A-Levels: Photography

Why study Photography?
Students choose to study Photography because they are interested in image making and they want to explore Photography as a creative medium. Through mainly practical projects you can explore photography as a key art form of the 20th and 21st Centuries. The course encourages looking at other photographers' and artists' work in order to influence your own ideas and practice. You will enjoy learning to use a single lens reflex camera, process your own film, make your own photographic prints and experiment with materials. Within coursework projects you have the opportunity to explore personal imagery and express yourself.
The AS course does not have a Digital Photography element but there is an option for this at A2.

What do I study?
Year 1 (AS)
Unit 1: Coursework
Students will explore one or more themes, exploring two dimensional visual language (shape, pattern, texture, tone,
form etc), research relevant photographers' work to inform their own practice and experiment widely with photographic means of transforming images.
Unit 2: Externally Set Project
A practical examination project with a theme set by the Exam Board. Research and analysis of other photographers' and artists' work will be integrated into all units.
Year 2 (A2)
Unit 3: This is a major unit of coursework where students need to respond at a significantly higher level than in the first year. Students will thoroughly research a topic of personal interest which will lead to practical project work thoroughly experimenting with image design and photographic materials.
Unit 4: The practical exam unit involves a theme set by the Exam Board, in the form of a major project.

Where does Photography take me?
Photography is a valid choice in combination with any other A-level for nearly all university degree courses. A-level Photography is particularly useful if you wish to study Photography, Film, Video Production, Graphic Design, Fine Art or Media at HND/Degree or for those wishing to do an Art Foundation course first. Some students have found employment directly as a Photographer's Assistant or an Editorial Assistant on a magazine.