Level 2 Certificate in Photography Sept 2025

This is a part-time course taught on one evening per week at our Peterlee campus.

Interested in photography? No matter what stage of your photography journey you’re on, from complete beginner to reasonably comfortable using all those buttons on your DSLR, our photography course at our Peterlee campus will help you increase your skills, learn the ins-and-outs of your camera and learn exciting new techniques to take your captured images to the next level!

The course covers both the theory and the practical elements behind taking images, so you’ll learn all about things such as the exposure triangle before going out and taking part in practical sessions. In the past, practical sessions have included such things as wire wool spinning photography, taking photos of cars, paint in water, portrait sessions and so much more.

Please note that our L2 Photography course is a shorter course programme available exclusively for adults. Learners age 16-18 can alternatively study A Levels and take photography as a subject, or consider studying on our full-time media courses which also include elements of photography.

Our Level 2 photography course includes two core units and one optional unit, with all of them to designed to:

• Develop your understanding of the functions of your camera.
• Develop your knowledge of other photographers and their work, and how you can apply similar techniques to your own photos.
• Explore and develop your own style – every photographer is different, so you can develop your own photos and take the shots you want to!

At the end, you’ll produce a full portfolio of your work which you’ll get the opportunity to exhibit.

A special presentation unit is also included as part of the course, which is all about you! You’ll choose a particular type of photography to showcase, including options such as studio, location, commercial, documentary or even experimental photography – the choice is yours!

These three units all come together to give you the 16 credits you’ll need to successfully complete the course.

After studying the Level 2 Certificate in Photography, some learners choose to open their own business or studio, some will work freelance, whilst others will use the knowledge and skills learnt on the course to support their work. For some learners it is a stepping stone to higher qualifications such as Level 3 Media, Art & Design or an A Level in Photography.

Upon successful completion of this programme you can progress onto the full time Level 3 Diploma in Media, or onto the Level 3 Introductory Diploma in Art & Design, as both courses have elements of Photography.

Please note that our photography courses is only available to adults above the age of 19. For those who are below 19, we offer a photography A Level option as part of our sixth form, ED6.

3 GCSEs with grades 3 or above (including Maths and English)

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

You will create a portfolio of evidence which will be assessed internally by your tutor before being approved by an External Moderator. The Moderator will visit at the end of the course.

September 2025

1 year part time (1 evening per week)