Photography Level 3


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
  • Funding Support Funding Support:
    What is this
  • Learning Support:
    Find Out More

This is a fantastic introduction to creative and commercial photography supporting you to develop the technical skills used by industry professionals.

The course includes practical, theory and contextual work.

You’ll learn how to use industry standard software and equipment to compose and construct images and develop a broad view of photography including elements of art and design disciplines.

You’ll work on commissions from our external employer partners, developing valuable industry contacts and your commercial skills.

You’ll also showcase your work at exhibitions, participate in creative competitions and build a professional body of work which will give you the confidence to study at university or in employment.

In the final stage of the course, you will choose your own photography pathway, helping you prepare for the next stages and develop a portfolio of work ready for progression.

Required Entry Qualifications

Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above. An art related subject, maths and English is preferred, but not essential. We would like to see a selection of your work, this could be in a sketchbook, digital or a portfolio.

As a team we are highly motivated and positive and believe that an open mind and a can do attitude is the best way for students to get the most out of their learning.

We work with our students and often learn from each other to embrace creativity, share new ideas and celebrate at the end of year with an exhibition of the fantastic work produced.

You will build skills, competencies and confidence in the creative process, understanding how to reflect on your practice and unlock your creative potential. Assessment is formative, designed to help you be the best you can, be it practical work, concept development and design to how you creatively problem solve.

You are graded at the end of each year. In year one this is the final major project, a body of work that shows your strengths and personal interests and is based around where you excel. Reflecting your research, contextual design, presentation and, of course, your practical skills.

Top-up onto the extended diploma in year two and you will advance your skill set and professional qualities building towards the extended final major project, your chance to show how far you have come. Assessed on your professional portfolio of work, you will be ready to progress to university or the other exciting next steps in your creative career.

We use our network of employer partners to make your learning experience as relevant and up to date as possible.

You’ll work on live commissions, giving you valuable work experience and contacts for the future.

You’ll have access to our lighting studio and digital media suites.

Your teaching team will support you throughout the year to help you to decide what you want to do next. After the course you can progress to a relevant Level 3 or 4 foundation or university degree programme.

Our award-winning Careers Advisors can help you complete UCAS or job appplications or advise you on starting a freelance career.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026