Access to Higher Education: Creative Media and Photography
This programme is intended for those returning to creative study, who may need to develop a portfolio, study skills and gain qualifications to enter higher education or the workplace.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
This course aims to serve the needs and ambitions of three main student groups:
Those seeking to build a portfolio for an application to BA(hons) or FdA Foundation Degrees in media, photography or digitally-based arts programmes at Truro and Penwith College or elsewhere.
Semi-professionals seeking to renew their creativity through personal projects and new processes while producing a fresh portfolio of work for career progression.
Learners who require more than an evening course in photography or media in order to develop creative transferable skill sets.
Apply for this course
Start date: 15/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Small Classes
Industry experts
Purpose-built facilities
Portfolio development
Professional Equipment
You will study photography and moving image production in purpose-built facilities using the latest equipment. Much of the equipment is available for you to loan and produce work outside of the College.
Experienced Tutors
All the staff have extensive industry and academic experience. You will be taken through a series of workshops to familiarise yourself with the equipment and software you need to produce coursework.
Wide Range of Learning Styles
You will have practical and academic lectures in small groups that guide you through the units that make up the course. You will also attend seminars, tutorials, presentations and visiting lecturer sessions.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
As part of this programme, students will undertake general study skills units. It will support pathways to higher education or to employment. Students will investigate areas of creative and digital media and will identify and develop creative, technical, theoretical, practical and personal skills.
Subject areas studied will include media, photography, moving image, creative arts, graphic design, and web design. Students will also develop their academic and research skills.
The specific units you will study are:
- Photographic Techniques
- Moving Image Digital Video – Camera Works
- Photography – Studio Practices
- Photography
- Location Photography
- Moving Image Digital Video – Editing Techniques
- Moving Image Digital Video – Shooting Moving Image
- Moving Image Digital Video Project
- Study Skills
- Introduction to Contextual Studies
- Graphic Design – Creative Imaging
- Final Major Project: Exhibition and Evaluation
Specialist facilities include media and photography suites and studios, a photographic darkroom, specialist Apple Mac and PC computing facilities and a TV studio.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
You can progress from this Access course to a range of BA (hons) or FdA Foundation Degrees in media, photography, moving image, graphics, digital marketing or digitally based arts programmes, nationally or at Truro and Penwith College.
Career paths include practical avenues such as Online Content Creation, Media Production, Commercial Photography or academic routes like Teaching and Education.
Assessment Arrangements
The assessments for this course are 100% coursework.
Entry Requirements
We recommend that you have GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of Grade 4 (C) before you commence the Access course. However, please contact us to discuss your prior qualifications and planned progression route and we would be happy to advise based on your set of circumstances. It is advisable to check the GCSE requirements for the higher education course you wish to complete following the Access course, as they may have different stipulations.
Additional Information
Awarding Body: CAVA
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£50,714
Entry Level Salary
£10,173
Average Salary
£27,119
Annual openings in Cornwall
14
Potential Salary
£61,180
Entry Level Salary
£18,656
Average Salary
£33,638
Annual openings in Cornwall
8
Potential Salary
£34,303
Entry Level Salary
£8,178
Average Salary
£21,935
Annual openings in Cornwall
4
Potential Salary
£28,513
Entry Level Salary
£12,958
Average Salary
£16,404
Annual openings in Cornwall
3
Potential Salary
£43,981
Entry Level Salary
£19,165
Average Salary
£28,058
Annual openings in Cornwall
5
Potential Salary
£38,012
Entry Level Salary
£13,759
Average Salary
£27,009
Annual openings in Cornwall
9
Potential Salary
£49,070
Entry Level Salary
£15,668
Average Salary
£26,980
Annual openings in Cornwall
11
Potential Salary
£54,734
Entry Level Salary
£10,979
Average Salary
£29,269
Annual openings in Cornwall
