Photography Level 3 Edexcel Diploma Suite (FT)

Photography Level 3 Edexcel Diploma Suite

Course Length: 1 or 2 years

Venue:
Myerscough College (Preston)

• Course Content
• How to Apply

Click to Apply: Level 3 Edexcel Diploma Suite Photography (Preston)

Brief Description of the Course:

(NB: All programmes are based on credit accumulation. Each unit of study is worth either 5 or 10 credits towards the total amount needed to achieve the qualification).

The College offers opportunity to study at level 3 (A level equivalent) for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of Photography - encompassing practical techniques, academic knowledge and technical skills. It is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Diploma students. The course incorporates a mix of practicals, classroom lectures, industry visits and case study exercises.

For learners with 4 GCSEs including English Language at Grade C, the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma has 6 units (60 Credits) of study and makes up the first year of the Level 3 Diploma qualification, 12 units (120 Credits) for learners that wish to study for 1 or 2 years. Students wishing to do the Level 3 Diploma over 2 years must have 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above including English Language and Maths or Science or another Level 2 qualification at Merit level with a Key Skill at Level 2.

Applicants with at least 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including English Language, Maths and Science or course specific (which could include Chemistry, Combined Science, Biology, Physics or PE etc) will be able to apply for the Level 3 Extended Diploma studied over 2 years requiring successful completion of 18 or more units (180 Credits).

Students will also receive training and assessment in a large range of additional qualifications, which will enhance their employability.

During the first year students will gain practical experience in taking photographs using both film and digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras, printing and processing black and white films, using Photoshop for basic manipulations to photos and basic studio photography.

Entry Criteria:

These courses give a good technical training and education providing a vocational alternative to A Levels and the opportunity for successful students to progress to Higher Education. Students are normally aged 16 or over and the following requirements are needed:

Advanced Level 3 Suite:

¨ Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma - (60 credits in 1 year)

4 GCSEs including English Language at Grade C or above, or a Level 2 qualification (eg First Diploma at Pass level including at least 1 key skill at level 2 in either Application of Number or Communication), or equivalent qualifications.

¨ Level 3 BTEC Diploma - (120 credits in 2 years)

4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including at least 1 in English Language and Maths or Science or a Level 2 qualification (eg First Diploma at Merit level including at least 1 key skill at level 2 in either Application of Number or Communication), or equivalent qualifications.

¨ Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma - (180 credits in 2 years)

5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths and English Language plus one course specific GCSE such as Science, Biology or PE or an Intermediate Level course (eg First Diploma at Distinction including at least 1 key skill at level 2 in either Application of Number or Communication), or equivalent qualifications.

In addition Learning Areas may apply specific agreed aptitude assessments that assist selection

Applicants for all courses in Photography are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and have a strong personal statement. It is also preferable, but not essential to have a GCSE in Art, Design, Photography, Textiles or another creative discipline.

List of Units:

¨ Visual Recording in Art and Design: This module aims to extend your ability to select and visually record from a range of sources in order to communicate information to different audiences using appropriate presentation methods and for a range of specific purposes.

¨ Materials, Techniques and Processes in Art and Design: The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding in working safely and creatively with the materials, techniques and processes associated with photography.

¨ Ideas and Concepts in Art and Design: This module aims to broaden and deepen your understanding of what constitutes creative thinking across contemporary and historical art and design in order to inform your own practice.

¨ Communication Through Art and Design: This module aims to develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge, skills and understanding of communication through art and design. You will do this by studying how practitioners use primarily visual imagery to communicate ideas, messages and meaning, then apply findings to your own ideas.

¨ Photographic Studio Techniques: The aim of this module is to enable you to understand the studio techniques and studio requirements associated with specialist types of studio photography. You will create specialist studio photographs and develop your ideas with reference to published examples of professional specialist studio photography. You will review your own specialist studio photographs with reference to the technical and aesthetic requirements of the identified specialist studio photography area.

