Diplomas

How our Diploma Program Works

What type of School is this?

We offer a series of Continuing Education style classes. These classes typically run on weekends and/or evenings. Most classes are twelve hours in length. While we are accredited with the Federal Government of Canada as a Private Educational Institution , we are not an accredited college or university. This means that if you take our classes to further your skills in a professional capacity, the fees may be tax deductible. Since students are not enrolled in full time study, our courses are not likely eligible for student loans or for a student visa.

What order should the classes be taken in?

After completing the Digital Camera Fundamentals Class, students can complete the remaining required classes in any order and over any time period they desire. Students are able to follow whatever schedule works best for them. One advantage of our program is that it is very flexible.

How long will it take to complete the classes and receive my diploma?

Most diplomas can realistically be achieved in twelve months or less, however we allow you to take classes at your own pace.

How much work will I have to do on my own to achieve proficiency?

To get proficient at any particular discipline or set of skills taught in one of our classes, students should expect to devote at least 10 times the number of hours that the class was long. In other words, to achieve proficiency in using your camera following our Digital Camera Fundamentals class, a student should expect to practice their skills for about 120 hours to truly master the skills taught in the class.

Once I've completed the required classes, how do I receive my diploma?

To receive a diploma, a student must:

• Successfully complete the required classes
• Devote serious time to practicing the skills learned in class
• Apply for a diploma by submitting a portfolio of images created outside of the classroom that are indicative of their skill in their desired discipline.

After receiving the diploma application, we evaluate the work against current professional standards and if the student is producing work at the level of proficiency expected, a diploma is awarded.

Will you help me find a job as a photographer after graduating?

While we certainly keep our eyes and ears open for photography employment opportunities, realistically students need to realize that there are very few actual photography jobs with corporations any more. There are some, but they are few and far between. However, there is still lots of money being made by photographers as independent contractors working as freelance photographers or running their own photography businesses photographing everything from architecture to food to newborns, weddings and portraits and everything in-between. The vast majority of professional photographers are self employed.

Additional benefits of prepaid diploma program:

1.     If you cannot attend a class that you have registered for and proper notification has been received, a fee of $50.00 is normally charged to           transfer your registration to the next available class. Diploma Students are given ONE transfer at no charge.

2.     Our workshops often sell out. Pre-Paid Diploma Students are given advance notice of our class schedule so that they may register for the              classes they want before we offer them to the general public.

3.      Pre-Paid Diploma Students may also receive additional feedback and guidance in between classes, when requested.

4.     Pre-Paid Diploma Students are allowed one free portfolio resubmission, if required.

5.     Pre-paid diploma students may be eligible for discounts on additional classes offered by the Burwell School.

How much will it cost me to get my diploma?

Outside of the costs for your camera gear, the cost of the classes will depend on which diploma you are interested in achieving and how you want to pay for the classes.

Portrait Photography Diploma - If you pay for the classes individually, one-by-one as you sign up for them and take them, the current cost of the classes is $1700 plus GST. If you pay for all the classes up front, the current pre-paid price is $1445 plus GST.

Nature Photography Diploma - If you pay for the classes individually, one-by-one as you sign up for them and take them, the current cost of the classes is $1650 plus GST. If you pay for all the classes up front, the current pre-paid price is $1400 plus GST.

Do I have to pay for all the classes at once?

You do not have to pay for all the classes at once. Many of our students "pay as they go" by registering for classes when their schedule or budget will allow. However, by paying in advance, you save over 15% in class fees. Students who prepay will also qualify for discounts on specific additional classes that might benefit their development.

What are the current diplomas available and what classes do they consist of?

Portrait Photography Diploma:

• Digital Camera Fundamentals
• Photographic Composition
• Lightroom CC for Photographers
• Photoshop CC for Lightroom Users
• Electronic Flash Photography
• Portrait Photography
• Posing for Families and Children

Nature Photography Diploma:

• Digital Camera Fundamentals
• Photographic Composition
• Lightroom CC for Photographers
• Photoshop CC for Lightroom Users
• Macro Photography
• Landscape Photography
• Wildlife Photography

How do I apply to become a student in your Diploma program?

Please complete our application form and we'll get back to you. The prices and discounts noted above are for the classes only. There is a separate diploma application fee of $250 plus GST to be paid at the time you are submitting your portfolio for evaluation.

More Information about our Diplomas?

For more information, please contact us.