Extended Diploma in Photography and Digital Media

This course is designed to enhance your ability to work safely and creatively with a variety of materials, techniques, and processes, while advancing your technical skills. You will explore different approaches to manipulating photographic materials, processes, and subject matter,as well as moving image creation.

A key focus of the course is understanding how photographic imagery and moving images can be transformed and challenged. You'll experiment with innovative techniques, creating eye-catching visuals that could be applied commercially or as conceptual pieces for gallery exhibitions.

The course includes a variety of key tasks and themes, complemented by workshops, competitions, visits, and trips. These experiences will deepen your understanding and provide real-world opportunities to showcase your work

In addition, you will collaborate with other courses such as Performing Arts, Hair & Beauty, and Sports to capture performances, competitions, and events. This work will offer opportunities to document award competitions in beauty and enhance your skills in capturing dynamic moments across different disciplines.

Furthermore, you will work closely with the Newcastle-under-Lyme Regeneration Project, gaining valuable work experience aimed at promoting the local area, its communities, businesses, and events. Through this partnership, you will apply your skills in real-world contexts while contributing to the revitalisation of the local region.

Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations, you'll gain experience with different types of cameras, lenses, and settings that affect the final image, as well as explore moving image technology. You’ll also learn about alternative, non-lens-based image recording technologies.

You will need a minimum of four GCSE's, grade 4-9 in subjects relevant to the course you’d like to study, including maths and/or English Language at grade 4 or above. Alternatively, you'll have a Level 2 Certificate with overall Pass in a relevant subject. If you do not hold an Art related GCSE you will need to present a good portfolio. 

If you do not have a minimum GCSE grade 4 for Maths / English, you would study these as a part of your timetable study programme. These structured weekly sessions will help you to improve your skills in these vital subject/s. In addition, Maths & English development is integrated into practical course sessions and assignments.

You will be expected to bring relevant examples of your artwork/photography to the application interview to help staff assess your suitability for art and design study.

If you wish to find out more you can contact Janine Grocott, Course Leader, by emailing: janine.grocott@nscg.ac.uk

Previous students have achieved places at leading universities, including Birmingham, Salford, Falmouth, University of Arts London and Bournemouth to study Photography & Media related subjects. Future employment opportunities may include Photo-Journalist, Fashion Photographer/Stylist, Marine & Nature Photographer, Unit Still Photographer, Videographer, Creative Digital Editor, Forensic Photographer,Travel & Lifestyle Photographer, Social Media Creator or alternate career paths.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a gross household income under £30,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform. Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs. A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance