Start: September 2026
Duration: 2 Years
Code: ED3PHPF1LC
Start: September 2027
Duration: 2 Years
Code: ED3PHPF1LC

Course Overview

The Creative & Commercial Photography UAL Extended Diploma is a two-year, full-time vocational course that combines creative exploration with professional practice. You'll develop technical expertise across a wide range of photographic styles while building your own distinctive creative identity and learning how to respond to commercial briefs.

Based at Loxton Campus, you'll work in professional photography studios, digital editing suites, and traditional darkrooms using industry-standard equipment and software. You'll be taught by experienced photographers who will support you in developing your technical skills, creative confidence, and professional practice. As part of Weston College's Creative Career Excellence Hub, you'll also benefit from exhibitions, industry projects, educational visits, employer engagement, and opportunities to showcase your work to public audiences.

What will I study?

You'll develop skills across a broad range of photographic disciplines, including:

• Digital photography techniques
• Film photography and darkroom processing
• Studio lighting and location photography
• Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom image editing
• Portrait photography
• Fashion photography
• Commercial photography
• Experimental and conceptual photography
• Developing a personal creative style
• Professional practice and responding to client briefs
• Portfolio development and presentation

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is entirely coursework based and includes:

• Practical photography projects
• Digital and printed portfolios
• Sketchbooks and development journals
• Written contextual studies
• Reflective evaluations
• A final major project demonstrating your creative and commercial skills

Additional Information

Throughout your course, you'll benefit from:

• Professional photography studios, editing suites, and darkrooms
• Industry-standard cameras, lighting, and equipment
• Guest lectures and masterclasses from professional photographers
• Visits to galleries, exhibitions, studios, and creative events
• Work experience opportunities and collaborative industry projects
• Photography competitions and public exhibitions
• Membership of Weston College's Creative Career Excellence Hub

Entry Requirements

• Five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English or maths

A portfolio of creative work is desirable but not essential. A passion for photography and visual creativity is important.

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion can lead to university, apprenticeships, or employment within the creative industries.

Career opportunities include:

• Professional Photographer
• Commercial Photographer
• Fashion Photographer
• Portrait Photographer
• Studio Assistant
• Lighting Assistant
• Photo Editor or Retoucher
• Freelance Photographer

You could also progress to:

• UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
• Degree courses in Photography, Art & Design, Visual Media, or related creative subjects
• Creative industry apprenticeships

What do I do now?

Ready to apply? – Please use the 'apply now' button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.

Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next Open Event.

Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

Got a question?

Whatever you'd like to know, we're here to help...

Register your interest

Marketing Permissions

Once we have responded to your initial enquiry we would love to keep you informed of other, similar courses you may be interested in via email. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our policy page.

Marketing permissions selection
Data protection agreement

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

Apply or find out more


Marketing Permissions

We’d love to keep you informed about vacancies, courses, and updates we think you’ll find valuable. You can unsubscribe or opt out at any time.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Please let us know how you’d like to hear from us:

Email

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.