UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design (Photography Pathway) Study Mode: Full Time | Course Level: Level 2
UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design (Photography Pathway)
Where will this course lead?
The UAL Awarding Body Level 2 Award in Art & Design has been developed to provide students with an interest in art and photography with the opportunity to explore the materials, methods and processes that support art and photography activities, and to begin to develop some related technical skills. The course is taught vocationally, with an emphasis on the specialist skills you will need in the industry as well as the core, practical understanding that is essential to succeed.
We will help you develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed for progression to Level 3. Through a variety of projects and experiences, you will discover potential specialisms while gaining a wide range of employability skills valued by employers.
What will I study?
This is an ideal course if you are interested in making and studying art and photography. Beginning with the general key skills needed for developing, researching, making and evaluating a variety of photograph genres you will develop a more personal approach to practical and creative communication.
You will be introduced to some of the key critical approaches to photography as you develop an online portfolio to showcase your knowledge and skill. There are lots of practical projects to apply your skills.
Some of the areas you will be studying are:
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Photographic Camera Skills
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Photographic studio processes
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Darkroom developing and printing
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Observational drawing skills
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Photoshop & Lightroom
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2D/3D/4D creative problem solving
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Historical and Contemporary Photography
You will produce project work during the year that covers all these areas, with an emphasis on developing and responding to briefs in an independent and creative way.
How will this course be delivered?
This is a 1 year course will be delivered on site, through practical workshops, exploration, and lectures. Lessons are designed to encourage creative thinking, research, and problem-solving, with regular opportunities to develop and refine your ideas through feedback from tutors and peers.
You will study up to a maximum of 20 hours per week over 4 days. Classes generally run between 9am-4.15pm but may vary. You will be expected to do a minimum of 10 hours independent study on your practical work and to keep up to date with research and reflection.
Timetables will be given to all students during induction week.
What qualifications will I get?
On the completion of this course, you will achieve UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design
How will I be assessed?
All units will be internally assessed and internally verified through student's online portfolio of practical and written/verbal evidence and are subject to UAL Awarding body's external quality assurance.
Units 1-7 are assessed on a pass-only basis. Unit 8 is the graded unit, where learners can achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction there are no exams on this course. (Unless retaking GCSE Maths and/or English)
The course is completely assessed at least 3 times a year on coursework with no external exams.
You will receive feedback after each assessment and will learn what grade you are working at and how to challenge and improve your work.
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 students work, meet the teaching team and other students who will be beginning the course in September.
What are the entry requirements?
4 GCSEs at grade D/3 including English, a successful interview and a good reference from your school.
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 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, or anything that impacts your learning 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?
Successful completion of this course can lead to enrolment onto a Level 3 qualification, apprenticeship or employment, if over 18.
Blossomfield Campus
Sept-2026
Various
TBC
N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds
CAAAX092BCF0
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.
