Photography - HND*

Summary

This course is currently Subject to Validation. For more information please visit our Subject to Validation, Revalidation and Approval page.

Having built foundational knowledge in lens-based media and more specialist knowledge of photography in your HNC, this Diploma programme is designed to both deepen your technical and theoretical knowledge of the subject whilst also preparing you for the work in the creative industries.

You will familiarise yourself with advanced photographic techniques from the studio to working on location as well as learning how to work professionally and collaboratively with other colleagues in the industry.

The personal project module will allow you to showcase what you have learnt and will give you the opportunity to demonstrate both the creative and technical skills you have acquired during the programme.

Course code DA1HE0011
UCAS code W691
Duration 1 Year
Day/s of week Wednesday to Friday
Time 09:45 - 16:30

Next course dates

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

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Progression from this programme is to the BA (Hons) Creative Practice here at Blackpool School of Arts, allowing you to achieve a full 3-year honours degree.

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is also recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant Art and Design, Lens-Based courses, for example:

University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
University of Salford
Manchester School of Art
UAL CSM

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

Live art and design production covers several careers in the art and design industries and there are different routes to follow. Artists and designers create work for a range of creative outputs and may be involved exhibitions, publications, commissions and in support of the wider creative industry. Other employment opportunities include:

Production Designer - Theatre / TV / Film industry
Film Production
Art Direction
Product Photography
Internship in photography
Employment at an entry level (lightweight) as content producer for a film or media production company
Self-employment in the photography sector, producing small scale independent media for social platforms
Film Stills Photographer
Media Event Photographer
Content Producer

Key information

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of the HNC in Photography is a pre-requisite for the programme.

You may be considered as an applicant if you have completed the first year of a photography or media degree elsewhere but this is at the course tutors' discretion.

Fees and funding

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

Qualification obtained

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Photography

Extra costs and equipment

Equipment needed and costs

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.

Regulation and accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

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 several perspectives. Industry professionals will feed into the delivery of the programme, enriching your experience and supporting your development and understanding.

Modules at level 5

Module title	Code	Credits	Optional
Personal Professional Development	DA5MD0014	45	No
Professional Project	DA5MD0015	75	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	0	480	0
Independent	0	720	0
Placement	0	0	0
Total	0	1200	0

How will I be assessed?

Module B: Professional Creative Practice

B1: Personal Professional Development (170 GLH – 45 credits)

B2: Professional Project (310 GLH – 75 credits)

How will I be assessed?

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