UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Photography Study Mode: Full Time | Course Level: Level 3
UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Photography
Where will this course lead?
Studying UAL level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma Photography can open a variety of opportunities in both the creative and media industries. The course develops technical photography skills, visual storytelling, image editing, and creative thinking, helping students build a strong professional portfolio. After completing the qualification, students can progress to higher education courses in photography, photojournalism, digital media, film production, graphic design, or visual arts. It can also lead to careers as a professional photographer, photo editor, content creator, studio assistant, commercial photographer, fashion photographer, or freelance creative. With the growing demand for digital content across industries, Level 3 Photography provides valuable skills that can support a successful and rewarding creative career.
What will I study?
On the UAL level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma Photography course, you will develop both the technical and creative skills needed to produce high-quality photographic work. You will explore a range of photographic genres, including portraiture, landscape, documentary, fashion, studio, and experimental photography, while learning how to use professional camera equipment, lighting techniques, and image-editing software. The course encourages you to investigate visual storytelling, composition, and creative concepts, helping you to communicate ideas through imagery. You will also research influential photographers, artists and contemporary photographic practices, developing a professional portfolio that demonstrates your skills and prepares you for progression to higher education or a career within the creative industries.
How will this course be delivered?
The UAL level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma Photography course is delivered through a blend of practical workshops, including digital and analogue processes, studio lighting, location-based, independent projects, and one-to-one tutorials. You will learn by using professional camera equipment, studio lighting, black and white and colour processes and industry-standard image-editing software, developing both technical and creative skills through hands-on experience. The course encourages experimentation across a range of photographic genres and techniques, incorporating fine art principles or commercial visual language, supported by research.
Regular critiques, portfolio reviews, and tutor feedback will help you refine your ideas and develop your visual communication skills, while project-based assignments allow you to build a professional portfolio that prepares you for further study or a career in the creative industries.
This two-year programme involves up to 24 hours of study per week over a maximum of four days. Alongside taught sessions, you will be expected to undertake independent study to support your practical projects, research, and reflective practice. Teaching typically takes place between 9:00am and 4:15pm; however, schedules may vary depending on the programme.
What qualifications will I get?
You will achieve a UAL Diploma or Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication specialising in Photography at pass, merit or distinction. The Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels and is a valid qualification to progress to higher education.
How will I be assessed?
You are assessed on your understanding and ability of working through the creative process. You will complete 3 units in year 1 and 3 in year 2. The course is completely assessed on coursework with no external exams, unless retaking GCSE Maths.
Each unit is delivered in an approximate 10-week project.
Units 1 and 2 in the first year (Diploma) are assessed on a pass-only basis. Unit 3 is the graded unit, where learners can achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction. In the second year (Extended Diploma), Units 4 and 5 are also assessed on a pass-only basis, while Unit 6 is the graded unit, allowing learners to achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
You will receive feedback after each assessment and will learn what grade you are working at and how to challenge and improve your work.
All work is assessed internally by an online portfolio of practical and written/verbal evidence and are subject to UAL Awarding body's external quality assurance.
How do I get a place on the course?
You must complete an application form. Once your application has been registered you will be invited to attend an interview to determine your suitability for the subject and level.
Places on the course are offered following a successful interview where you must present a portfolio of your work and produce a positive reference.
Portfolios can be physical or digital sketchbooks, presentations or work photographed on your phone, but we are unable to offer places without a valid portfolio.
You will also be invited to attend a welcome day in late June, where you will have the opportunity to view an exhibition of current stud
What are the entry requirements?
At least 4 GCSE 's at grade C/4 or above, two of these must be in Art/Photography or a creative subject and English language, or a Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design at a merit grade or above with GCSE English Grade C/4 or above.
What else do I need to know?
Trips to galleries and various locations take place, which will be an additional cost. This should be paid upfront during induction weeks. There is an expectation to visit galleries independently and to work independently on your practical work and to keep up to date with research and reflection.
There is financial support available on the college website that can support with travel, equipment, food and trips. Please complete this as soon as possible upon gaining a place.
