Postgraduate Diploma
Work Placement
Graduates of this course are eligible for a one month work placement with a photography company. All placements are made in the greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh areas.
Read More- Study Option
- Classroom Based
- Course Location
- We offer classes in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and Bristol
- Course Level
- Equivalent to level 4 on the RQF
- Entry Requirements
- 18 years old or over
- Assessment
- 15 practical assignments
- Accreditation
- The British Academy of Photography is an accredited provider of the British Accreditation Council (BAC).
Completing this course will enable you to start your own successful photography business by honing your skills to create, plan and manage your own photography projects as well as giving you an in-depth understanding of your camera.
Designed around 15 practical assignments, you will incrementally develop the advanced techniques and a deep understanding of the industry that you need to succeed as a professional photographer.
As a classroom-based student you will attend tutor-led classes taught by industry professionals. You will also have full access to our student area, the Online Learning Centre, which contains course material created by industry experts including instructional videos, written content, and assignments.
Our tutors provide all the support, knowledge and in-depth feedback you need to progress through your course and are always contactable through the Online Learning Centre.
On average a student studying around 15 hours per week can complete the course in 18 months, a student studying around 30 hours a week can complete the course in 9 months*.
*Completion time is based on the approximate time it has taken past students to complete the course. Students have up to 36 months to complete the course.
Class Location
View class location details.
309 Regent Street
London
W1B 2HW
115 New Cavendish St
London
W1W 6UW
Victoria Centre
Vincent Square
London
SW1P 2PD
44 Hallam Street
London
W1W 6JJ
1 America Square
17 Crosswall
London
EC3N 2LB
The University of Salford
The Crescent
Salford
Manchester
M5 4WT
Manchester - Piccadilly
One Piccadilly Place,
1 Auburn Street
Manchester
M1 3DG
14-16 Faraday St
Manchester
M1 1BE
11 Stevenson Square
Manchester
M1 1DB
Business School
All Saints Building
Manchester
M15 6BH
Newman University
Genners Ln
Birmingham
B32 3NT
Newman University
Genners Ln
Birmingham
B32 3NT
Newman University
Genners Ln
Birmingham
B32 3NT
7 Cannon Street
Birmingham
B2 5EP
Merchiston Campus
10 Colinton Road
Edinburgh
EH10 5DT
16 St Mary's St.
Edinburgh
EH1 1SU
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT9 5DY
Location to be confirmed
Location to be confirmed
Class Schedule
View the schedule for the evening classes and the weekend classes in London , Birmingham , Manchester , Edinburgh , Belfast , Cardiff and Bristol.
Topics
The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in this course.
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- How the Camera Works
Experiment with your own camera’s manual settings. Learn the fundamentals of composition, focus, and light to create still life photographs. Learn about:
- Composition
- Aperture, focal length and perspective
- Light metering and white balance
- Exposure compensation
-
Light & Lighting
Examine the importance of light in photography. Understand different lighting techniques and the importance of equipment and planning for a photoshoot. Learn how to:
- Experiment with different lighting styles and settings
- Develop lighting diagrams to plan a photoshoot
- Undertake studio and ‘on-location’ photoshoots
- Create studio portraits and environmental portraits
-
Photographic Methods & The Design Cycle
Produce creative portraits for an album cover and learn about the stages of the design cycle - a structured approach to creative work from initial idea to completed photographs. Learn about:
- Interpreting a client brief
- Developing, selecting and testing ideas
- Developing plans for a photoshoot
- Post-production and editing techniques using industry software
- Evaluating client feedback
-
Cultural Movements in Photography
Examine how society, history, technology, economics and culture influences photographic practice. Complete a research project to learn about key historical movements in photography. Learn how to:
- Use research methods
- Analyse key movements in history
- Develop key insights about contemporary influences on photography
- Present research findings professionally
-
Photography in the Studio
Research the central role the studio has played in the development of photographic practice through history. Develop skills in studio practice that are used to create professional looking images. Produce a range of photographs in a studio setting in response to a client brief. Learn how to:
- Use appropriate studio lighting, equipment and sets
- Develop a plan for a studio-based photoshoot
- Take photographs in a studio setting using a range of techniques
- Use post-production to create finished photographs for an audience
- Present photos for print and online use
-
Photography on Location
Develop skills needed to take photographs in uncontrolled environments. Understand the techniques needed to adapt photoshoots to changing spaces, subjects and contexts. Complete a photoshoot on location to practice and build specialist skills. Learn how to:
- Analyse a client brief in terms of context and logistics
- Examine locations and take test photographs before undertaking a photoshoot in order to identify necessary techniques, equipment and permissions
- Experiment with different approaches before and during a photoshoot
- Develop a plan for completing an on-location photography project
-
Creative Thinking & Independent Practice
Use your skill-set to complete a photography collection for an exhibition based on a set theme and topic. Learn how to:
- Work independently on a photography exhibition project
- Experiment with creative concepts
- Use visual language to express ideas
- Improve critical thinking and analysis of project needs
- Manage a project
- Present finished photographs and development work
-
Portfolio Creation & Career Planning
Examine career goals and different pathways into professional photography. Develop a portfolio for clients and potential employers that demonstrates your skills and photographic interests. Learn how to:
- Investigate the photography profession
- Examine strengths and weaknesses in your skill-set
- Identify career goals
- Plan career development milestones
- Curate a professional looking portfolio
Tutors
All our tutors are photography professionals working in the industry.
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Jonathan
CliffordCourse Tutor
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Alecsandra
Raluca DragoiCourse Tutor
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Pat
GrahamCourse Tutor
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Hugo
FelixCourse Tutor
I absolutely recommend the course for anyone who's serious about progressing their photography.
I would definitely recommend this course to everyone who's interested in photography.
I had great communication with the tutors all the way through the assignments.
I had a lot of support from the Academy itself - you could always ring and speak to somebody.
The British Academy of Photography
Our philosophy at the British Academy of Photography is to make high-quality education accessible to all by empowering people to do what they love. Through the power of online and blended learning, our students are able to harness their creativity and practically apply it to succeed in their chosen careers.
Pursue your ambition - because the future is today!
Learn more