A man stands with a camera in hand, embodying his passion for photography as he prepares to take a shot.

Art & Design (Photography) - HND

Summary

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 DA1HE011
  • 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 2026
University Centre
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is 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

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 Editing
  • Film Production
  • Film Scriptwriting
  • Art Direction
  • Production Design
  • Internship in Filmmaking
  • Employment at an entry level (lightweight) as content producer for a film or media production company
  • Self-employment in the filmmaking sector, producing small scale independent media for social platforms
  • Film Stills Photographer
  • Videographer
  • 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

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

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.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

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

  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Advanced Photography Studies DA5MD005 30 No
    Applied Practice Collaborative Project DA5MD015 30 No
    Branding and Identity DA5MD017 15 No
    Commercial Photography DA5MD018 15 No
    Moving Image DA5MD025 15 No
    Professional Practice DA5MD026 15 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?

How will I be assessed?

One of the elements that makes this course unique, is that all assignments have been designed and co-created with industry specialists, so you know you are gaining the technical skills to support a strong career.  

Assessment types will be varied, so that you are able to develop transferable skills such as independence, collaborative working, digital and communication skills as well as subject specific knowledge for preparation into a successful and long-term employment sector.

For the majority of practical units you will be asked to submit a portfolio or sketchbooks, which comprise of a body of work including the planning and development stages as well as the final output. Written evidence should also be submitted containing references, creative development and written reflections. you will be assessed using a variety of methods:

  • Professional Development
  • Practical skills assessment
  • Critical self and peer-evaluation
  • Individual online portfolios/promotion of work
  • Group and individually produced artefacts
  • Written essays and reports
  • Reviews and evaluations
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Tasks aimed at the assessment of specific skills (e.g. digital skills, production skills, research skills and skills of application)

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%