¨ Photography Location Techniques: The aim of this module is to introduce you to the equipment and techniques needed to start using photography on location. You will develop your location photography skills when using equipment and techniques to create your own location photography.

¨ Darkroom Practice: This module will introduce you to the equipment, materials and techniques needed to start using traditional wet-based darkroom practices. You will develop your traditional wet-based darkroom skills whilst using equipment and materials to create your own photographs in the darkroom.

¨ Personal and Professional Development in Art and Design: This module will guide you on how to gather information about your professional development in art and design. Practitioners in this field need to present their work to a range of audiences such as team members, clients, potential employers and interview panels. You will set personal goals and compile a professional portfolio to support progression.

¨ Freelance Work in Art and Design: The aim of this module is to introduce you to the freelance sector in art, craft and design. You will explore contemporary practice, organisational methods, investigate practical considerations used by practitioners and create a potential business plan and portfolio for freelance activity in your chosen pathway.

¨ Studio Photography: This module introduces you to the characteristics of studio based photography. You will create studio photographs using technology, techniques and media in the studio. You will develop ideas for your own studio photography with reference to published examples of historical and contemporary studio photography practice.

¨ Specialist Location Photography: In working through this module you will have the opportunity to develop your work in your chosen specialist field or fields under the umbrella of studio photography. This study may be used to develop earlier study on studio photography units within the photography pathway.

¨ Digital Image Capture and Editing: This module introduces you to digital image capture, scanning equipment and the techniques associated with digital image capture, editing and processing. You will develop skills in digital image capture and processing when you use digital scanning equipment and image processing software to capture, edit and manipulate images digitally.

¨ Location Photography: This module will introduce you to the characteristics of location photography. You will create photographs on location whilst developing your ability to use the technology, media and techniques associated with location photography.

¨ Experimental Imagery in Photography: This module will extend your creative and technical skills through the development of research skills and investigative approaches to manipulating photographic materials, processes, procedures and subject matter. The development and understanding of how photographic imagery can be manipulated and challenged, is central to this investigation.

¨ Image Manipulation Using Computer Applications: Image manipulation is an exciting and fast moving area of design. Image Manipulation skills are highly sought after in the art and design industry and can be applied in areas such as graphic design, post production editing, illustration, fine art, photography and fashion. In this module you will develop technical and creative kills in image manipulation.

¨ Application, Exploration and Realisation in Art and Design: In this module you will develop and extend your specialist subject knowledge, realising your creative potential through personal research, experimentation and communication of ideas using specialist art and design media.

¨ Contextual Influences in Art and Design: The aim of this module is to develop understanding of how historical and cultural influences inform art, craft and design. You will do this by researching and recording information whilst developing critical and analytical skills and relating this to your own developing practice.

Assessments:

Assessments will include assignments, presentations and reports. There are no formal examinations on the Level 3 BTEC Diploma.

Possible Careers / Jobs:

Employment opportunities in media, photography and its related industries are currently very good. The Subsidiary, Diploma and Extended Diploma in Photography provide the qualification and experience for entry into the industry at an operational level with future prospects for management.

Progression:

As a course equivalent to A Level the Level 3 BTEC Diploma is an ideal spring board for progression to a Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) Degree depending on UCAS points gained.

Special Requirements:

1 Specialist Clothing and Equipment: Waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear essential. A digital SLR camera. CF or SD memory card and photographic paper. (A full list will be given out at induction).

2 Extra Costs: Field trips to a variety of locations such as trade shows, events or gallery entrance may incur entrance fee charges. Black and white film stock can be processed on the premises, but colour film and digital printing will incur processing costs. There is an optional study tour.

To apply for this course please select the coloured tab, relating to the centre you wish to study at, on the right hand side of this screen. You can save your progress if you prefer to do it in stages but you must complete all sections of the form.

Special Education Needs and Disability Prospective students who have a disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible. Reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate student needs and to provide appropriate support to enable successful completion of the course of study. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments.

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.