Course Content

The Art and Design Photography course aims to develop students' practical, creative and communication skills through the use of photography, as a means of personal enquiry and expression involving the selection and manipulation of images.  Students must employ creative approaches that go beyond mere observation and recording. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce exciting work using their own initiative.
AS Level

Visual language: the creative elements of photography and art, use of the camera, lenses and film, use of light, darkroom techniques, manipulation of images, contextual references though research into the work of others, analysis and critical evaluation.

A2 Level

Aims to build upon the experience of the first year in greater depth, with students identifying and developing a personal specialism.

Entry Requirements

For a four subject AS Level programme at ED6 you will need a minimum of five GCSEs at A* to C including English and Maths, or equivalent. You’ll need a grade B or better in an art-related subject at GCSE. To progress to A2 Level a minimum of grade D at AS Level is required.

Portfolio (Art)

Art students will be required to bring a portfolio with them to a specially organised interview with a member of the Art staff. In this case, you WILL need a good grade at
GCSE in an art-based qualification, but it may be that the work you have undertaken at school has been different to what we will ask you to do at ED6. The portfolio interview therefore matches your expectations with ours.

Entry is subject to a successful interview and it is useful to bring a portfolio of work with you to the interview. If you have been out of education for some time, you may wish to consider the Access to Higher Education programme as an alternative to A Levels.

Assessment

Coursework 60%. Practical assignments accompanied by relevant preliminary/supporting studies. Contextual study (A2 Level), a personal research study on a relevant topic (photographer/movement/technique) of the student’s choice.

Externally set assignment (AS and A2 Level) 40%. The student selects a question from the examination paper as the basis for a major piece of work.

Progression

A Level Photography provides an ideal springboard for students who intend to study photography at degree level. It also provides skills that are key to those who intend to pursue media, journalism and many other related career paths. Students who would like to study Art and Design at Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree level before continuing on to degrees will find it invaluable.

Additional Information

During the course we will make visits to galleries and exhibitions in Newcastle, Edinburgh and other significant collections/exhibitions. The course will be concluded with an exhibition of the work you have produced.

By the end of the course, you should be able to produce exciting work using your own initiative. It is an intensive course but, if you show a high level of commitment, you will achieve a very good grade with ED6.