Level 2 Certificate in Photography 2026-27

This is a part-time course taught on a Thursday evening at our Peterlee campus.

Interested in photography? No matter what stage of your photography journey you’re on, from a hobbyist 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 aged 16-18 can alternatively study on a vocational programme in art or media, where photography is part of both programmes.

Our Level 2 photography course includes two core units and one optional unit, all 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!

By the end of the course, you’ll have a full portfolio of work which you’ll get to keep, following the external moderation process.

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 or Art & Design.

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

Please note that our photography course is only available to adults 19+ years.

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.

17th September 2026

20 weeks part time (Thursday evening per week)