundamentals of photographic image-making and gain access to industry standard equipment and specialist studios, with expert mentorship from real-world professionals.

This course is designed for people who want to work in the photography industry. It will provide you with a wide range of skills and experiences, so you may decide to progress straight into the workplace or go onto university when you complete the course.

We are proud to offer our Extended Diploma students who achieve a pass or higher and meet our entry criteria a guaranteed place on a three or four-year degree when progressing directly to an undergraduate course at Arts University Plymouth.

You will take ownership of your own creative ideas and work as part of a crew to bring them to life. If you enjoy practical work and being creative, this course is for you.

The course has no exam. You are assessed on your photographs, a personal online portfolio/website and the skills and knowledge involved in photography. You will learn and use communication and teamwork, creative problem solving and technical equipment skills.

You will be given opportunities to engage with employers and complete work experience as part of your course - giving you real world experiences and skills to take onto higher education, industry employment or freelance work.

The course offers a good balance between the technical and theoretical, as well as the commercial and fine art sides of the photographic industry and higher education progression options.

In Year 1 there will be an emphasis on learning new skills, experimenting and discovering your style. Assignments briefs will cover a range of topics such as documentary photography, magazine and editorial production, fashion and identity and environmental issues. Year 2 will have more of an emphasis on professional practice, portfolio development and preparation for employment and university. There will also be an opportunity to take part in a short film module taught by the filmmaking and media production team.

At the end of Year 2 all students undertake a final major self initiated project. This is up to the student to decide on their own topic or theme and will decide the final grade for the whole two year programme. This is 100% course work assessed with no exams.

What will I do?

This Extended Diploma route fosters a dynamic environment for aspiring photographers
Development of technical and creative skills with support from a team of professional photographers with nearly 50 years of teaching experience
Access to top-notch photographic resources, including industry-standard digital camera and lighting equipment, professional studios, darkrooms, and traditional film
Opportunity to enhance skills in underwater photography
Exposure to real-world live client briefs and external projects, collaborating with organisations like the National Marine Aquarium and the Devon Wildlife Trust
Visiting artists and lecturers currently working within the industry
Regular talks from ex-students and Arts University Plymouth graduates to provide diverse perspectives and insights into the field
Study fundamentals of digital camera controls and techniques
Gain proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and other specialist software
Develop core skills in using professional lighting and studio-based equipment
Acquire knowledge of portrait, fashion, and still life/product photography
Participate in regular trips and opportunities to enhance location techniques
Engage in practical workshops using traditional film and analogue-based equipment
Learn darkroom practices and mixed media approaches to photography

Where can this take me?

Successful completion results in a Level 3 Extended Diploma, equivalent to three A-levels or a maximum of 168 UCAS points
Pathway to various degree-level programs at Arts University Plymouth, including Photography, Commercial Photography, and Fashion Media & Marketing
Guaranteed placement on a BA (Hons) program for Extended Diploma students achieving a pass or higher in their final assessment and meeting additional entry criteria
Diverse progression paths to Higher Education studies, ranging from advertising to psychology
Option to explore transferable skills for employment opportunities
Ongoing advice, guidance, and support from the course team
Access to the university's specialist careers service for informed decision-making about future paths

I must thank you and your team for your unwavering belief in and patience with Grace. Despite a challenging first year, your encouragement, particularly the acknowledgment of her exceptional work, transformed her outlook. From 'I can't do it' to 'I will do it,' and now 'I'm really happy with my work,' Grace has experienced tremendous personal growth. Your positive feedback has made a significant impact, and witnessing her transformation from initial reluctance to a relaxed, smiling artist is truly heartening. Thank you for going above and beyond, making a difference in Grace's life, and instilling in her the belief she needed to succeed. I'm incredibly proud of her, and your support has played a crucial role in her journey.

Theresa, parent of first year student

What qualification will I get?

The full title of this award qualification is UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication.

University of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body supports innovative approaches to programme design and specialist delivery models within broader contexts. Therefore Pre-Degree students at Arts University Plymouth are offered the opportunity to pick from five creative pathways including; Art & Design, Fashion & Textiles, Film, Animation & Media Production, Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts, and Photography.

Entry Requirements

We normally offer places to students who have at least four GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and Maths and preferably with one in a creative subject (or 9-4 in the new grading scheme), and who show commitment and enthusiasm for art and design through examples of creative work.

Guaranteed Progression

Many of our students choose to continue their studies with us on degree programmes across art, design, craft and digital media. We guarantee our Extended Diploma students a place on one of our BA (Hons) programmes if they achieve a pass or higher in their final assessment and meet any additional entry criteria.