What will I study?
Level Photography provides the opportunity for students to develop a broad range of photographic skills using traditional analogue methods, digital editing and fine art outcomes such as sculpture and installation. The course requires students to make in-depth personal and imaginative responses to a chosen theme. Students use research and problem-solving to independently develop ideas. Analysis of visual imagery helps students to interpret visual language and use it to communicate complex and personal concepts. The course requires students to make in-depth personal and imaginative responses to chosen themes and has a strong academic element through the critical evaluation of the work of photographers. Students learn how to develop ideas in response to contextual studies through exploration of media, techniques and processes.
This course consists of two components.
• Component 1:
Personal Investigation (60%)
The coursework includes a ‘Personal Investigation’ through sketchbooks and outcomes, and a written ‘Personal Study’.
• Component 2:
Externally Set Assignment (40%)
The examination includes sketchbooks and outcomes completed from January to April with a 15 hour exam to produce final outcomes.
Both components involve creative problem solving which requires students to undertake investigative and research work in addition to experimental exploration, looking at alternative ways of finding a solution. Sketchbook work needs to be informed, purposeful and extensive. Students must work with independence carrying out in-depth research from a range of primary sources, critiquing and referencing their experimentation before developing their final responses. The independent and open nature of work is demanding. Therefore, students must be prepared to be committed, self-motivated, and innovative risk takers.
Where will it lead?
This course enables students to move on to a wide range of Art and Design courses at Foundation and Degree level e.g. Photography, Film & Media, Fashion, Creative Advertising, or a combination of Photography with Journalism, Business or Marketing. The creativity, problem solving skills and personal resilience that students develop through completing this course are highly sought after across many sectors.
Links with other courses:
Art and Design: Photography is complementary to most subjects but in particular; Media, English, Psychology, Film Studies, History, Drama, Classical Civilisation, Fine Art, Textiles and Graphics.
