Course overview
In Short
Weymouth College has excellent purpose-built facilities, including a studio with both flash and tungsten lighting, a fully equipped black and white darkroom and a digital editing suite with industry standard software. You will be working with traditional film cameras and darkroom processes, as well as digital technology. Skills will be developed in a broad range of areas.Please go to the department’s website and Instagram account to view current student work:
Why study with us?
Our students are taught using excellent traditional, state of the art and experimental facilities, such as; print studio, textiles workshop, ceramics room, 3D workshop with wood, metal and resin facilities, a 3D printer and large bed laser cutter, brand new specialist PC suite carrying industry standard software, photographic studio and dark room and a large, dedicated drawing and painting studio.You will have the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists and photographers to gain valuable experience as you work on curating and delivering an Arts Festival and engage in a variety of live projects and experiences – including international, national and local trips, life drawing and talks from visiting artists and photographers.
Entry Requirements
You should have:
- 5 GCSES at minimum grade 4 (C), including a creative subject, English and Maths or equivalent
- Basic computer literacy.
- A portfolio of your own photography.
- A passion for photography. Selection is by interview. We welcome applications from mature students. Other information such as assessment results and relevant experience may be taken into consideration at the College’sdiscretion.
Course Structure
Course Description
You will be taught how to explore a variety of media in order to develop the artistic and technical skills needed for working within the creative and digital industries. An important part of the course will be looking at the work of others by researching from books, journals and the internet, as well as going to galleries and talking to professional photographers. You will work independently and also in groups, and you may have the opportunity to work with clients on a professional brief. A professional and committed approach will be expected from all students working on project briefs to prepare them for working in the industry. Where possible live projects are encouraged.Year 1 (Diploma) covers the following subjects:
- 35 mm Black and White Film development and printing
- Experimental Darkroom Techniques
- SLR Camera Control
- Industry Standard Software – Lightroom, Photoshop
- Contextualisation and photographic history
- Studio Photography Skills
- Zine publishing
- Work Experience – Arts Festival
- Final graded project and exhibition.
Year 2 (Extended Diploma) covers the following subjects:
- Book Making
- Moving Image
- Narrative Images
- Work Experience – Arts Festival
- Final graded project and exhibition.
*content subject to change Look out for our end of year show dates on our website!
Assessment
You will be continually assessed throughout the two years through practical assignments and research activity. At the end of each year you will be graded in a final project which gives you your grade for the year.
Progression
This qualification is designed to enable students to develop the relevant industry skills, knowledge and understanding to access relevant entry level roles within the creative industries, higher level apprenticeships or apply to higher education.