Photography A Level

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 24th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Summary of skills students gain by studying this subject

Students develop a wide range of practical photographic skills using traditional film and digital cameras. Processing and post production techniques are taught using a darkroom and Photoshop software. Analytical and evaluative skills are developed through annotations and more in depth writing to build technical and contextual understanding and inform practical progress. Students will also gain an understanding of how to use an SLR camera. Contextual understanding of photographers and styles of photography will also be explored.

Potential Topics that will be studied

Topics provide a structure within which a student learns technical skills and creatively develops and explores their potential.

Contextual studies range from early pioneers of photography to contemporary practice. Field trips and gallery visits are an essential component of the course.

Assessment

Students’ work is assessed against these four assessment objectives:

AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding

AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

The coursework is worth 60% of the final outcome and then there is a final examination over 3 days, worth 40% of the final outcome.

Additional Course Entry Requirements

A grade 5 at GCSE in Photography or an Art & Design course. Grade 4 will be considered through interview, supported by previous teacher references and a photography portfolio.

Progression and career opportunities

High achievement can enable direct access to degree courses in photography or lens based media. Due to its balance between visual and academic skills, photography is valued by many career paths within the creative industries, in the media and wider economy.

Other career opportunities may include photo journalism, fashion photography, advertising and police evidence photography.