Photography - HNC*

Summary

This course is currently Subject to Validation. For more information please visit our Subject to Validation, Revalidation and Approval page.
Our Creative Arts programmes have been designed to offer you a staged approach to degree-level learning, acknowledging both the evolving economic landscape in the creative industries and the need for flexibility more generally in modern life. With this in mind, our HNC in Photography is the first step on your way to a full BA honours degree in Creative Practice.  This approach means you don't have to commit to three years right at the start. You can take it a year at a time, stop at the end of any year and still receive a formal, industry-recognised qualification which will help to secure employment within the sector or launch your career as a freelance creative. 

Taking this innovative approach to supporting you as you develop your professional and creative identity, Blackpool School of Arts provides a dynamic and versatile environment where you will gain the specialist skills and knowledge to prepare you for either further study or for starting a career in the creative industries.

Why choose us?
  • You will engage with an exciting multi-disciplinary curriculum that covers many aspects of photography, allowing you to explore different specialisms and develop a broad skill set.
  • You will be part of a supportive creative community, working with students form other programmes to enhance your ability to share ideas, collaborate, and innovate.
  • You will gain the technical know-how and practical experience needed to excel in the creative industries.
  • You will benefit from expert guidance from experienced tutors and visiting lecturers who are active in the creative industries, providing real world insights and training.
  • You will have access to outstanding facilities including photography studios, traditional darkrooms and photographic equipment as well as industry-standard Adobe software, 3D design and technology suites.
  • You will benefit from small class sizes and tutorial support that facilitate personalised learning experiences. 
What you’ll learn:
  • A range of photographic techniques and processes to produce industry standard visual and creative outputs using traditional and industry standard tools, equipment, and software.
  • Project management skills to effectively handle multiple projects.
  • Enterprise skills such as how to market yourself, build a professional portfolio and network effectively in the creative industries.
  • How to work collaboratively with others to share knowledge and ideas, preparing you for team-oriented roles in the workplace.
  • How to stay updated on industry trends and continuously improve your skills for your future career.
  • Course code DA1HE0007
  • UCAS code W690
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Monday to Wednesday
  • Time 09:45 - 16:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
1 Year
14 Sep 2026
University Centre
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in photography which students can build on, should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. Photographic production covers several careers in the creative industries and there are a number of different routes to follow. Students may decide to extend their photographic practice beyond the remit of the HNC and pursue an honours programme in photography. Alternatively, they may look to develop their career either as an in-house photographer or as a freelancer.

Next steps at B&FC

On successful completion of the Higher National Certificate, you will be ideally placed to progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Photography which in turn leads onto the BA (Hons) Creative Practice degree.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities include:

  • Social Photographer
  • Documentary Photographer
  • Product Photographer
  • Photography Specialist e.g. Medical, Forensic
  • Post Production Editor
  • Photographic Archivist
  • Photojournalist

Key information

Entry Requirements

  • Grade 4/C in both GCSE Maths and English, or L2 equivalent
  • A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline or
  • 2x A Levels in appropriate discipline or
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma or Merit from Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate discipline or
  • Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma or Foundation Diploma or
  • An international equivalent of the above qualifications

Anyone who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge can also be considered on an individual basis. Recognised prior learning may also be considered in accordance with the awarding body's regulations.

If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS score of at least 5.5.

Qualification obtained

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Photography

Extra costs and equipment


Key information

Entry Requirements

  • Grade 4/C in both GCSE Maths and English, or L2 equivalent
  • A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline or
  • 2x A Levels in appropriate discipline or
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma or Merit from Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate discipline or
  • Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma or Foundation Diploma or
  • An international equivalent of the above qualifications

Anyone who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge can also be considered on an individual basis. Recognised prior learning may also be considered in accordance with the awarding body's regulations.

If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS score of at least 5.5.

Qualification obtained

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Art and Design

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

All resources such as rehearsal space and library facilities are included in the programme cost itself and you have the opportunity to engage in a professional enrichment programme.

Students may wish to purchase a laptop to facilitate their work at home, however computers are available across campus, in the Learning Resource Centre and college laptops are accessible through the library loan system.

You will not be required to purchase any additional equipment to undertake this programme as the college has resources available to students. However, there may be some opportunities that will not be a requirement of the programme but will be available to students at an additional cost.

What will I learn?

What will I learn?

The programme provides work-related learning opportunities which are designed to embed and develop a range of transferrable skills to prepare you for employment opportunities in a range of related creative professions. These include skills in spoken, written and visual communication, the ability to manage collaborative and independent projects, creative problem-solving. Assessments are designed and created with industry professionals, meaning they are all related to scenarios that occur in the industry.

The curriculum team are also working professionals engaged in various aspects of the industry, alongside the expertise of the team, local employers are engaged in certain aspects of the course which will be tailored to your development, skill set and knowledge. External engagement with industry representatives may include:

  • Field trips to local destinations and environments
  • Inviting members of the local creative communities to present guest lectures
  • Using employers to judge the quality of assessed presentations and/or products
  • Establishing a panel of experts who students can pitch an idea to

Essential skills: English and Maths

A grade 4 GCSE or a Functional Skills Level 2 or above in maths and English are required for this programme. If you don't have any of the qualifications listed, please contact us to discuss your options. 

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

While work-based learning isn't compulsory for this programme, the programme offers invaluable work-related learning opportunities aimed at honing a diverse range of transferable and graduate skills. These opportunities are strategically designed to equip you with the necessary tools to thrive in a variety of academic, creative, and digital professions. By engaging in these experiences, you will gain practical insights and hands-on experience that will set you apart in the competitive job market.

Trips and guest speakers are frequently distributed throughout the programme and will give you the opportunity to experience the industry from a number of perspectives. Industry professionals will feed into the delivery of the programme, enriching your experience and supporting your development and understanding. 

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Concept and Development DA4MD0009 85 No
    Creative Project DA4MD0010 35 No

How will I learn?

Throughout this programme, you will take an active role in your learning through a combination of enquiry, project and problem-based learning by working collaboratively and in partnership with your fellow students, lecturers and specialist practitioners to take ownership of your personal and professional development. Working in partnership will support your learning processes and enable you to develop as an independent creative practitioner, peer to peer review, class discussions and seminars encourage the development of analysis, reflective thinking and self-evaluation.

Collaboration with other programmes across Blackpool School of Arts, formally and informally, will enrich the learning environment, supporting the discursive approach to learning. You will acquire an insight into industry through lectures, seminars and live briefs, this will support you in the transition from student to industry practitioner. Sessions will be delivered through tutor led demonstrations, one to one development workshops and group work.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 480 0 0
Independent 720 0 0
Placement 0 0 0
Total 1200 0 0

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Module A: Process and Practice

A1: Concept and Development (340 GLH – 85 credits)

A2: Creative Project (140 GLH – 35 credits)

 

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 100% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%