Master the art of visual storytelling through photography while building your expertise in graphic design and publishing, giving your work the exposure it deserves within the industry.
As a Photography student, you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant photography scene. You’ll hone your craft and develop a broad set of professional skills, learning how to confidently create and showcase your stories. Over six in-depth projects, you’ll collaborate on public exhibitions, events and client briefs, gaining real-world experience and industry connections.
What you’ll learn
Course Breakdown
If you want to be part of something bigger, and you believe in the importance of creative collaboration, then the Photography Collective is for you. The course is made up of six in-depth projects. Four are designed and led by expert practitioners to help you build confidence, skills and knowledge. The final two are student-led, taking place at the end of each academic year.
Equipment
Sony Alpha 6400 APS-C mirrorless kit
Fujifilm X100T APS-C mirrorless kit
Canon 5D Mark III DSLR kit
Canon AE-1 35mm film camera kit
Mamiya 645 Pro medium format camera kit
Gimbal
Wacom tablets
Adobe Creative Suite
Bowens Strobe lighting
Epson Perfection V850
Department printer
Darkroom
Space for alternative processes
Bookmaking tools and materials
Studio Fee
The £150 Studio Fee is a one-off payment that covers both years of the course and covers extra costs that help to enrich the student programme, such as software licenses, online services, maintenance and use of equipment and to fund or subsidise additional trips and opportunities. In addition, it also includes an external hard drive, hard drive case, personal SD card for storage of captured film and photography, a Boomsatsuma ‘crew’ t-shirt, and full Adobe Creative Cloud license.
Year 1
The Creative Process
Learn how to explore, apply and evaluate each stage of the creative process, while gaining an introduction to the wider creative industries
Developing Creative Practice
Build your own creative practice by experimenting with different materials, techniques and processes
Responding to a Set Brief
Bring together everything you’ve learned to tackle a vocational brief. Develop ideas, plan a project, create outcomes and reflect on the process to evaluate your success
Year 2
Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
Choose a specialist area, research it in depth and understand your role within the wider industry. Refine your visual language to clearly communicate your ideas
Specialist Technical Skills Development
Deepen your technical skills through hands-on exploration and experimentation in your chosen specialism. Learn how to solve problems, work safely and present your skills professionally.
Specialist Creative Outcome
Complete a self-initiated final project that pulls everything together. Demonstrate your knowledge, skills and creativity to produce a vocationally relevant outcome for a specific audience
Student Work
See the bold, original projects our students are creating! From day one, they bring fresh ideas to life across film, photography, game design and digital media. From concept to final cut, experience the talent and creativity at the heart of Boomsatsuma.
Hear from the people living it – what it is like, how it feels and why it matters
“Being on this course has given me the confidence, support and experience to help me on the path towards my future career.”
“Boomsatsuma offers excellent industry opportunities and supportive staff who helped me grow and progress into further education. The course and leaders encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new creative approaches.”
what makes us different
Why Study Photography at Boomsatsuma?
Collaborative Learning
Academic guidance every step of the way
Real-World Projects
Industry insights in every assignment
Personal Growth
Celebrating your unique creative vision
Where Are We?
Portland Square
9 Portland Square, St Pauls, Bristol, BS2 8ST
Where can this course take you?
Photography can open more doors than you might think. It can take you directly into the creative industries, into roles like photographer, content creator, studio assistant, retoucher or working behind the scenes in media, fashion, events or even product photography.
Throughout this course, you’ll also build a whole toolkit of transferable skills that are in demand far beyond the lens, like creative problem-solving, visual storytelling, project planning, teamwork, and independent thinking. Whether you’re freelancing, working in-house, or branching out into other creative roles.
If you want to take things further, this qualification sets you up perfectly for university-level study – like the Photography and Print degrees at Boomsatsuma.
How is this course connected to industry?
Gain real-world perspective through a series of career development talks and industry events. From personal branding sessions to deep dives into specific creative software and workflows, these talks are led by working professionals keen to share their journey. Don’t just attend events, organise your own, building confidence, networks and practical skills that go far beyond the classroom.
Don’t miss this opportunity – come and see for yourself
Our Open Days are a fantastic chance to meet your tutors, your fellow students and see exactly what life will be like at Boomsatsuma
All courses provide you with a Level 3 Extended Diploma worth up to 168 points. When you’ve completed the course, you’ll be awarded an overall grade of Distinction, Merit or Pass.
There are no exams for these courses. Instead you’ll be continually assessed through coursework.
You’ll need to be on track for at least five GCSE grades 4-9, two of which must be Maths and English. Alternatively you could be working towards a BTEC Level 2 Diploma and on track for a Merit or Distinction. We don’t offer level 2 courses but can recommend courses that you could do before studying at level 3 with us.
Absolutely! The Level 3 Extended Diploma award has equivalent UCAS points to A Levels, and the qualification is recognised by universities in the UK. Different courses have different requirements though, so we recommend that you check the entry requirements of the university course that you’re interested in.
Boomsatsuma College are responsible for over 500 learners in 10 centres and we have our own robust quality assurance procedures. We work in partnership with the Cabot Learning Foundation (CLF), one of the largest academy chains in the South West, who monitor our standards. Our students are enrolled as CLF students.
Boomsatsuma further education courses adhere to the policies maintained by Digitech Studio School (part of Cabot Learning Federation) and Patchway Community School. You can find all policies here.
