Photography

L3 Level 3
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

Explore and develop your creative skills and knowledge by studying the BTEC Extended Diploma in Photography. You will gain practical and theoretical knowledge from experienced lecturers and by using our photographic facilities. There is a focus on creative thinking, skills and ideas development, and preparing learners for progression into higher education or employment (within the creative industries).
In the first year of the course you will gain your BTEC 540 diploma, then in the second year you complete the extended diploma.

What you will study

Students will study:

  • Informing ideas, problem solving, technical skills, professional practice, and communication are fundamental to learning on this course.
  • There are course field trips (national and international) and regular exhibition visits.
  • There is a programme of guest speakers that will include practising photographers, visiting lecturers, and creative industry experts.
  • All members of the photography teaching team are experienced in working within the photographic industry and the wider creative industries.
  • On successful completion of year 1 students will progress to year 2.

Year 1:

Learners will study one unit,1.Exploring and Developing Art and Design Skills (Photography). Learning is centered on skills, knowledge and creative development; exposure, camera craft, digital image capture, post image production, studio and location lighting, and experimental imagery.

Year 2:

Learners will study two units,1.Exploring and Developing Art (Photography), 2. Design Skills Advancing Creative Practice (Photography).Advanced learning will be assessed through project folio work such as fashion photography, photo art, and publishing.

This course provides learners with the opportunity to develop their technical and creative skills through a process of critical evaluation, practice and reflection. These are all key skills for progression to higher education and employment.

Course fee per year

Studio Fees: £65.00

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs A* - C including English Language or Maths or a Level 2 Diploma in this discipline at Pass grade or higher. You must provide a portfolio of work during your interview.

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

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

18 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

CDCC3F04
L3

Qualification

Photography

More...

Videos

Career prospects & further study

56,000

The Creative industries is one of the fastest growing sectors with 56,000 people employed in Wales.

CAVC offer a progression route to higher education through studying the Foundation Degree in Photography (based at the Arts Academy). Students who achieve the Foundation Degree can further progress to study a full BA Hons in Photography at USW.

The BTEC Extended Diploma in Photography provides students with the broad set of skills required for employment. Students will be suitably qualified and possess the skills to work within the creative industries.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE