Art, Fashion and Photography

Photography: Digital Photography Level 3 Full-time

In Brief

Start Date / Duration

This course starts in September 2025 and will be completed in two years.

Entry requirements

  • Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including GCSE English and maths
  • A genuine enthusiasm for multimedia production and photography

You will achieve

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography, Creative Media Production and Technology

Course Code

FPHO

Course overview

Develop your creative and technical photography skills with this hands-on course. Master studio lighting, documentary techniques, client briefs, and professional editing using the latest Adobe software. Gain experience with DSLR cameras and equipment while building a standout portfolio to kickstart your career in photography. Perfect for aspiring photographers ready to explore styles, refine their craft, and prepare for the industry.

Course content

You’ll develop skills in creative and technical aspects; understanding the history of photography whilst developing a critical perspective.
The course content includes skills development and reflection alongside research and implementation of production ideas in a wide range of media including print and interactive. You will work on a range of projects including photojournalism, portraits, product and fashion. You will have access to a high specification photographic studio within the College, but you will also have to travel to outside locations to fulfil your briefs.

As part of your course you will study the following units:

  • Theory and history of photography
  • Digital image capture, techniques and editing
  • Studio and location photography
  • Documentary photography
  • Developing a photography portfolio

Assessment is continuous throughout the year. It is based on coursework with the qualification outcome being dependent on learners completing a final major project that is assessed as Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Although resources such as cameras are available for teaching and assessment purposes, the expectation is that students on the course would have sufficient interest to warrant owning their own photographic equipment. Advice is available dependent upon your area of specialism. The basic requirements for those choosing to utilise college equipment would be a USB device suitable for backing up photographic images and other work.

This course can form the foundations for future study and work in this industry.
After successful completion of this course you could progress onto a Higher Education programme in the Creative Industries.

See what careers are available in the Media sector. Use our online careers tool, Career Coach, to find out what your next steps could be.

How much does the course cost?

16 – 18 year olds

Full-time Barnsley College students aged 16-18 years old do not have to pay tuition fees.

19+ Students

Aged 19 or over and thinking about Further Education?

You may be eligible for free or reduced course fees . Please refer to our page ‘paying for your course.’

Extra information

This course may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

For eligibility information and details about how to apply, visit the Advanced Learner Loan page. Or contact our Information Team by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

For further information please contact our friendly Information Team on +44 (0)1226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, Honeywell Sports Village where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates. You don’t have to be studying sport to get involved in the Sports Academy.

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Photography: Digital Photography Level 3 Full-time

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