Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Photography) - Level 3 Diploma
Start Date:
2 September 2026
Centre:
King's Cross
Attendance:
Full Time
Time of Day:
Daytime
Duration:
2 Years
Level:
Level 3
Most suitable for:
16 - 18
Course Code:
45304
CAREER PROSPECTS
Interior Designers
Clothing, Fashion and Accessories Designers
Graphic and Multimedia Designers
Artists
ABOUT
Images are part of everyday life—do you love looking at and creating them? If you’re passionate about photography, graphic-based communication, and exploring both traditional and emerging technologies like AI, then this course is ideal for you.
This course equips you with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for contemporary image-making. It encourages you to develop creative ideas through analogue film and digital photography, graphic design, and artificial intelligence. You will explore visual storytelling through a wide range of photographic imagery and graphic project briefs.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
A key focus of the course is hands-on experience with film photography and darkroom processes. You will learn to shoot on film, develop negatives, and create prints in the darkroom—deepening your understanding of exposure, composition, and materiality. Alongside this, you will build proficiency in digital photography, graphic-based techniques, and AI-assisted image creation and editing, reflecting how traditional methods and new technologies can inform and enhance one another.
You will research a wide array of artists and image-makers—including analogue photographers, digital creatives, and AI innovators—to gain insight into their processes and how they use different tools to express ideas. You will also gain expertise in software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as AI-powered applications used for image generation, enhancement, and automation. Working in the studio, you will learn how to use studio flash to shape light, developing control over mood, texture, and atmosphere in your images.
This course prepares you to work confidently with bitmap and vector-based platforms, while also embracing the artistic and tactile possibilities of traditional photographic practice.
Alongside these traditional practices, you will build proficiency in digital photography, graphic-based techniques, and AI-assisted image creation and editing, reflecting how classic methods and cutting-edge technologies can inform and enhance one another.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You will need:
- Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit or Functional Skills in Maths and English.
All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.
COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
Course units can include:
Year 1
- Unit 1: The Creative Process 180 GLH Internally assessed and verified portfolio of evidence
- Unit 2: Developing Creative 180 GLH Internally assessed and practice verified portfolio of evidence
- Unit 3: Responding to a Set 180 GLH Internally assessed, brief assignment, externally moderated by UAL Awarding Body
Year 2
- Unit 4: Researching an N/A Internally assessed and specialist industry-verified portfolio of evidence practice
- Unit 5: Specialist Technical N/A Internally assessed and skills development verified portfolio of evidence
- Unit 6: Specialist Creative N/A Internally assessed assignment outcome and final project, externally moderated by UAL Awarding Body
FEES
AGED 16 - 18
If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.
Please see here for the documents you need to show us.
Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.
PROGRESSION
Successful completion of this course prepares students for higher education or employment in the creative industries. Possible progression routes include:
- Degree courses in Illustration, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Animation, Fine Art, and related fields.
- Entry into creative industry roles, including Freelance Illustration, Publishing, Advertising, Digital Design, and Media Production.
- Further specialist study through foundation courses or apprenticeships.
UCAS Points:
- Year 1 Pass (P) 36 points, Merit (M) 60 points, Distinction (D) 84 points.
- Year 2 Pass (P) 72 points, Merit (M) 120 points, Distinction (D) 168 points.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Interior Designers
Clothing, Fashion and Accessories Designers
Graphic and Multimedia Designers
Artists
