UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication – Photography
Course Information
- Course Type School Leaver
- Subject Area Art and Design
- Qualification UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Level Level 3
- Location Centre for Creative Industries
- Course Length 2 years
This course is equivalent to three A Levels, full-time and two-years in length. The Extended Diploma is intended for those students who are committed to visual arts in whatever form and want to make a career in it. It will help you to build a portfolio for a university place or apply directly for a job in the industry.
Overview
If you are serious about a career in photography, this specialist course is perfect for you. The emphasis of the course is your personal development as a photographer, but we’ll also teach you about analogue and digital photography, cameraless and lensless processes, editing, picture layout, photojournalism, commercial, fashion, portrait and other photographic genres and the commercial aspects of a career in the creative industries.
Who is this course for?
Choose this course if you enjoy ordering the visual world through a lens and want to develop your own creative voice as a photographer.
- What you will study
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On this course you will:
- Be making photographs from the day you start to the day you finish
- Be taught a range of techniques and processes in our fully equipped darkrooms and photographic studios
- Enjoy a balance of practical/studio work alongside developing an understanding of photographic theories and commercial practices
- Visit local, national and international galleries, including an optional residential visit to a European city such as Florence, Venice, Paris or Berlin
- Define your individual style and build up a strong portfolio of work
- This course relies on your independence as you will be completing many off-site photo shoots.
- Assessment
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The course is assessed entirely through coursework, with no exams. Year 1: Units 1-3. Year 2: Units 4-6. Units 1, 2, 4 and 5 are assessed as Pass/Fail. Units 3 and 6 are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. Assessment is based on project work, including research, idea development, experimentation, practical outcomes and evaluation.
- Entry requirements
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Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths.* Three GCSEs at grade 3 or above. You should have Art GCSE (or a related subject such as DT) at grade 6 or above and an interest in, and a passion for art and design and photography. If you are not taking Art GCSE, you will be required to show a portfolio of work and/or undertake a creative attribution project. You will be expected to share a portfolio of artwork at your interview.
*If you do not achieve a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Maths you may still be considered for this course, but you will be required to study this subject alongside your course.
Progression and careers
You could progress to specialist courses at Exeter College, including a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Alternatively you may want to pursue a university degree in your chosen area of interest or pursue a career path in photography. Future job roles might include camera operator, picture editor, archivist, researcher, photo editor or photographer (fashion, wedding, events, aerial, portrait, marine, wildlife, fine art).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the grades worth?
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Pass = equivalent to 3 x D grades at A Level (72 UCAS points)
Merit = equivalent to 3 x B grades at A Level (120 UCAS points)
Distinction = equivalent to 3 x A* grades at A Level (168 UCAS points) - What is the difference between the Diploma and Extended Diploma?
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In Year 1, you study the UAL Diploma and specialise in Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles, Illustration and Graphics, or Photography. You develop practical skills and explore creative processes.
In Year 2, you progress to the Extended Diploma, working more independently on ambitious projects and building a portfolio for university, apprenticeships or employment. - What is the timetable like on the Diploma/Extended Diploma?
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Students receive 16.5 hours of taught lessons across four days each week. In addition, we recommend a minimum of 15 hours of independent study to support research, develop project work, and produce the portfolio evidence required for assessment. This independent study is an important part of the course and helps students develop the skills needed for higher education and the creative industries.
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Have a question?
Need help your application?
Speak to us today on: 01392 400500
Message us via our contact form
Ready to find out more?Why not come along to one of our open events, a chance to explore our facilities, ask questions about our courses and find out more about being a student at Exeter College.
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How to apply
Ready to start your journey?
Applying is straightforward:
1) Complete our online application form
2) Submit your GCSE results or predicted grades
3) Attend an interview
4) Receive your offer and enrol
What our students think?
“I really enjoy College life. Learning and being able to spend time with people your own age, who also love the subjects that you do, is great. I would like to go to university to study Architecture.” Read more >
“I have enjoyed using all the great facilities at Exeter College – being able to access the studios and dark rooms is excellent. Studying Photography full time has opened my eyes to all the different aspects of the subject and the opportunities to take it further.” Summer, studied Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Photography)... Read more >
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