Level 3
Creative and Commercial Photography, UAL Extended Diploma
Level 3
Creative and Commercial Photography, UAL Extended Diploma
Turn your passion for photography into a creative career. Develop professional skills in digital, film, studio, and commercial photography while building an impressive portfolio for university, apprenticeships, or employment in the creative industries.
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.
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