Introduction to Photography

Start Date: 15/09/2026
Course is for: Adult
Course Length: 1 Year
Learning Support:
Find Out More

Whether you’re passionate about capturing beautiful images as a hobby or pursuing photography as a career, then this course is for you.

This course covers photography basics and digital image manipulation using Photoshop. You’ll learn how to optimize camera settings, achieve consistent exposures and enhance your creative vision. Whether you want to refine your techniques or start a professional journey, this course provides the essential tools for success.

Course content includes:

Employing a camera to capture inventive images
Executing digital image manipulation
Mastering lighting techniques for photography
Utilising a camera proficiently and securely for photography

Assessment

You’ll undergo ongoing assessments through various methods such as practical tasks, observations, assignments, presentations, and portfolio assignments.

During the duration of the course, you’ll create a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your work. Advancing from Level 1 to Level 2 will focus on enhancing your photography skills and integrating them with business opportunities.

Next Steps

You can progress to Level 2 Photography which will build on your photography skills and introduce business skills for gaining self employment.

Required Entry Qualifications

There are no formal entry requirements, but you must have the physical capability to complete assessments independently after training, along with literacy skills to access course materials.

Please note: This course is a condensed program designed exclusively for adults. Alternatively, learners aged 16-18 have the option to pursue UAL Level 3 in Creative Practice (Photography pathway).

Finance And Funding

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

If you don’t qualify for funding help and have to pay for course, you could pay a 25% deposit and four consecutive monthly standing order payments for the balance. The course fee must be over £100 to qualify.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information. You can contact them on 0191 490 2246 [email protected] or via Live Chat.

If this is a Level 3 qualification and you may qualify for free course fees and there may be grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances. If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 or over you can pay the fee in full upfront and receive a 10% discount. Or you can apply for an Adult Advanced Learner Loan, a low interest loan with no upfront fees that you pay back in installments once you’re earning. For more information, come along to an Enrolment Event, call 0191 490 4627 or email [email protected]

Those aged under 18 years old are not eligible to study this course as it is a part time programme.

Dates

This is a 12 week part-time course taught one evening per week at our Baltic Campus.

The next group will be starting in September 2026.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY?

Photographers, Audio-visual and Broadcasting Equipment Operators

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Median Salary
£29,033

Average Qualifications
Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Find Out More

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.