We provide materials for workshops and a wide range of other resources, but any specific and specialist materials will need to be purchased by students. You will also need to provide any additional stationery which is required for your coursework.
Good levels of English and Maths are important for success on your course, your chosen vocation and life. English and Maths skills are embedded throughout your specialist pathway.
If you have not achieved a A*/9 - C/4 grade in Maths at GCSE, you will be working towards achieving that qualification alongside your photography course.
If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we assist with this too.
What can I do after this course?
After completing the qualification, students can progress to higher education courses in photography, photojournalism, digital media, film production, graphic design, or visual arts. It can also lead to careers as a professional photographer, photo editor, content creator, studio assistant, commercial photographer, fashion photographer, or freelance creative. With the growing demand for digital content across industries, Level 3 Photography provides valuable skills that can support a successful and rewarding creative career.
Blossomfield Campus
Sept-2026
Various
TBC
N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds
CACAH092BCF0
Full Time
Media Researcher
Media researchers support television, radio and documentary producers by finding out details of show contributors, locations and background information.
What’s Involved?
Media Researchers liaise with production team to generate and develop ideas for film, television and radio programmes. They research sources for accurate factual material, find suitable contributors to programmes or print features and deal with any copyright issues. They provide administrative support for programme development such as booking facilities. They present findings in the required format, via written reports or presentations. They also research images for clients in a wide range of media using specialist picture libraries and archives, museums, galleries etc., or commissions new images. They liaise with clients on the appropriate image/s to be used. They deal with copyright issues and negotiates fees.
Arts Director
Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.
What’s Involved?
Art Officers/Producers/Directors choose writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assume overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget. They direct actors, designers, camera teams, sound crews and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects. They break scripts into scenes and formulate a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets. They also prepare rehearsals and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. They ensure necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required. They also manage health and safety issues. They select, contract, market and arrange for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.Photographer
You could work in press photography, advertising photography, editorial photography, corporate photography, or go freelance!
What’s Involved?
Photographers select subjects and conceive composition of picture or discuss composition with colleagues. They arrange subject, lighting and camera equipment. They insert lenses and adjust aperture and speed settings as necessary. They also operate scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulate image to achieve the desired effect. They photograph subject or follow action by moving camera. They also take, record and manipulate digital images and digital video footage.Artist/Illustrator
Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.
What’s Involved?
Artists/Illustrators conceive and develop ideas and ways of working for artistic composition. They select appropriate materials, medium and method. They prepare sketches, scale drawings or colour schemes. They also build up compositions into finished work by carving, sculpting, etching, painting, engraving, drawing, etc. They approach managers of galleries and exhibitions in order to get finished work displayed. They use artistic skills to restore damaged artworks. They liaise with writers and publishers to produce book illustrations. They also market and sell finished work directly to customers. They produce work on commission basis for clients.Higher Education Photography Lecturer
Higher education teaching professionals deliver lectures and teach students to at least first degree level, undertake research and write journal articles and books in their chosen field of study.
What’s Involved?
Higher Education Photography Lecturers prepare, deliver and direct lectures, seminars and tutorials. They prepare, administer and mark examinations, essays and other assignments. They advise students on academic matters and encourage independent research. They also provide pastoral care or guidance to students. They participate in decision making processes regarding curriculum, budgetary, departmental and other matters. They direct the work of postgraduate students. They also undertake research, write articles and books and attend conferences and other meetings.Journalist
Jobholders in this unit group investigate and write up stories and features for broadcasting and for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, evaluate and manage their style and content and oversee the editorial direction of these types of output and publication.
What’s Involved?
Journalists determine subject matter and undertake research by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances etc. They write articles and features and submit draft manuscripts to newspaper, magazine, periodical or programme editor. They select material for broadcast or publication, check style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arrange for any necessary revisions. They also liaise with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing.Director
Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.
What’s Involved?
A Director chooses writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assumes overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget. They direct actors, designers, camera team, sound crew and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects. They break script into scenes and formulate a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets. They also prepare rehearsals and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. They ensure necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required. They also manage health and safety issues. They select, contract, market and arrange for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.TV or Film Camera Operator
Workers in this unit group operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras and operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes.
