Nicola Thompson
Student Quote Image

Previously
Egglescliffe School and CCAD

About the course
"I’d encourage anyone to do it. I love CCAD; it’s small and friendly, yet big on ideas and inspiration"

Programme details:-
This is a course designed for students to learn about and be prepared to enter the exciting and demanding industry of Professional Photography.

Level 4 introduces you to the basics of photography via film capture and hand printing. The course covers industry standard digital capture and print production, covering current practices ranging from advertising to social photography. Combining business and photo-shop skills, you will make images for external agency briefs, and have an opportunity to explore personal creative work. An overview and introduction to the History of Photography underpins practical work.

Level 5 expands upon the professionalism acquired in the previous year. There is an exploration of contemporary techniques, both in the studio and on location .The year ends with you presenting a portfolio of work. In a professional capacity you will design a personal web site and business card, have the opportunity to register for a student press pass, and join the main professional associations.

The College provides the ideal environment to study in, with a dedicated programme team who continually keep up to date with latest developments in the industry. We have a new state of the art high-end digital Apple Mac suite and brand new darkrooms for traditional Black and White or even Colour printing. Our two large studios are equipped with a full range of professional equipment, to which you will be introduced and gain the skills to use.

"Skillset (Sector Skills Council for Creative Media) support Cleveland College of Art & Design Foundation Degree in Commercial Photography. This course is successfully aligned to Skillset’s demanding Photo Imaging Foundation Degree Framework and was developed with input from employers and freelancers working in the sector"

The course is affiliated to the Association of Photographers and the British Institute of Professional Photography, which awards the Professional Qualifying practice to suitable students.

Entry requirements:-
All applicants are considered on their own merit and usually will have successfully completed one of the following routes:
BTEC Edexcel National Diploma, Foundation Studies in Art & Design, AVCE, A Levels or other comparable level qualifications.

CCAD welcomes applications from a wide selection of qualification backgrounds, including students with non-traditional qualifications. The portfolio and interview remains an important part of the selection procedure. A typical offer is 240 tariff score for the Commercial Photography Programme.

It is expected that all students will have a level 2 qualification in English. Where appropriate, a conditional offer of a place will be made in terms of a tariff score.

Alternative entry requirements for international students include the Irish Leaving Certificate, European or International Baccalaureate, together with a portfolio or work.

2nd Year Entry:-
Students should apply as normal through UCAS for advanced entry.

Please note we do not normally accept deferred entry applications.

Progression eg jobs, employability, further courses:-
The course is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed for launching yourself into the competitive world of the photographic industry.

Students are able to develop a practical and intellectual understanding of the subject to the point where they can successfully enter the professional world, or study at postgraduate level. If you successfully complete the Foundation Degree you can apply for the final year of our BA(Hons) Photography course, as a top-up route.

Skills development:-
Industry standard capture and print in both analogue and digital techniques are the major skills students acquire. Advanced studio and location techniques are complemented with a thorough understanding of the business acumen needed to succeed at the top. Historical and Contextual Studies are introduced to encourage and create an academic background. Effective team work and important social skills are introduced for both college and business environments.

Programme Leader:-
Jamie Macdonald

Pathway Leader:
Richard Whitehead

Where will the Programme be held:-
Church Square Hartlepool

What is the duration of the Programme:-
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Enquire about this course
How to apply for this course
Information about the course fees for this course

To provide specialist Further and Higher education programmes in art and design and related areas as a centre for creative excellence.