Online NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Photography (601/3391/0) - Mondays at 3.15pm (starts Jan 2027)

-How is the course taught?

The course will be taught in live online lessons.
There are weekly online group lessons with around 6 or 7 pupils in a group.
Lessons are live online. If you cannot make the class, personalised home learning is provided, or a lesson recording where appropriate.

-How much does it cost?

Lessons are £20 each paid for in half term blocks of 5 or 6 weeks: £100 or £120 per block.

The Level 2 Certificate will take between four and five terms to complete, so the total cost for my tutoring will be (100/120 x 8/10): £800 – £1200.

There is also an additional registration and certification fee of £68 from NCFE.

This will be requested part way through the first half term of the course.

-What is the qualification?

The Level Two Certificate in Photography (NCFE 601/3391/0) which is worth 16 credits. This is the equivalent to a GCSE and colleges can accept it in applications (check with college of choice).
You will also have a portfolio of work that you can take to college applications.
If your child is using this for college admission, then check with college admissions individually if they accept this qualification towards your child’s chosen course.

-What do I provide when your child becomes part of my Level 2 Photography group lessons?

Live online lessons, access to online video tutorials made by me and tailored to their project, lesson recordings, weekly personalised feedback to each student, photographer/artist research resources, portfolio template, written resources and templates.
I also provide email updates to parents and carers with action plans and photoshoot plans.

-What will you be taught for the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Photography?

In these online lessons, you will be creating an internally assessed digital portfolio of evidence on Google Slides.
Level 2 in Photography is about more than just taking photographs.
The course is designed to build technical skills on the camera and visual awareness, and is divided into five distinct units:

1. Explore photographic equipment, techniques, materials and resources

This unit covers camera functions, controls, menus, and settings (such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, and ISO).

The unit is assessed through making a series of test shots exploring shutter speed effects, depth of field, and image processing software, all while learning safe working practices.

1. Develop and adapt photographic ideas

This unit involves research into the work of historical and contemporary photographers to understand their methods and visual language (such as composition, rule of thirds, and lighting).

This research will inspire development of ideas, gathering of feedback, and creation of exploratory images that reflect a personal style.

1. Location photography

This unit will focus on photographic work carried out away from the studio, such as landscape, urban, architectural, or street photography. It will involve planning, managing, and executing an outdoor shoot.

1. Documentary photography

This unit will focus on storytelling, photojournalism, and capturing real-world events. It will involve building a panel of images that tell a compelling narrative.

1. Experimental and alternative process photography

This unit involves pushing creative boundaries by exploring unique post-camera image manipulation techniques and alternative visual processes.

-At what age can my child begin this Level 2 Photography course?

The minimum age requirement is 13 and the maximum age is usually 16. If a student between 16 and 18 is in live lessons then parents of other students in the class will be notified.

-How much writing is required?

Writing will be spaced out across the units and student’s portfolio, and will describe the photography, research and editing they are doing.

Clear frameworks will be provided to help structure all writing tasks on student’s portfolios.

Learners will make written notes about other photographers and their work. Learners will write notes about their own photographs and editing: reviewing their images, reflecting on feedback, and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of their final photographic outcomes.

Writing will also be used to complete basic health, safety, and legal/ethical considerations relevant to their photoshoots.

-Is there an exam?

No, there is no practical timed exam at the end of this course.

Instead, the qualification is 100% internally assessed through the portfolio.

-What equipment will you use?

-For your Zoom lessons please have a device with a camera so I can see you and a microphone so we can talk to each other. I don’t have to see you all of the time – but a microphone so I can talk to you is very useful so we can discuss your work.
-A camera to take photos for your portfolio. A camera with manual settings such as A, M, S or TV is preferable – like a DSLR- you can get one second hand as well. You can also use a phone with a high quality camera – with this you will purchase apps that allow manual camera manipulation.
-A laptop with wifi that you can use for editing photographs and creating your portfolio with photos and writing.
-Editing software for photos – to edit, you can use Photoshop or a free online editor called Photopea
-A camera tripod.
-A cheap light with different colours.

I can email you links to equipment required once you have enrolled.

-The Rough Course Timeline

Year 1 - Jan 2027 - July 2027
Creating Coursework Portfolio which covers two units of work (see unit descriptions above).

Year 2 – Sept 2027 – July 2028
Completing two units of work to complete portfolio (see unit descriptions above).

July 2028 - August 2028
Additional time allowed for any units not passed.