Photography - A Level

Are you creative and imaginative? Do you enjoy exploring ideas and looking at things in different ways? If so, you should consider a course in photography with AQA. You will enjoy developing your understanding of the visual world, learning practical skills and responding to ideas and issues in ways that are personal to you.

Photography is about looking, learning, thinking and communicating ideas. It inspires creative thinkers. Photography means ‘drawing with light’ and that is what photographers do when they take a picture. Many photographers have explored various techniques to create images that make a personal statement about things that have interested or concerned them. The most exciting aspect of photography is that you are capturing the world as you see it.

Practical course

A-level is a practical course in which you learn by doing, so you will be able to create imaginative personal work. You will find out about a whole range of techniques and processes. You will develop your creativity and independent thought, learn to express yourself visually and let your imagination flourish. Photography is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects.

Photography course content

Portraiture, Landscape photography, Still-life photography, Documentary photography, Photojournalism, Fashion photography, Experimental imagery, Multimedia, Photographic installation, Moving image (video, film and animation)

At A-level, for component 1, you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total A-level marks. In component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which will count for 40% of your total A-level marks.

Students are expected to have an interest in Photography and achieve the Sixth Form expectations of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above. There is no expectation that students will have studied Photography before.

Possible degree options:

Animation, Commercial photography, Creative and editorial photography, Digital media, Fashion photography, Film and television, Film and visual culture, Forensic photography, Graphics with photography, Medical photography, Visual communication

Possible career options:

Studying a photography related degree at university will give you all sorts of exciting career opportunities, including: Commercial photographer, Fashion photographer, Filmmaker, Fine art photographer, Forensic photographer, Industrial photographer, Medical photographer, Nature photographer, Photographic illustrator, Photographic technician, Teacher, Photojournalist, Picture editor, Researcher, Social photographer, Sports photographer