This Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Photography aims to provide a firm foundation in core photography practice and to encourage personal development and expression. The course helps learners to find out what they enjoy, what they are good at and allows them to develop a set of valuable skills for future study and work University of the Arts, London Awarding Body (UAL) qualifications are recognised and highly regarded across the country, are designed by some of the best art, design and media educators in the world. Blackburn College is one of only 10 Colleges in the country to have a UAL progression agreement, which means that our students will benefit from:

• A guaranteed interview with a UAL College/University
• Industry specialised lecturers
• Advice & guidance from a UAL representative
• Help with mock interviews, specific to UAL criteria
• UAL set assignments

As part of the UAL agreement, Blackburn College tutors will also meet and share good practice with the other 9 UAL approved colleges around the country, to make sure our students are receiving the best learning experience possible We have a first class record in placing talented students on the best degree course at institutions such as Ravensbourne, Chelsea School of Art & Design, Ruskin School at Cambridge, Leeds College of Art, Goldsmiths, London College of Communication, The Slade, Wimbledon, Camberwell College of Art, Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion.This qualification is mapped to the level 3/4 UAL Pre-Degree Foundation Diploma (Media) at Blackburn College. Many learners wish to complete this higher level and diverse course before progressing to University. Learners can also progress to graphic design related degree courses at the University Centre at Blackburn College, or to a whole range of other art, design related degree courses at leading institutions in the United Kingdom. Some learners also progress directly to employment within the creative industries.

The course is made up of 9 units in year one and a further 4 larger units in year two. Learners are given a range of projects that challenge them to explore different areas of photographic practice including studio and location photography (landscape, fashion, commercial and fine art applications), darkroom and digital imaging, lighting techniques, supported by contextual studies throughout.

4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language or completion of a Level 2 course.

In this qualification learners engage with study through a range of creative assignments, all of which help build confidence, knowledge and skills in preparation for their final Project Proposal and Realisation at the end of year 2 in which each learner specialises. At this point each learner is at the pinnacle of their learning and is assessed for their overall grade, Pass, Merit or Distinction.

This qualification is mapped to the Level 3/4 UAL Pre-Degree Foundation Diploma (Media) at Blackburn College. Many learners wish to complete this diverse, higher level course before they progress onto University or employment. Learners can also progress to Photography related degree courses at the University Centre at Blackburn College, or to a whole range of other Photography related degree courses at leading institutions in the United Kingdom. Some learners also progress directly to employment within the creative industries.

All students of this programme are guaranteed an interview with one of the University of the Arts London (UAL) courses. This course provides an excellent springboard to some of the best creative arts and media degree courses in the world.

Many students choose to progress on to programmes at University Centre at Blackburn College which allow you to follow a range of specialisms. These include:

• studying Photography - Photographic Media Foundation Degree FdA
• studying Graphic Communication - Graphic Communication BA (Hons)
• studying Illustration & Animation - Illustration and Animation BA (Hons)
• studying Textiles - Contemporary Textiles Foundation Degree FdA
• studying Interior Design - Contemporary Design for Interiors Foundation Degree FdA
• studying Fashion - Contemporary Fashion Foundation Degree FdA
• studying Fine Art (Integrated Media) - Fine Art (Integrated Media) BA (Hons)

These courses are all validated by UK Top 10 Lancaster University.