AS/A Level Art and Design (Photography)

Key Details

Available at:
Rhos-on-Sea, Rhyl, Dolgellau
Study Mode:
Full-time
Course Length:
1-2 years

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AS/A Level Art and Design (Photography)

Full-time (Further Education)

Dolgellau

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Rhos-on-Sea

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Rhyl

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Applying for more than one A Level? You can apply from this page and you will have the opportunity to add your additional A Level subjects at the end of the application process.

Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.

Course Description

Are you passionate about photography? Would you like to develop a working artistic knowledge of photography, its development and its applications?

This course explores the methods, equipment and technologies of photography. It encourages you to appreciate the visual world, and enables you to respond creatively through photography. The course is suitable for people who want to work in commercial and professional mode, as well as those who want to explore innovative methods or ideas.

You will accumulate a range of practical skills, whilst learning to transform your ideas into finished work. You will also develop experimental, analytical and documenting skills, helping you to evolve as both a producer and viewer of photography.

The course can be taken as part of a full-time programme of study in conjunction with other AS subjects or possibly with other Level 3 qualifications.

Please note that this course is available as an AS Level only at the Dolgellau campus.

Entry Criteria

Applying for A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any of the subjects you are interested in studying. You will be able to specify your other two A Level choices during the online application process.

The A Level subject grids for each campus can be found in the guides on the A Level section of the website.

In order to qualify for this course, you will need the following:

6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language
GCSE in creative subject grade C, together with a folder of work which should be brought with you to interview

As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.

Progression to A Level is based on your performance at AS Level.

There is an additional resource fee of £20 on this course.

Delivery

The course is delivered through a blend of the following:

Theoretical learning
Practical work
Visits to local, national and international galleries
Virtual Learning Environment (MOODLE)

Your programme will include a combination of:

Essential Skills qualifications and/or
GCSE resits and/or
The Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.

The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.

Essential Skills

This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills

GCSE resits

This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.

Maths & Welsh/English

If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.

Assessment

In the first year, to achieve the AS level, you will complete a single coursework unit equating to 40% of the full A Level. This is assessed via a blend of interim assessment and feedback, with final external moderation taking place at the end of the AS year.

In the second year, to achieve the full A Level, you will also complete a 'Personal Investigation' plus 'Externally Set Assignment' which together will equate to 60% of the full A Level.

Progression

The AS Level course adds to your qualifications and helps you to progress. You will gain UCAS points and be able to use these towards your application for a Higher Education course.

If you choose to continue your studies in this subject, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers the following degree courses:

Foundation Degree (FdA) Art and Design
Foundation Degree (FdA) Photography
BA (Hons) Fine Art

Your career options would encompass a variety of photography and media environments. You could work independently as a photographer, in both an artistic and commercial context. You could also enter employment in the creative industries: for example, in advertising, web design, TV, film, publishing, illustration or product design.

Other possible career opportunities include education, gallery or museum work, theatre or festival related work, archive work or work within the print industry.