Course overview

This programme develops your technical and creative skills across both digital and analogue photography, including studio lighting, post-production, visual communication and professional practice. You will work in specialist facilities such as our black-and-white darkroom, industry-standard digital suites and dedicated photography studios. Throughout the course, you will refine your personal style and visual language while exploring contemporary debates around the social, political and economic contexts that influence photographic practice today. The programme supports you in building a strong, industry-ready portfolio and developing the critical understanding needed for a successful career in the creative industries.

Course requirements

Applicants should hold a minimum of 80 UCAS points from A Levels, Level 3 Diplomas, a combination of Level 3 Certificates, or an Access to HE Diploma, plus ideally a portfolio of your previous photographic work if you have one. Mature students with relevant life or employment experience will also be considered. Equivalent international qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

What will I do?

Units for Level 5 . Professional Practice (ongoing) . Applied Practice collaborative Project (Pearson-Set) . Advanced Photographic Studies . Moving image . Photojournalism . Commercial Photography

What will it give me?

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Photography (this is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree). You can then apply and acquire a bachelor's degree by completing the final year at a university.

Materials needed

Students on the HND would also benefit from having their own DSLR camera for the duration of the course. If students do not have one at the start of the course the college library has a handful that can be borrowed for a week at a time (7 days). Students will also need to provide their own stationery and research files (such as a sketchbook or A4/A3 document folder).

What can I do when I finish?

Career options include Freelance Photographer, Studio Photographer, Photo Editor, Content Creator, Visual Artist, or Creative Media Assistant. Graduates of this programme also often progress to top-up degrees in Photography or Visual Communication at external universities.

What next?

If you would like to apply, please click the "Apply Now" section below and follow the steps. Thank you!