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Level 3 Photography – BTEC Art and Design Practice
Explore. Create. Capture your future.
Turn your passion for photography into a professional skillset with our dynamic Level 3 Photography course, part of the Level 3 BTEC Art and Design Practice in Photography. This two-year, full-time programme is designed to challenge and inspire you, building the creative and technical skills needed for university, employment, or freelance work.
You’ll work with the latest digital cameras and editing software, explore traditional techniques in our specialist darkroom, and refine your style using professional studio lighting and equipment. From portraits and fashion to documentary and experimental photography, you’ll have the freedom to develop your creative voice through practical projects.
Throughout the course, you will:
- Build a diverse and professional portfolio tailored to your interests and career goals
- Develop technical expertise in shooting, lighting, and editing using industry-standard tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- Collaborate with peers and respond to live briefs from local businesses and clients
- Participate in enrichment opportunities, including gallery visits, location shoots, and photography-focused trips in the UK and abroad
Assessment is entirely coursework-based, allowing you to experiment, reflect, and refine your practice. You’ll also produce a Final Major Project in your second year to showcase your progress and prepare you for the next stage of your creative journey.
If you’re imaginative, ambitious, and ready to turn your creativity into a career, this course will give you the tools, experiences, and confidence to take the next step.
Apply now to take your photography further.
The Level 3 Photography course offers a vibrant and supportive environment that fosters creativity, independence, and professional growth. You’ll receive tailored one-to-one support from experienced photographers who bring industry insights directly into the classroom. You’ll have access to industry-standard facilities, including a fully equipped photo studio, darkroom, and digital editing suites.
Regular feedback, group critiques, and collaborative projects will help you refine your ideas. The course includes portfolio reviews from industry professionals to help shape your work and meet industry standards. Live briefs, exhibitions, and collaborations with local businesses provide real-world experience, while enrichment opportunities such as gallery visits and photography-focused trips further inspire and broaden your perspective. Every learner is fully supported on their creative journey, ensuring they are well-prepared to progress to the next stage of their career.
You are required to have 4 GCSEs grade 9 to 4 including maths and/or English.
A demonstrable interest in the media sector is essential.
No previous experience of photography is necessary; however, a strong interest in the production process is beneficial.
A successful interview with a Photography tutor
Excellent verbal and written communication skill
You will be interviewed for this course, should be enthusiastic about working in the Creative sector and able to participate in work experience.
100% Coursework!
On this course, you will receive project briefs that will introduce you to a scenario, question or creative problem to solve. You will be assessed through a variety of practical photography projects that you devise and produce over the course of a range of developmental units. Your final assessment grade for the course will come through a Final Major Project where you will produce a photography portfolio of your choosing, as we aim to assess you to your strengths and interests.
This is a graded course where you can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Some of our learners go straight from their Level 3 Photography course into the creative industry with confidence, securing roles such as production assistant, photographer's assistant, or digital content creator, ready to continue developing their skills and progress within the sector.
Many of our learners move on to higher education at university, pursuing courses such as Photography, Photojournalism, Film and Photography, Fashion Photography, Fine Art Photography, Documentary Photography, Media Production, Film Production, Graphic Design, and Content Creation.
Others opt for an Apprenticeship or Degree Level Apprenticeship in the creative industries, further honing their craft while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.
Ultimately, employment opportunities within the photography and creative industries are vast, with roles such as photographer, studio assistant, digital content manager, photo editor, cinematographer, lighting technician, social media manager, digital marketing officer, photography director, photojournalist, and advertising executive, to name just a few. The skills and experiences gained on the course provide a solid foundation for any career in the visual media and creative sectors.
Please Note: While every effort is made to maintain the accuracy of these details, changes can and do occur. Please confirm the course details when enrolling.
