The RPS offers qualifications, Distinctions and certificated courses to cater for every level of photographic experience. There are also opportunities with the OU and Falmouth University. They are an excellent way of setting yourself educational challenges and projects to help further your skills and focus your work. You can also choose to participate in workshops, advisory days or benefit from one-on-one online advice to achieve your chosen aim.
Qualifications
RPS Distinctions, qualifications, OU and other certificated courses.
Distinctions
Licentiate (LRPS)
To become a Licentiate of The Society, applicants must show variety in approach and techniques but not necessarily in subject matter. Demanding but achievable for most dedicated photographers.
Associate (ARPS)
Requires a body of work/project of a high standard and a written Statement of Intent. Strong technical ability using techniques and photographic practices appropriate to the subject.
Fellowship (FRPS)
Our highest level of Distinction. Requires a distinctive, distinguished and cohesive body of work/project accompanied by a Statement of Intent. Fellowship submissions are open to RPS Associates.
Film Distinction
These Distinctions recognize achievement in film production from key competencies at Licentiate level, advanced conceptual and technical skills at Associate level and at Fellowship level excellence in, and equating to, the highest industry, professional and artistic standards. Areas of film production covered will range from concept through cinematography, post-production and presentation.
The Distinctions will support and encourage high quality, innovative and challenging global film making, across diverse cultural, traditional and contemporary practices.
Screenshot: © Max Robinson FRPS, Night Train to Kazan
Research Distinction
You submit written rather than photographic work for the Research category. This category encompasses research in the arts & sciences of photography.
It also looks at how photography is considered, how its history is recorded and preserved, how photography is taught and how it is understood in its own terms and as part of wider visual and artistic culture.
Qualifications
Imaging Scientist Qualification
RPS Imaging Scientist vocational qualifications are open for application from those who have professional careers within the fields of engineering, science and technology.
Creative Industries Qualification
RPS Creative Industries qualifications are suitable for those working in the media including picture editors, art directors, curators, and designers as well as those within elements of education.
These qualifications are designed to enhance career prospects and acknowledge achievements by recognizing professional competence.
Imaging Scientist levels:
Stage 1: (QIS & LRPS) Qualified Imaging Scientist
Stage 2: (GIS & ARPS) (AIS & ARPS) Graduate Imaging Scientist & Accredited Imaging Scientist
Stage 3: (ASIS & FRPS) Accredited Senior Imaging Scientist.
Creative Industries levels:
Stage 1: (QICI & LRPS) Qualified in Imaging in the Creative Industries & Licentiate: for those with academic qualifications below degree level.
Stage 2: (GICI & ARPS) Graduate in Imaging in the Creative Industries & Associate: for those with a first degree.
Stage 3: (AICI & ARPS) Accredited in Imaging in the Creative Industries & Associate: for those with postgraduate experience in the creative industries.
Stage 4: (ASICI & FRPS) Accredited Senior in Imaging in the Creative Industries & Fellow: the senior professional qualification.
Falmouth MA and BA(Hons) Top-Up Photography
Funding for Falmouth on-line Courses
The Royal Photographic Society is offers exclusive bursaries for members wishing to join one of Falmouth Universities Flexible’s part-time, online photography courses.
Other certificated courses
Open University Online Course
Digital photography: creating and sharing better images
This 10 week online course, which has been developed with the Open University (OU), is designed to give you the basic skills to create and share great digital images.
Schools certificate
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 who received theirs this year.
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
Non-certified online learning
Macro & Art with John Humphrey FRPS
This on-demand workshop is ideal if you want to gain valuable insight and skills in macro and art photography including concepts, lighting, equipment, technique and post processing.
It contains over 4 hours of video from the Royal Photographic Society Macro & Art Educator and Author; John Humphrey FRPS