The BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design Graphics and Photography pathway is a two-year qualification equivalent to three A Levels. It has been designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to progress to degree level study in related fields, or to further training or employment in the creative and design industries. It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in graphics and photography to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding and provides a supportive transition from further to higher education.
The course offers an exciting project-based approach where you will develop your graphics and photography skills alongside like-minded artists culminating in professional, industry-relevant outcomes that will form a portfolio of work to prepare you for further study or work within the industry. We are proud of our community of creative artists and you will be encouraged to collaborate with other courses to deliver an industry-like experience. We will support your development as an artist in a range of areas.
You can expect to study:
- Visual language in art, graphics and photography
- Print making and photographic processes
- Digital and analogue photography (including dark room)
- Studio practice
- Digital software (such as Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom)
- Materials, processes and technical skills
- Exhibiting your final major project
As part of your assessment, you will undertake projects that will allow you to utilise the various skills acquired throughout the course. The Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels. It is a complete programme and is therefore not taken with any other course. Having an understanding and interest in graphics and photography will benefit you personally and professionally.
See examples of our students' work
This extended diploma is a two-year course. Students begin with a Foundation Diploma in the first year and, upon successful completion, progress to the Extended Diploma in the second year.