A Level in Photography

General entry requirements:

To study this A Level, you’ll need a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4 or above across your top six subjects with at least a grade 5 or above in Maths and English Language or Literature.

Please note: your GPA average can include English and Maths.


Subject-specific entry requirements:

To study Photography, a grade 4 or above in GCSE Art and Design, or a Merit in Level 2 Art and Design would be advantageous. Alternatively, a portfolio of work can be brought to your interview if you haven’t previously studied Art and Design.

In the second year of study you will explore an extended personal investigation that will require you to develop an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by a written piece of work, which will count for 60 per cent of your A Level mark.

The final examination at the end of your second year will require you to produce personal work which will count for 40 per cent of your A Level mark.

By the end of your course, a diverse range of progression paths will be open to you such as a degree, a high-level apprenticeship or an entry level role in the industry.

This course is perfect for those who wish to pursue a degree-level course in areas such as graphic design, commercial photography, fashion photography, fine art photography, web design and architecture.

Careers in business will need photographers for marketing and promotional purposes, whilst scientific photographers record scientific experiments and evidence.

Many of our A Level learners progressed into university. Erica studied A Levels in Photography, English Literature and Politics and progressed to the London Film School. She commented: “Studying Photography helped me figure out what to do next as was in charge of creating animations and short videos for our projects. Sixth Form has helped me become more social and ambitious.”

There are no fees for this course if you are under 18.

If you are aged 19 or above, please contact us for more information about fees and funding.

Throughout the year, you will take part in regular trips, visiting galleries in London such as Tate Britain, Tate Modern, The National Gallery, and VandA Gallery. You will also explore local exhibitions including the Turner Contemporary, as well as project-specific locations that support the research and development of your work.

You can benefit from guest speakers who are practising photographers and BA degree students. As well as having various opportunities to visit universities and attend progression and career fairs hosted by the College.

Choosing EKC Canterbury College for sixth form also means you will be part of the thriving Students’ Union. The Students’ Union (SU) are a group of students dedicated to representing your voice, organising events, and running campaigns to enhance College life. They are also responsible for the College’s clubs and societies, and organise a wide range of exciting trips and events.

The basic requirement is for students to buy an A3 coursework sketchbook for the first day and to have some pencils and pens available for homework. They will also need an A1 Portfolio by the end of the first term. It is also advisable to have your own SLR or DSLR camera. We will tell you more about this at Induction.


What subjects are commonly studied with Photography?

Photography can compliment other creative A Level subjects such as Textiles, Graphics and Fine Art.

It is also an excellent subject to study alongside History, Classics, English Literature or Drama, as you can combine your interests in these subjects and apply them to your Photography Projects.