Photography - AS

L3 Level 3
Part Time
3 September 2024 — 28 June 2025
City Centre Campus, Cardiff
£: This course is free for unemployed adults or adults in receipt of specific benefits. If eligible, you do not pay the 'Course fee' listed under 'Course fee per year'. A registration fee of £10-40 may be charged. Any professional registration fee / exam fee / other fee listed will need to be paid for. Financial support for these costs may be available. To find our more go to www.cavc.ac.uk/PartTimeFunding

About this course

Our aim is to equip you with the ability to take great photographs and explore image-making in a variety of digital media. You will gain insight into the contextual and creative aspects of the subject, alongside the technical elements of image construction, learning how to use digital camera equipment and the manipulation software package Adobe Photoshop to produce portrait, landscape, still life or abstract photographic images. You will also develop skills in picture editing and image analysis.

This subject is ideally suited to those with an interest in photography, film & visual art. It is a great way to enhance a portfolio for entry into Higher Education or for those who would like a practical subject to balance other academic subjects. This course is very enjoyable but is not an easy option and you must be able to manage your time effectively to take photographs on a regular basis, with successful students shooting consistently in their own time, throughout each project.

Note: You will need to use your own digital camera (Compact £100 - DSLR £400) and will have to get final imagery enlarged at commercial printing labs throughout the course. You may incur extra expenses for educational visits, materials or printing costs.

What you will study

The following units will be studied:

Unit 1: Coursework Portfolio 

A general introduction to the area of photography in the arts. It aims to equip you with the ability to take great photographs, use digital cameras and confidently use computer manipulation software to produce lens-based imagery. You will gain insight into the historical and theoretical aspects of the subject, and develop a thorough understanding of composition, style and use of visual language in photography.

Assessment:

  • Group critique sessions.
  • Submission of a research digital workbook and final images.
  • Continuous assessment of practical & written coursework.
  • No final exam

Entry requirements

  • A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade A* - C including English Language and Maths.
  • Interview.

Individual subjects may require higher grades. 
Mature learners without these qualifications may be accepted after an interview with the subject tutor.

Course times

17:45 - 20:45 on Wednesday. 

Teaching and assessment

Practical assessments and coursework

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

Course code

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“I definitely think the College has helped me achieve my goals. It's been a really great, supportive learning environment. I've really enjoyed studying all of my courses. I think it's a really nice environment to study in.

A Levels
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Studying A Levels in Classics, English Literature and History

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Art
  • Animation
  • Business and Management
  • Graphic Design
  • Media Studies
  • Photography

Need to know

A Levels

Scholars Programme

Gain the skills and support to succeed at top-level universities.
Performing Arts

Opportunities

CAVC offers lots of opportunities beyond your studies including a great enrichment programme and sporting opportunities.

Next steps

Find out more

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