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Creative Photography (SEG Award – Level 1 Certificate)

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

Overview

This 20-week course gives you the opportunity to develop an understanding of technical and creative photographic processes, practices, and the photo-imaging industry.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button 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.

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 30 May (09.00-16.00)

It’s not possible to enrol on this course part-way through. You’ll need to attend from the start date in January.

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'll 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.

£859

Deposit

You can choose to secure your place with a deposit of £400 and pay the remainder of your fees in two further instalments of £400 and £459. Simply choose this option when booking your place online. The total balance of your course fee is payable by 1 December 2025. See our T&Cs (below) for further details.

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide basic materials. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase one for the course. See 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 isn't mandatory.
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Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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Short Courses FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

About this course

This 20-week Skills Education Group 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.

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 whilst 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 course and wish to build on your skills or have the existing knowledge to start your studies at this transitional level. Delivered over 2 terms (i.e. 10 evenings and 1 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 at AUB.

  • 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 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 Skills Education Group (SEG) you’ll be awarded an accredited Level 1 Skills Education Group 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.

Skills Education Group will conduct final assessment of work submitted for Level 1 Moderation; graded either Pass/Fail.

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More information about evening and weekend courses

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Why choose AUB for your short course?

We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.

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Reasons to study a short course

There are plenty of reasons to consider studying a creative short course. Perhaps you want to retrain, learn new skills, or just have fun...

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How to book

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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