HND PHOTOGRAPHY

Intro to the course:

Photography  is about capturing moments, expressing creativity, telling stories and communicating information. Building on a strong foundation of technical skills, our HNC Photography course offers the opportunity for you to develop all these elements to a professional level and build a strong portfolio of work to kickstart your photography career.

Top photographers in Scotland can now earn upwards of £600 a day. It's estimated that 7,800 jobs will need to be replaced or created between 2020 and 2023 in the creative industries and photography in Scotland, with the need for good quality images for advertising and content. This course will give you the skills to be a successful photographer. 

Our small class sizes facilitate a supportive learning environment where you can access industry-standard image editing software, and our newly fitted studio. We provide a fantastic opportunity to develop your creativity as well as your technical skills, allowing you to successfully build your own portfolio in preparation for working in an ever-changing digital environment.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for anyone wanting to develop their career in photography. It will suit school leavers, adult returners to education or those in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects.

What will I study?

Over the two years, this course is designed to prepare you for a career as a professional photographer. It will provide you with broad-based creative and commercially relevant experience by studying a range of subjects, including: 

• Portraiture
• Image Editing
• Studio Still Life
• Moving Image
• Fashion
• Photojournalism
• Film, Documentary

On this practical, project-based course, our experienced lecturers will support you as you learn through lectures, tutorials, work experience opportunities, groupwork, industry visits, expeditions, and from guest speakers. The emphasis throughout is on a professional attitude, working to deadlines, attention to detail and the desire to satisfy the demands of the client. This culminates in an exhibition of your work at the end of the course where you will share your achievements with family and friends.

Next step course options

Direct entry to second year of the HND Photography if you achieve 14 credits and all the mandatory HNC units.

You may then apply for direct entry to year three of a BA [Hons] in a related subject, which may include: photography, film and television, digital art, multimedia design and craft, photographic and electronic media at which time you will be assessed at interview and by the presentation of a portfolio. Entry will be at the discretion of each university.

Over the past few years, we have supported the progression of some of our HND Photography students to degree courses at Glasgow School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, City of Glasgow College and Gray’s School of Art. 

How will I be assessed?

Ongoing assessment through a range of research, planning, practical and evaluative activities. You will be asked to fulfil varied photographic briefs - developing fresh and original creative image solutions, coupled with developing essential initiative-taking study, research skills and reflective practice. 

Your Graded Unit assessments in each of years 1 and 2 are an opportunity to design and develop your own projects. 

Why should I choose this course?

Skilled photographers are in high demand with photography needed for websites, social media, promotion, photojournalism, social photography and more. On this course, you'll gain the skills you need to become a top photographer. You'll be taught in the college photography studios by experienced staff, who also work in the industry, and will have the chance of work placements. 

Where can this course lead?

Many students completing the HND Photography course go into employment within the creative industries or set up their own businesses as freelance photographers working in the areas of social or commercial photography, medical photography, documentary, and photojournalism. 

Completion of the HND in Photography will also improve opportunities for you to make the progression to degree award courses by providing a sound, well-structured foundation of the critical and analytic skills sought by HE institutions. 

What are the entry requirements?

One or more of the following: 

• One Higher 
• Relevant group of SQA National Qualifications or Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF level 6 
• Equivalent recognised qualification 
• Relevant work experience with current reference

You should also have

• a portfolio of recent work 
• own or have the use of a DSLR camera for duration of the course
• have a  genuine interest in photography, digital media or video

If English is not your first language, ESOL at an appropriate level or IELTS or equivalent with an entry score of 5.5 or above is recommended.

What are the interview arrangements?

Your offer will be based on your application.  You may be invited to an informal group interview and information session.

Fees, finance and funding:

Fees and finances for full time:

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds.

Click here to find out more about fees, finance and funding options.

Other information: