Courses - Online & in London

Always wondered what half the buttons on your camera actually do? Discover how to use them properly and produce impressive photographs, even as a complete beginner. Gain useful technical knowledge and get expert creative guidance in easy-to-understand language. An ideal first step before enrolling on our intermediate courses.

Already know the basics of photography but want to take things further? Refresh your knowledge, learn more advanced skills and develop your creative ideas, with an established professional photographer on hand for technical guidance and creative inspiration.

This course is a natural follow on from City Lit photography projects VY844 & VY878.



You will work on a self-set project for the length of the course.

A picture paints a thousand words. Develop your creative ability to communicate through photography and get a fascinating insight into the world of documentary photography and photojournalism. Work on assignments and location shoots, develop your technique and style, and explore the practical, theoretical and ethical dimensions of photojournalism.

Become an expert in the fine art world of contemporary photography. Learn about the history, concepts and theories behind the art form, and the technology and techniques now influencing it. Develop practical skills to realise your own creative ideas, discuss your photography portfolio with others, and learn about platforms to showcase your work on the commercial fine art market.

Capture the architecture of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings in this introduction to architectural photography. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre then venture onto the streets and spaces of London to put your theory into practice, identifying architectural styles and experimenting with different lenses, composition, processing and editing.

Always wondered what half the buttons on your camera actually do? Discover how to use them properly and produce impressive photographs, even as a complete beginner. Gain useful technical knowledge and get expert creative guidance in easy-to-understand language.

Think quality video production needs a whole film crew? Think again! Discover how you can easily shoot and edit professional-level video on your own digital SLR camera; get expert guidance on the whole process and find out why DSLRs have become the camera of choice for many broadcast professionals.

Develop your painting in greater depth on this advanced course, working with a team of artist-tutors and a committed network of peer-practitioners, across a set of projects focusing on a range of contemporary themes, processes, and debates. The course is intended for experienced painters with a positive and enquiring attitude to the practices and discourses of painting in its various forms, and a commitment to peer-dialogue and critical discussion. Focused and intensive studio-based weekend projects (once per month), are interspersed with weekly online tutorials, feedback, discussion and seminars.



This course will be delivered online and in person. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Curious about contemporary approaches to filmmaking?



Whether you have previously attended film or art related courses or simply have an interest in exploring a variety of experimental methods, this course will transform your practice.



With an emphasis on interdisciplinary fields including animation, performance, installation and sound, the course will examine multiple applications within expanded experimental film practice.



Through discussions, workshops, and personal projects, and by utilising a wide range of techniques, participants will gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to create innovative and challenging artworks.



This course will be delivered online and in person. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Shape, form, pattern and texture take on added significance in black-and-white photography. Without colour to guide the eye, contrast, lighting, and composition take on even more importance. Discover these elements and the basic rules of black and white photography.

Year 1 of the City Lit Fine Art course will enable you to refine and build upon your previous experience in Fine Art by exploring approaches to drawing, painting, sculpture, print, digital media and contextual studies, across a series of structured projects in studio and online sessions. As part of a small cohort of like-minded students you will be taught by experienced tutors who are also practicing artists in a range different media.



The course will enable you to develop an overview of media processes relevant to current art practice, introduce ideas and debate relevant to contemporary art, and help you identify your own personal creative responses. Group discussions and tutorials will support the development of your thinking and help you adopt an independent and open-minded approach to your own work. This course can be taken for personal creative development, to prepare you for application to undergraduate or postgraduate Fine Art courses, or to serve as an alternative to the conventional degree route.



Some basic materials will be provided, and you will need to supplement these with specific items; a list is provided in the CLFA course handbook. 10am – 12pm online Zoom sessions on alternate Mondays (15 in total)



10am – 5pm in City Lit studios. On alternate Tuesdays (16 in total)



6pm – 9pm in City Lit digital media suite. On 4 or 5 alternate Tuesday evenings per term (12 in total).



This course will be delivered online and in person. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.