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Key details

Course area
Media, Digital and Photography
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C026928 Child course code: Q027012
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Course introduction

This course is perfect if you want the techniques needed to take consistently high-quality photographs, as well as the skills and insight necessary for a career in the exciting world of photography or a related industry.

You’ll learn commercial and artistic photographic practice through project work, gaining an introduction to professional practice and investigating progression routes and opportunities. You will work in our dedicated photographic studios, darkrooms, and computer studios. Year 2 culminates in a final major project and you will showcase your talent in a public exhibition.

You will complete 90 credits in Year 1 and gain a standalone qualification. On successful completion of this, you will progress into Year 2 to gain the full Extended Diploma

Course information

2 years

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English Language and Maths – both of these must be grades 9–4 (A*–C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C). You will also need a portfolio or showreel of work.

You can expect to be assessed through coursework that is continuously reviewed and monitored and includes marking and moderation by external verifiers.

Choose to follow with a foundation degree in photography practice at Nottingham College, a range of other relevant university-level courses, or employment. We also offer top-up degrees in Art & Design and Digital Media Design. Careers could include sports photography, portraits, journalism, fine art photography, commercial/retail, medical, fashion and editorial and special effects in design, TV and film.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees. If you are aged 19 or over, check out our Financial Help page for information on fees and funding!

Careers related to this course

Photographers, Audio-visual and Broadcasting Equipment Operators

Potential Earnings

£52,797.92

Average Earnings

£28,232.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

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.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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