UAL Level 3 Award and Certificate in Photography
Course level: 3
Course code: Q1593
12/09/2025
a future adult learner (19+)
Is this course right for me?
The course will introduce new photographers and digital print artists to the potential of the photographic medium, support you in your progress and development as image-makers by instilling strong technical, conceptual and visual skills and expand your knowledge of both contemporary and historical photography and graphic artists.
Alongside specialist photography and digital imaging topics you will also work on projects that develop transferable skills that are relevant to all areas of creative arts and will prepare you for the next career step. Our tutors are practicing photographers and artists and bring current industry practice to the classroom.
The course is taught through a range of approaches designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop your technical and conceptual skills.
We aim to provide you with an experience that balances the development of creativity with the technical skills involved in the creation of pieces of photographic and digital print work. Through our experienced tutors you will receive extensive guidance for application to higher level courses together with help to build a varied portfolio of work enable you to progress successfully.
City of Wolverhampton College is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Photography Pathway).
Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access this course you are required to:
- Have a Level 2 qualification in photography OR
- Relevant knowledge and experience of photography
- Attend an interview and provide examples of your work to demonstrate your suitability for the course
In addition, the following would be an advantage:
- Basic knowledge of using Photoshop
- Your own digital SLR camera you can use during and outside of lessons, however if you do not have access to this equipment you will be provided with one to use during lessons.
What will I learn?
During this course you will study:
- Darkroom practice
- Studio techniques
- Location photography
- Portraiture
- Photoshop
- Experimental photography
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will:
- Gain experience in the potential of still photography, both traditional and digital
- Learn location photography techniques where you will explore the basic principles of camera operation, lens selection, composition and visual imagery
- Learn studio based techniques where you will build on your current knowledge to further develop your skills and outcomes in the studio environment
How will I be assessed?
This is an assignment based course so there are no exams. You will be continually assessed throughout the programme and the course will culminate in a final project which will be graded as pass, merit or distinction.
What can I do next?
The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:
- Enrol on our HND in photography
- Pursue further study in art and design or graphic design
Future careers
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At City of Wolverhampton College, we boast strong links with leading universities and over 1,000 employers – meaning our courses are all career focussed and relevant.
Like what you’ve seen?
Then it’s time to apply.
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