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Finding your voice through photography: meet Pre-Degree lecturer and artist Laura Montag
Wednesday, 10 December, 2025 — How does a socially engaged artist help young people see the world differently? Meet Pre-Degree lecturer Laura Montag and explore her collaborative approach to photography.
Helping young people to see the world, and themselves, differently through photography is at the heart of Photography: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice at Arts University Plymouth. At our Pre-Degree & Sixth Form Centre in Plymouth’s city centre, socially engaged artist and lecturer Laura Montag supports 16 to 19-year-olds to build confidence, community and a powerful visual voice that can take them on to university and into the creative industries.
Laura Montag of Arts Uni Plymouth
<p dir="ltr">For Laura, photography and teaching are completely intertwined.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Helping others develop the confidence to express themselves visually is what drives both my own photography and my role as a lecturer,” she explains. “I see it as a great privilege to share knowledge, inspire others, and support students as they connect more deeply with themselves, the world around them, and the unique creative talents they bring.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Working with young people at Pre-Degree level means supporting them at a moment when they are making big decisions about who they are and what they want to do next.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“I believe photography goes far beyond technical instruction. It's a powerful way for young people to connect with themselves, their communities, and the world around them. It teaches not just how to take better photos, but how to see more deeply and think more critically.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">This is the starting point for the Photography Extended Diploma at Arts University Plymouth: a course that treats 16 to 19-year-olds as emerging image-makers.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Laura’s teaching centres on building a studio culture where young people feel safe to take creative risks and explore their own ideas.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“I believe in creating collaborative spaces where students feel safe to take risks, challenge ideas, and develop their own ways of thinking and making,” Laura says.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“One of the strengths of the course at Arts University Plymouth is its emphasis on collaboration. By working together, often across disciplines, students are exposed to a range of perspectives and creative practices. This collaborative approach not only helps build their confidence and communication skills, but allows students to see their work in a broader social context and learn from their peers, which is key to developing a strong, personal creative voice.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At Palace Court, Arts University Plymouth’s city-centre Pre-Degree & Sixth Form Centre, photography students study alongside peers in subjects such as fashion, filmmaking, game arts, graphics and art & design. They share a building designed specifically for creative sixth form and pre-degree study, with specialist studios, darkrooms and access to the wider university’s equipment and expertise.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Laura’s own practice as a socially engaged artist strongly shapes her approach to teaching.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“My photographic practice is deeply rooted in collaboration, dialogue, and community engagement, principles that directly shape my approach to teaching,” she explains. “After completing a BA in Photography at Falmouth College of Arts and later, an MA in Community and Participatory Arts at Goldsmiths, my work evolved to focus on visual narratives connected to identity, place, wellbeing, and social justice. This ethos underpins my teaching at Arts University Plymouth. I see teaching as a space for critical reflection, connection, and creative risk-taking. I encourage students to think deeply about their intentions: what they make, why they make it, and who it's for.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">With more than a decade of experience in participatory arts, teaching, facilitation and photographic documentation, Laura’s work often explores themes of belonging, community ties, and the relationship between people and their environments.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“In all contexts, educational, community-based, or within collective projects, I aim to create spaces that are inclusive, reflective, and empowering”. Laura’s approach is inherently collaborative and often therapeutic, nurturing dialogue and supporting people in articulating their stories, experiences, and connections to the natural and social landscapes around them.</p>
<p dir="ltr">One strand of Laura’s practice, <em>Holy Men. India. A Photographic Study of the Sacred in Transition</em>, focuses on the lives of India’s holy men, navigating the tension between centuries-old ritual and a rapidly modernising society. Through intimate portraits, the series explores the silent struggle between “old and new, ritual and progress, renunciation and consumption”. This kind of thoughtful, research-led work gives students a live example of how photography can be used to explore complex social questions with care, respect and curiosity.<br /></p>
Photography by Laura Montag
<p dir="ltr">Some of Laura’s most powerful experiences in the classroom come when students realise just how much their photographs can contain.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“One standout moment from my time teaching was a project where students were encouraged to develop a self led project,” they recall. “One student chose to document a very personal story about her family. The images were so intimate and powerful that it moved many of us during the class critique. Moments like that, when students realise the emotional and storytelling power of photography, are why I love teaching. It’s not just about technique; it’s about helping them see the world and themselves more clearly through the lens.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">On the Photography: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice, students work on a wide range of projects, from documentary and editorial to fashion and environmental themes, gradually building towards a final major project in their second year. That final project is completely self-initiated and 100% coursework assessed, giving students the space to develop a body of work that really matters to them.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Photography at Pre-Degree level at Arts University Plymouth is designed for young people who enjoy practical work and want to develop skills they can take straight into higher education or industry.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The <strong>UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Photography)</strong> is:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">A <strong>two-year, full-time course</strong> for 16 to 19-year-olds</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Equivalent to <strong>three A-Levels</strong>, with up to <strong>168 UCAS points</strong> available</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Assessed entirely through <strong>coursework, your photographs and your online portfolio</strong>. There are <strong>no exams</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">A balance of <strong>technical skills, creative experimentation and professional practice</strong>, from studio lighting and darkroom techniques to live briefs and work experience</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">We are proud to offer our Extended Diploma students who achieve a Pass or higher and meet our entry criteria a <strong>guaranteed place on a three or four-year BA (Hons) degree</strong> when they progress directly to an undergraduate course at Arts University Plymouth. Many photography students move on to degrees such as BA (Hons) Photography, BA (Hons) Commercial Photography or BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing, continuing to develop their practice with us in Plymouth.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Asked what advice she would give to a young person considering joining Arts University Plymouth, Laura is clear about who will thrive here.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Arts University Plymouth is a great place for those who are looking for a community-based, practice-heavy, and creatively rich environment. If you're passionate, curious, and ready to dive into your creative practice, this place will give you the tools, freedom, and support to grow.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">For prospective students and their parents or carers, that combination of specialist creative teaching, structured progression to university and a supportive, collaborative environment is what defines Pre-Degree life at Arts University Plymouth.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you are ready to explore your voice behind the camera, work closely with practising artists like Laura and build a portfolio that can take you to higher education or into creative work, the Photography: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice could be your next step.<br /></p>
