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This course is ideal for passionate photographers who want to explore the medium of photography while achieving a nationally recognised qualification. The course provides students with an exceptional portfolio ensuring access to University. You will also receive valuable advice on how to get started as a professional photographer.

This course will allow you to explore creative photography and develop a career in the photographic industry by completing projects based on realistic workplace situations, artistic live briefs and activities. This course will give you the skills you need to become a creative photographer with professional industry skills and an in-depth insight into the creative and artistic world of photography.

The Level 3 qualification is designed for students who want to further develop their photography knowledge and skills and develops students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in areas such as camera techniques, image processing and manipulation, history of photography and styles of photography such as portrait, location and documentary.

It is the substantial qualification component of the study programme and aims to help students develop the skills and understanding required to work in the sector or to undertake further learning.

Students will develop generic, transferable skills valued by employers, such as communication, planning and health and safety principles.

They will also research job opportunities or freelance options and assess their strengths in areas such as positive attitude, punctuality and self-motivation.

Skills include: Using SLR and DSLR cameras, Composition and visual design, Visual language and communication, Contextual awareness, Professional Practice, Recording Light, Problem solving, Concept development, Critique, Professional studio and Location Practice, 3D photography and design, Introduction to research, Introduction to Evaluation and Reflection, Professional Workflow, Project Development, Digital Manipulation, Digital interfaces, Analogue photography processes, Mixed Media techniques and processes.

Hidden Skills: Confidence, Articulation, Professional terminology, Collaboration, Time management, Organisation, Techniques and Processes, Independent learning, Professional environments, Critical thinking, Problem solving. Mathematics, English Language.

You will learn through a series of thought-provoking topics and themes, diverse assignments/live briefs and practical workshops, led by friendly, supportive and experienced staff.

Enrichment
All students will have the opportunity to visit and explore local galleries and surrounding areas such as the Hepworth, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Leeds City Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute.

Past industry links include: The Art House; The Ridings; Wakefield Bid; Art Walk Wakefield; Yorkshire Sculpture International.

Examples of some of the units you may study are:

• The creative process: It is often said that artists and designers follow a creative process when producing their work. This can start with inspiration and include elements of research, experimentation, and refinement, ending with the final realisation. Often artists and designers will use these activities to develop their own ways of working as they explore and cultivate their creative practice.
• Professional equipment: Learning how to capture light using professional cameras on manual settings as per industry standards. You will be taught how to use these on location as well as in a purpose-built photographic studio. In addition, you will be taught how to use all the equipment the accompanies a professional photographer including: lighting, tripods, reflectors, mobile flash units, studio flashes, diffuses and props.
• Analogue photography: working in the photographic darkroom in order to learn the timeless methods of manual photographic production. Using chemical based analogue photography in our custom-built dark room.
• Post-production skills and image manipulation using industry standard software; Adobe Photoshop and Light room and other Adobe products.
• Art and Design skills: Students will engage with large variety of photography and mixed media skills taught by discipline specialists in order to creatively adapt your photographic work and learn skills in which to produce high quality and unique final outcomes.
• Contextual awareness: Introduction on the importance of research into contextual influences, a professional skill that enables photographers in both in all photographic fields to ensure production of the highest quality of innovative photography.
• Professional Practice
• Visual language and communication

You will be continually assessed by your tutors throughout the academic year, and an external moderator will verify and confirm your final grades.

Year 1:

• Visual recording and communication
• Critical and contextual studies in art and design
• The creative Process
• Materials, techniques and process in art and design
• Photographic Materials, Techniques and Processes
• Unit 13: 3D Design Materials, Techniques and Processes

Year 2:

• Developing and Realising Creative Intentions
• Managing a Client Brief
• Professional Practice in Art and Design
• Studio Photography
• Location photography
•  Digital Image Capture and Editing
• Non-Digital Photographic Techniques

4 GCSEs at Grade 9 - 4, including English or Maths
OR
4 GCSEs at Grade 9 - 4 and Level 2 in either English or Maths
OR
Successful completion of Level 2 or equivalent at Merit Grade, plus GCSE English or Maths at Grade 4 or Level 2 English or Maths

On completion with the appropriate pass and English and maths grades you can progress through the levels. Students may wish to progress onto higher education on completion of the study programme. Universities offer a wide range of specialist photography courses. You could progress to an HND in Photography here at Wakefield College. Options for your progression will be discussed as part of your tutorial sessions and applications will form part of the second year of the programme for those wishing to apply.

Higher Education Creative Industries BA (Hons) is a top-up course designed for those who have an interest in the particular production-based strands of the industry and who already hold a Foundation Degree, a Higher National Diploma or an equivalent higher-level qualification in an appropriate subject. This is a new course subject to validation.