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Creative Photography (SEG Award – Level 1 Certificate)

  • Ages: 18+
  • Term: Spring
  • Length: 20 weeks
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Overview

This 20-week Skills Education Group (SEG) Award Level 1 accredited course provides an intermediate stage in your photographic learning and will enable you to develop an understanding of technical and creative photographic processes, practices, and the photo-imaging industry.

To book your place today, simply click Book Now to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

Course information

You’ll develop skills to take and manipulate images using a range of equipment, techniques, and image processing software. 

Whether you are seeking to pursue a career in photography or the creative and visual arts, want to take your photography to the next level, or simply wish to understand how to get the most out of your camera, this course will allow you to advance in your skills and understanding while you strengthen your visual voice and create a portfolio of images to be proud of.

You may have already completed the Digital Photography – Essential Techniques (Stage 1) course and wish to build on your skills or have the existing knowledge to start your studies at this transitional level. Delivered over two terms (i.e. 10 evenings and one Saturday session per term) this course will swiftly advance your skills in image capture and post-production techniques using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop applications.

Taught by expert tutor, Katrina Carlin, at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), this course is perfectly suited to students who are looking to take their first steps towards a career in photography, seeking to retrain and undertake a new career direction, or wishing to advance their educational journey in photography and gain a nationally recognised Level 1 qualification.

  • Basic media and materials handling practice within photography.
  • Planning and preparation including research methods.
  • Developing skills and creativity using a variety of media, materials, and techniques.
  • Understand how to work to a brief.
  • Introduction to advanced photographic capture techniques.
  • Introduction to image post-production using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
  • Preparing images for online publication and print outputs.

At the end of the course you'll:

  • Gain essential and progressive photographic skills and techniques.
  • Expand your creative potential in photography.
  • Develop an understanding of, and the importance of appropriate planning and preparation, including research methods and developing skills and creativity using a variety of media, materials, and techniques.
  • Develop skills and creative ideas in the production of a final body of work within photography.
  • Possess improved artistic skills
  • Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination
  • Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

Yes, if you complete this 20-week programme and meet the necessary ongoing assessment criteria set by SEG you’ll be awarded an accredited Level 1 certificate.

You'll be continually assessed throughout the course in a variety of ways including practical tasks, observations, assignments, presentations and portfolio reviews.

In each of the two termly Saturday sessions, you'll receive a personal formative performance review by your tutor.

SEG will conduct final assessment of work submitted for Level 1 moderation; graded Pass/Fail.

What you need to know

Spring term 2026

  • Wednesday 14 January – 18 March 2026 (10 Wednesdays, 18.00–21.00)
  • Saturday 14 March 2026 (09.00–16.00)

Continuation in Summer term 2026

  • Wednesday 8 April – 10 June 2026 (10 Wednesday evenings, 18.00–21.00)
  • Saturday 16 May 2026 (09.00–16.00)

Spring term 2027

  • Wednesday 13 January – 17 March 2027 (10 Wednesday evenings, 18.00–21.00)
  • Saturday 20 March 2027 (09.00–16.00)

Continuation in Summer term 2027

  • Wednesday 7 April – 9 June 2027 (10 Wednesday evenings, 18.00–21.00)
  • Saturday 22 May 2027 (09.00–16.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

There are no formal entry requirements, but ideally you will have previously conducted the Digital Photography – Essential Techniques (Stage 1) short course or possess equivalent knowledge.

You'll be expected to conduct an amount of research, self-study exercises, and additional project work between course sessions (you'll be provided comprehensive and detailed explanation of course timelines including dates for submitting completed project assignments).

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£889

Deposit

You can secure your place on the course today with a deposit of £400 of your total fee.  Choose this option when you book your place online. Total balance of course fees must be paid prior to course commencing. Please refer to the AUB Academy Booking T&Cs for more information.

Instalment option

  • Deposit: £400
  • Instalment: £489

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide some basic study equipment. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase it for the course. Please refer to the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.

Course materials included in the price

Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

  • A DSLR or Digital Mirrorless camera with access to full manual controls.
  • Lens or lenses.
  • Tripod (not essential in your first session; your tutor can provide recommendations prior to making any personal purchase).
  • Any additional photographic equipment you wish to bring with you.
  • Ideally you'll have access to Adobe Lightroom and/or Adobe Photoshop between sessions, although this is not mandatory.
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Meet your tutor

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Katrina Carlin

Katrina Carlin is a conceptual photographer holding both a BA (Hons) and MA in Photography...

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