Photography by Laura Montag
<p>This is a <strong>two-year, full-time Level 3 Extended Diploma</strong> in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication, with a specialist focus on photography. It is designed for 16 to 19-year-olds who want a practical, creative alternative to A-Levels and are interested in working in the photography or wider creative industries. The qualification is equivalent to <strong>three A-Levels</strong> and can earn you up to <strong>168 UCAS points</strong>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Yes. The Extended Diploma is a <strong>Level 3 qualification</strong> at the same level as A-Levels, but it is focused on one creative area instead of several separate subjects. You will spend most of your time making work, learning technical and creative skills, and building a portfolio rather than preparing for written exams.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">You will:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Learn the <strong>fundamentals of photographic image-making</strong>, from digital camera controls to composition</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Use <strong>industry-standard digital camera and lighting equipment</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Work in professional <strong>studios, darkrooms and specialist facilities</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Explore <strong>portrait, fashion, documentary, editorial and still life/product photography</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Develop skills in <strong>Adobe Photoshop</strong> and other specialist software</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Experiment with <strong>traditional film, analogue processes and mixed-media approaches</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Have opportunities to try <strong>underwater photography</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Respond to <strong>live client briefs and external projects</strong>, working with organisations such as the National Marine Aquarium and Devon Wildlife Trust</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Hear from <strong>visiting artists, lecturers and ex-students</strong> who share insights into working in photography and related fields</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">Year 1 focuses on learning new skills, experimenting and discovering your style, with projects on themes like documentary photography, magazine and editorial production, fashion and identity, and environmental issues. Year 2 has more emphasis on professional practice, portfolio development and preparing for employment or university, including an opportunity to take part in a short film module with the Filmmaking & Media Production team.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">On successful completion you will receive the <strong>UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication</strong>. Your pathway will be photography, but the qualification is widely recognised by universities, UCAS and employers across the UK and is equivalent to three full A-Levels.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Where can this course take me afterwards?</strong><br />After completing the Extended Diploma you can:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Progress to <strong>degree-level study</strong> at Arts University Plymouth, including BA (Hons) Photography, BA (Hons) Commercial Photography and BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Apply for a wide range of creative and non-creative degrees at other universities, from advertising and visual communication to psychology</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Move into <strong>employment, apprenticeships or freelance work</strong>, using the technical, creative and teamwork skills developed on the course</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">Extended Diploma students who achieve a <strong>Pass or higher</strong> in their final assessment and meet any additional entry criteria are <strong>guaranteed a place on one of our BA (Hons) programmes</strong> at Arts University Plymouth.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">We normally offer places to students who have:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">At least <em>four GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C)</em>*</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>English and Maths</strong> at grade 9–4</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Preferably one GCSE in a <strong>creative subject</strong></p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">We also look for evidence of <strong>commitment and enthusiasm for art and design</strong>, shown through your creative work. Applicants with non-traditional backgrounds or disrupted education are encouraged to apply and will be considered individually.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">At the Pre-Degree & Sixth Form Centre, you will have access to:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">A dedicated <strong>Student Support Team</strong> for wellbeing, safeguarding and pastoral care</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Specialist staff embedded within courses to support learning needs</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Help with practical matters such as finance, attendance and adjusting to college life</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">Your course team will be your first point of contact, and there is always someone available to talk to if you have worries about your studies or personal circumstances.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">You can apply online through the <strong>Arts University Plymouth</strong> website. Visit the <strong>Pre-Degree & Sixth Form</strong> section, find <strong>Photography: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice</strong>, and click <strong>Apply Now</strong>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once you apply, you will be invited to an interview where you can:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Show your photographs or creative work</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Talk about your interests and ideas</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Ask questions about the course, support and progression routes</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">If you have questions before or after applying, you or your parent/carer can contact:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Email:</strong> admissions@aup.ac.uk</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Tel:</strong> +44 (0)1752 203434</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>WhatsApp:</strong> 07722 744184</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Instagram:</strong> @edphotoaup</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">You are also welcome to visit one of our Open Days at the Pre-Degree & Sixth Form Centre at Palace Court in Plymouth to see the studios and meet staff and students in person.<br /></p>
