What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? Students choosing this course should be able to develop ideas visually and show commitment and energy. You should be able to meet deadlines for coursework and be able to organise and present your ideas in work journals. A passion for Photography is essential. In addition to the organised trips, students are required to attend galleries. You will need to produce a coursework folder together with final pieces for each unit. Coursework requires the writing of an essay 2,000-3,000 words. The course gradually increases the level of independence expected from a student. You will always be supported and guided. A high degree of independence is required in Unit 3 and 4, which assesses your ability to use the learning, gained over the two years of the course. What will I learn on this course? • Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding • Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops • Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress • Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements What skills will I develop by doing this course? • The ability to explore elements of visual language, line, form, colour, pattern and texture in the context of Photography • Awareness of intended audience or purpose for their chosen area(s) of Photography • The ability to respond to an issue, theme, concept or idea, or work to a brief or answer a need in Photography • Appreciation of viewpoint, composition, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed and movement • Appropriate use of the camera, film, lenses, filters and lighting for work in their chosen area(s) of Photography • Understanding of techniques related to the production of photographic images and, where appropriate, presentation and layout. What kind of student is this course suitable for? The course will appeal to students who are • Keen to develop their visual skills • Creative, enthusiastic and imaginative • Able to sustain an investigation • Able to enjoy visits to galleries, museums, workshops and studios • Willing to experiment and take risks in their work • Willing to review their progress and make improvements What could I go on to do at the end of my course? There are a large selection of Photography based careers and higher education opportunities including; • Animation • Commercial photography • Creative and editorial photography • Digital media • Fashion photography • Film and television • Film and visual culture • Forensic photography • Graphics with photography • Medical photography • Visual communication • Commercial photographer • Fashion photographer • Filmmaker • Fine art photographer • Forensic photographer • Industrial photographer • Medical photographer • Nature photographer • Photographic illustrator • Photographic technician • Teacher • Photojournalist • Picture editor • Researcher • Social photographer • Sports photographer