Assessment Methods
This course is assessed by a range of assignments and assessments. These are set and marked internally by Strode staff and then validated by an external moderator.
This is a two-year practical course with written elements and no exam. There is a final period of 15 hours of practical work under exam conditions, which completes the second-year assessment.
You will learn by completing weekly (often technical) assignments at first, but short projects with fewer choices lead on to longer projects with a free choice – and to many unique creative outcomes. You will be taken from very basic camera control skills at first, to advanced technical skills in digital and monochrome darkroom and studio flash.
Progression Options
On successful completion of the course, you could continue to study on a Photography degree or Art Foundation (pre degree) course. Some students have also become freelance or assistant photographers after the course, which builds your portfolio for this reason.
If you want to do a Law degree you should check with the University that this counts as one of your three subjects – for almost all other subjects and Universities this will count towards your UCAS points.
Entry Requirements
You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range, including English and Maths at grade 4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.
You should have a grade 4 to 9 GCSE in an Art & Design course (not DT), but if not, you will be subject to a successful interview with a portfolio of work.
Ownership of your own DSLR (or good mirrorless digital) and/or 35mm SLR camera is not compulsory at first, but you would be expected to have one by the second term.
Frequently Asked Questions
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
Accommodation is mainly based at Strode College and is primarily utilised by Cannington and Bridgwater students. We also have a limited number of independent living Higher Education flats in Taunton.
Accommodation caters for Further Education (16-18 year olds) and Higher Education degree students (18+ years). Accommodation is allocated based on age, and the two age groups are accommodated in different lodges. The limited number of Taunton flats are only offered students over the age of 18.
Our accommodation is staffed 24/7 and there is always support to be found in the Residential Office. Residential students will be made aware of where and how to find staff for maintenance, wellbeing, financial, and any other concerns they may have.
Students in accommodation have a variety of social, enrichment and engagement activities that they can participate in. Activities are run everyday and there is a team of activity officers that run these. These activities may be on-site or off-site, and they cater to a variety of interests. Student suggestions for activities are encouraged and welcomed – students can simply contact an Accommodation Officer or visit a shared student space for more information.
Yes, the college offers an initial information session followed by up to six counselling sessions with our professional, qualified counsellors or counsellors in training. This service is confidential and easily accessible for students in need. To contact the Counselling Team directly, please email counsellingservice@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk.
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Strode College, Strode College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.