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A Level Photography

Marketing Title
Level 3
Full-Time
ALPHO (2021/2023)
06/09/2021
Format
24/06/2023
Format
Nelson and Colne College - Nelson and Colne College, Scotland Road, Nelson, BB9 7YT
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Course Information

Course Information
See the world differently with A Level Photography!

You’ll develop your technical skills, explore a range of creative styles, and build a professional portfolio that showcases your unique vision.

Working with digital and traditional media, you'll learn how to tell stories through images and prepare for careers in photography, media, marketing or art.

Capture your creativity and open new doors to exciting opportunities.
If you’re creative, love taking photos, and want to tell stories through powerful images, A Level Photography is the perfect course for you. This is your chance to explore both traditional and digital photography, experimenting with styles from portrait and fashion to documentary, landscapes, experimental imagery and mote. You won’t just learn how to take photos—you’ll discover how to bring ideas to life and communicate meaning visually.

You’ll get hands-on with cameras, lighting, and composition, mastering technical skills like using a DSLR, working with the exposure triangle, editing with Photoshop, and even exploring darkroom techniques. Alongside practical projects, you’ll research the work of inspiring photographers from different times and cultures, helping you to develop your own unique style and voice.

The course is split into two parts: a Personal Investigation, where you’ll build a portfolio and complete a written study on a theme that excites you, and an Externally Set Assignment, where you’ll respond to a theme set by the exam board and produce a final piece under controlled conditions.

Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to think independently, experiment creatively, and reflect on how photography influences—and is influenced by—society and popular culture. You may even have the chance to exhibit your work, showing off your skills to others.

Whether you dream of a career in the arts, fashion, media, or film—or just want to take your passion for photography to the next level—this course is your opportunity to make your ideas shine.
To enrol on this course, you will need 3 GCSE passes at a minimum of Grade 4 and 2 at Grade 5, which must include English Language or Literature and Maths at Grade 4.
3 GCSE passes at a minimum of Grade 4 and 2 at Grade 5, which must include English Language and Maths at Grade 4.
A Level Photography is assessed through a combination of coursework and a final exam project, completed across the two-year course. Coursework makes up 60% of the final grade and involves a Personal Investigation: a practical portfolio of photographs supported by a written element (around 1,000–3,000 words) exploring your creative journey. The remaining 40% comes from an Externally Set Assignment (ESA), where you’ll respond to a theme provided by the exam board. This includes a preparatory period followed by a 15-hour supervised practical session to produce your final outcome. Assessment focuses on creativity, technical skill, and personal expression.
A Level Photography builds your visual, technical, and creative skills, leading to careers like photographer (commercial, portrait, wildlife, or sports), photojournalist, videographer, or graphic designer. You could also explore roles in marketing, content creation, or museum and gallery curation. Many photographers go freelance, but starting as a photo assistant, retoucher, or studio manager helps you gain valuable experience. This course also opens doors to creative roles like digital marketer, art director, or multimedia specialist.

Fee and Waiver Information

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Our courses are funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA).

In some circumstances, this funding allows us to offer courses at a reduced cost to learners who meet certain eligibility criteria. Below are the standard course fees for Lancashire residents and, where applicable, the reduced fees available to eligible learners.

To qualify for reduced fees, you may be required to complete a fee assessment and provide evidence to support your eligibility.

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The standard fee for anyone living outside of the LCCA funded area (e.g. if your home address is in the Greater Manchester devolved funded area) is charged at £12.10 per hour, but may be higher for some courses.

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Course Fees (evidence may be required) Fee
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