You will have a keen interest in all aspects of photography from film photography to digital and social media photography. Students taking this subject have access to a professionally equipped studio and the use of bookable industry standard equipment and a dark room to fully realise their creative potential.  

The course involves a variety of practical, theoretical and historical perspectives relating to photography as art, communication and illustration. Both analogue and digital photography are taught on this course. We cover many types of photography from documentary, portraiture, studio and pinhole whilst experimenting with lighting and location shooting.  

You can also join a range of creative academies to further enhance your skillset. These include media, music, design, fashion and photography.

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Topics include:

• Lense-less photography
• Skills in exposure theory
• Studio lighting
• Medium/large format techniques
• Composition
• Processing and printing in the darkroom
• Scanning and manipulating images in photoshop on Apple Mac computers
• Presentation techniques

ACTIVITY SHEET – Click to download activities designed to give you a deeper understanding of the subject.

Entry Requirements

You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 5 range, including English.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through coursework and project work that is evidenced through sketchbooks and a portfolio of images, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds. Your final A Level exam will be made up of a 15 hour practical exam at the end of the year. You will create exam preparatory work from February up to the exam date.

Additional Costs

A materials and studio fee is collected when you enrol and there are additional costs if you take part in residential trips. The materials/studio fee covers part of the extensive consumables we use on the course, from sketchbooks to darkroom chemicals.

Progression Options

You will be able to pursue a range of higher education opportunities, career paths or apprenticeships in the creative sector as well as across a range of other sectors. You can also remain at the College and study our FdA Media Production through the University Centre Somerset.

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I thought photography was just taking nice photos, but I’ve learned about communicating a message and interpretation. The facilities are far better than the other colleges I looked at and even some I’ve seen at university open days.

RACHEL PARKINGSON
A Levels (English Language, History & Photography)