Level 4
Photography HNC/D
Higher Nationals are vocational Higher Education courses at level 4 (Certificate) and 5 (Diploma) that allow students to undertake a practical and vocational based programme and develop their technical skills at industry standard and enter…
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Course overview
Higher Nationals are vocational Higher Education courses at level 4 (Certificate) and 5 (Diploma) that allow students to undertake a practical and vocational based programme and develop their technical skills at industry standard and enter the world of work, or go onto higher learning.
You have the option of doing a Higher National Certificate with no commitment to top up to the diploma, and can keep your options open and flexible.
Higher Nationals also have the following benefits as they allow students:
- To gain a qualification that is recognised by employers
- To undertake work focuses on practical application of knowledge
- A cost effective alternative to university that allows flexibility and no commitment to complete a second year.
- Flexible routes that can be designed and guided through professional discussion with your course tutors
- More teacher contact than university, academic and pastoral support at an individual level
To apply for the Photography HNC/HND courses that we offer, simply click the ‘Apply’ button next to your chosen course below in the ‘Dates and Applications’ box. Alternatively, you can apply directly through UCAS for the two full-time courses; see the relevant links below.
Part-time Photography HNC (1 day a week) The course code for the part-time HNC offering is: HC-PHOL4-02X/FC01
Full-time Photography HND (2 days a week) The course code for the full-time HND offering is: HC-PHOL5-01X/FC01
You can apply to the full-time Photography HND through UCAS
Institution name: BCBC Institution code: B77 Course code: P979 / P163 Campus code: C Short code: Photo Delve into the world of Creative Arts & Media at City of Bristol College You can view some wonderfully innovative work from our students here
How to apply
Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply
Who is this course for?
Do you have a passion for photography and capturing the world around you? Want to develop your own creative style while exploring the commercial side of photography? If so, this is the course for you.
The purpose of Photography Pathway is to use the Pearson Art and Design Framework to develop you as professional. You will become a self-reflecting individual that is ready and able to meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing design industry.
The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them using industry standard software, processes and scenarios built with employers to ensure a well-rounded experience to prepare you for the next stage of your career.
What you’ll learn
The course is delivered at our College Green Campus.
The Higher National Certificate has two component units, A1 and A2, that cover the wider Photographic sector, focusing on creative and professional practices.
The Higher National Diploma has two component units, B1 and B2, that prepare learners for advanced Higher Education study or entering the creative workplace.
The programme will cover a broad range of skills and concept development workshops to start, but will allow students to tailor their learning and focus within their chosen specialism.
Both courses include a range of trips and visits that enhance the learning experience and allow students to build their own industry connections.
Each unit is assignment-based and will involve a project or scenario with a vocational purpose. Assignments are designed in collaboration with our local industry links and employers, and are supported by a wide range of skills-based workshops that include:
- Digital photography and editing using a range of high-end equipment
- Location and studio-based photography
- Darkroom and analogue photography across 35mm, Medium and Large formats
- The use of industry-standard digital technology that includes the growing ethical application of AI
- Sustainable practices in the creative industries
Entry requirements
It is expected that applicant would have a level 3 qualification in a related area, and ideally have 32 UCAS points from these qualifications, however we can review individual applications and would accept evidence of practical knowledge through a portfolio/showreel to be shared at interview.
For more information you can email Pasquale. Fasulo@cityofbristol.ac.uk or apply directly on our website.
Future career and study
On successful completion, you can develop their careers in the computing sector in roles such as:
- Studio Photographer
- Journalist/Documentary Photographer
- Commercial Photographer
- Nature Photographer
- Architectural Photographer
- Photographic technician
- Cinematographer
Higher Nationals are also used as stepping stones to further Higher Levels of Study, and successful completion of a Level 4 (HN Certificate) can allow you the to progress onto a HN Diploma, or can apply for direct entry to any second year of a Bachelor’s degree or foundation degree (subject to each individual university’s entry requirements).
Successful completion of the Level 5 (HN Diploma) will allow you to progress to a third year of a Bachelor’s degree (subject to each individual university’s entry requirements).
Additional costs
An alternative to a traditional university degree, Higher Nationals cost £6000 in tuition and students are eligible for Higher Education Student Loans, which covers tuition and a maintenance loan to cover living costs. For more information on student loans, please visit the government student finance website.