This is a modern, contemporary photography programme providing you with the skills and knowledge to work in the global creative industries, in particular photography and moving image.
Throughout this 1 year course, you'll develop your creative potential through practical projects, gain an understanding of how the industry works, and prepare you for higher education and/or work.
On completion of this course, you could progress to the second year, the BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice, to further develop your skills and understanding.
The Level 3 Photography Course at Barking and Dagenham College is designed to develop your creative, technical, and critical thinking skills in photography, preparing you for dynamic careers in the industry.
The course covers a comprehensive range of projects in documentary, fashion and fine-art photography; applying digital and film photography methodologies, advanced lighting setups, and post-production using industry-standard software such as Capture One Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe InDesign. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical experience, you will gain proficiency in image capture and visual storytelling, fostering your unique artistic development.
The course is a 100% coursework and regular assessments are carried out by your course team. Tutorials take place throughout the year. There are no formal examinations on this course.
You will use the latest state-of-the-art equipment, including:
- Photography studios
- C41 colour film processing
- B&W Film Processing and Darkrooms
- Colour Darkrooms
- Post-Production Suites
- Analogue and Digital cameras.
Collaboration with students on other programmes and with external creatives to enhance your networking and creative skills is also a key part of the course.
You will need to have GCSE Maths, English Language and two additional subjects at grade 4 (C) or above.
As part of the application process you will also be asked to explain why you want to study this course, so that we can ensure any course offer made aligns to your career goals.
Or you will have successfully completed an appropriate Level 2 qualification. You will also need to provide a portfolio of work, as well as a reference.
The department has excellent links and networks in the photography, moving image, art and fashion industries and these are brought into the curriculum through visits, guest lectures, collaboration and work-experience opportunities.
On completion of the BTEC National Diploma (1 year), you will be able to progress to the BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice (2nd year). If you successfully complete both years, you'll be able to progress to higher education.
Alternatively, you may choose to progress to an internship, an Apprenticeship, or into employment in the creative industries.
We have a proven track record of students entering the industry as photographers, filmmakers, creative directors, retouchers, studio assistants, etc.
The qualification is nationally recognised with a focus on the practical application of skills and knowledge required by tomorrow’s industry.
