What Is A Level Photography?

If you love taking photos and are choosing your A Levels, you might be considering A Level Photography.

A Level Photography is a creative qualification that fosters artistic and technical skills. It is currently offered as part of Art and Design by AQA (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), OCR (opens in a new tab) and WJEC (both Eduqas (opens in a new tab) in England and CBAC (opens in a new tab) in Wales).

This guide walks you through what the course covers, how it's assessed, what you need to take it, and where it can lead.

Key Takeaways

• AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC all offer A Level Photography as part of Art and Design

• Most exam boards (including the UK’s largest exam board, AQA) cover nine areas of study, including portraiture, fashion photography and moving image

• Apart from WJEC CBAC, assessment is made up of two components: one is worth 60% and the other 40%

• While GCSE Art and Design is not a requirement, many schools ask for it

• A Level Photography can lead to Photography degrees (including joint honours), becoming a specialist in areas like wedding or fashion, and freelance careers

What you'll actually study in A Level Photography

Most exam boards, including AQA, cover the following nine areas of study:

1. Portraiture

2. Landscape photography

3. Still life photography

4. Documentary photography, photojournalism

5. Fashion photography

6. Experimental imagery

7. Multimedia

8. Photographic installation

9. Moving image

Each exam board structures its content slightly differently and might use different names for topics, so check your school’s chosen exam board specification for more specific information.

Which exam boards offer A Level Photography

The following exam boards offer A Level Photography as part of Art and Design:

• AQA, the UK’s largest exam board

• Pearson Edexcel

• OCR

• WJEC (Eduqas in England and CBAC in Wales)

How A Level Photography is assessed

AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC Eduqas all use the following assessment structure:

WJEC CBAC has different units for AS and A2. For more information, visit the WJEC CBAC specification (opens in a new tab).

What you need to take A Level Photography

Most schools expect at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Art and Design with Photography as your selected option.

Since most exam boards have no prior learning requirements, some schools will allow you to take A Level Photography without a GCSE in it. In this case, they’ll usually require you to provide a portfolio with examples of your recent personal work. Talk to your Photography teacher to see if this is an option, and see our guide to preparing for A Levels after GCSE to navigate the jump.

Schools usually provide studio lighting, darkrooms and relevant software packages, so you don’t need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment. However, most students will need their own camera (such as a Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera or DSLR). Check with your school to find out exactly what you need.

Is A Level Photography hard?

Though Art and Design is listed as one of the easiest A Levels (based on a pass rate of 99.4%), some students may still find it hard.

One of the biggest challenges is the personal investigation. This long-term, largely independent project requires you to have excellent time management skills, as you’ll need to make sure you do enough work without neglecting your other A Levels.

Similarly, some students find it difficult to balance creative freedom with the requirements of Component 2. Fortunately, we have plenty of past papers to give you an idea of what to expect.

A Level Photography vs Fine Art vs Graphic Communication

A Level Photography, Fine Art and Graphic Communication all come under A Level Art and Design, and all share the same assessment structure. Here are the key features of each one:

A Level Photography is the practice of producing images using light-sensitive materials such as photographic film, or digital methods of development and production to create static or moving images.

A Level Fine Art involves working in a number of different areas. These could include photography, but drawing, painting, sculpture and others are also included. Choose this option if you want a broader focus.

A Level Graphic Communication involves designing primarily visual material, including illustrations, typography and packages. The output is more commercial than artistic.

Where A Level Photography can take you

Here are just some of the pathways A Level Photography can open up for you:

Further Study

• Degrees in Photography and joint honours, e.g. Photography & Print or Photography & Video

• Professional courses, e.g. The London Institute of Photography’s Professional Photography course (opens in a new tab)

Careers

• Wedding photography

• Fashion photography

• Freelance work in different industries

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take A Level Photography without GCSE Photography or Art?

Technically yes, although the course does build upon the foundation laid at GCSE.

Check your school’s entry requirements, as some schools do ask for GCSE Art and Design.

What camera do you need for A Level Photography?

Many students will need their own DSLR or mirrorless camera. Before you purchase lots of expensive equipment, check with your school to find out exactly what you need.

Is A Level Photography worth it?

It’s certainly worth it if you want to pursue a creative career or art-related degree. It also pairs well with a number of subjects, including A Level Media Studies.

Can you study A Level Photography online?

Yes, as long as you get the right support from an online tutor, have the right equipment and you register as a private candidate. For more information, read our guide on how to take A Level exams privately.
As one of the top 10 most popular A Level subjects, Art and Design is a great creative option. Consider A Level Photography if you’re after an art-related degree and/or creative career.