Distinctions | Falmouth | Other certificated courses | Young People and Schools
Qualifications
RPS Distinctions, qualifications & other certificated courses
Distinctions
Distinctions Programme Update
The Royal Photographic Society is undertaking a major redevelopment of the Distinctions Programme, representing the most significant review of the programme for many years.
To create the time and organisational capacity needed to complete this work, the Society has taken the decision to pause Distinctions assessments for the remainder of 2026. This includes all Licentiate, Associate, and Fellowship assessments.
The redevelopment will focus on strengthening applicant support, assessment and moderation processes, guidance, communication, and long-term sustainability, with a revised Distinctions Programme planned for introduction in 2027.
Applicants are not being asked to start again. Existing work and preparation remain valuable, and applicants are encouraged to continue developing their submissions during this period.
Applicants currently affected by the pause will be contacted directly regarding next steps.
Last Updated: 11.06.26
Exemptions
You could be awarded a Royal Photographic Society Distinction without having to submit a portfolio!
If you've completed any of the qualifying courses specified in the last five years you could apply for a Distinction via the Exemptions route.
Falmouth University MA Photography (Online)
Funding for Falmouth MA Photography (Online)
By being a member of the society you have unique access to a discount for Falmouth University's MA Photography (Online).
Join Falmouth’s renowned Institute of Photography from your own location on an established course designed specifically for online study. On this dynamic online Photography master’s, you will create photographic bodies of work that interrogate the world around you with increasing sophistication and critical depth.
Photography: Mick Yates, ‘Unfinished Stories’’
Other certificated courses
Open University Online Course
Digital photography: Creating and Sharing Better Images
A 10 week online course, developed by the Open University and supported by the RPS for beginners and those who wish to develop their photography further.
Open College of the Arts Short Courses
The Open College of the Arts is offering two new on-line courses, Photography As Language and Investigating Place. These courses are designed to make you think and connect more deeply with the images you see and those you take. Supported by the RPS.
Young People and Schools
Schools Certificate
We want to reward those students who excel in their GCSE Photography exams by awarding them an RPS Certificate in Photography.
If you are a teacher or know of any school teaching photography at GCSE level, please let them know about the certificate. It’s free and has already proved a hit with the students.
For further information please contact: Liz Williams, Education Manager, +44 (0)117 3164480, liz@rps.org
Image © Will Price-Lockyer, A* student from Crispin School Somerset
Partnership with Sharp Shots Photo Club
We are very excited to be supporting Sharp Shots Photo Club in delivering their workshops and courses. We have some great projects in the pipeline, which we hope will inspire the next generation of photographers.