COURSE OVERVIEW
Duration: 2 Years Full-Time
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs (9-4/A*-C)
(if you have maths/english at grade D/3 you would be required to work towards grade C/4 for these qualifications alongside your course)
UCAS points: up to 168 (depending on grade outcome)
Campus: Middlesbrough
Capture the world through your lens.
Why Choose This Course?
• Learn technical photography skills in studio and on location
• Explore digital and analogue processes, editing and retouching
• Develop your creative identity through practical projects
• Take part in exhibitions, reviews and collaborative shoots
• Build a professional portfolio for university or industry entry
This diploma is validated by the UAL Awarding Body, part of University of the Arts London and the UK’s leading provider of creative qualifications at FE level. The Northern School of Art is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body qualifications. All students are awarded qualifications under their official UAL Awarding Body titles.
COURSE DETAILS
This two-year photography course is designed for curious, creative thinkers who want to explore photography as both an expressive art form and a professional career path. Whether your interests lie in documentary, fashion, conceptual, portrait, or commercial photography, you will develop the technical skills, creative language, and confidence needed to produce impactful work.
Throughout the course, you will explore how to communicate through visual language, working both in the studio and on location. You will learn how to use different environments to support your creative vision while gaining hands on experience with a wide range of professional equipment, including DSLR, mirrorless, full-frame, and analogue cameras across medium and large format.
Your photographic development will be supported by learning advanced post-production techniques using industry standard software including Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. Alongside practical work, you will explore the historical and conceptual frameworks that inform photographic practice, enabling you to contextualise your own work and make informed creative decisions.
As part of the course, you will engage with live briefs for local and national clients,
giving you the opportunity to work in real-world situations and gain valuable industry experience.
You will also have the chance to exhibit your work in local, national, and online exhibitions, demonstrating your ability to produce professional standard photographic output.
Guided by experienced tutors and technicians who are active practitioners in the field, you will be supported in building a high-quality portfolio that reflects your personal and professional growth. This portfolio will prepare you for your next steps, whether that is progressing into higher education, securing an apprenticeship, or starting a freelance career in photography.
Where Could It Take You?
• Photographer (freelance or studio)
• Fashion Photographer
• Commercial/Advertising Photographer
• Documentary or Editorial Photographer
• Fine Art Photographer
• Photojournalist
• Content Creator
• Retoucher or Photo Editor
• Art Director or Creative Producer
• Events or Wedding Photographer
This diploma is validated by the UAL Awarding Body, part of University of the Arts London and the UK’s leading provider of creative qualifications at FE level. The Northern School of Art is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body qualifications. All students are awarded qualifications under their official UAL Awarding Body titles.

The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus has been given another ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted. Following an intensive four-day inspection by six inspectors the School’s further education provision has retained the top rating it has held since 2009.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
YEARS COURSE DURATION
A MINIMUM OF FOUR GCSES AT C/4 OR ABOVE INCLUDING MATHS AND ENGLISH AT GRADE D/3, PLUS A PORTFOLIO OF WORK. (IF YOU HAVE MATHS/ENGLISH AT GRADE D/3 YOU WOULD BE REQUIRED TO WORK TOWARDS THESE QUALIFICATIONS ALONGSIDE YOUR COURSE)
MAXIMUM UCAS POINTS SCORE FOR FINAL GRADES
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