Course overview
Photography HNC/D City of Bristol CollegeHigher 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.
Full-time Photography HNC (2 days a week)
The course code for the full-time HNC offering is: HGF1978C01-1
Alternatively, you can apply to the full-time Photography HNC through UCAS
Part-time Photography HNC (1 day a week)
The course code for the part-time HNC offering is: HGF1979C01-1
Full-time Photography HND (2 days a week)
The course code for the full-time HND offering is: HGF1163D01-1
Alternatively, you can apply to the full-time Photography HND through UCAS
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Dates and applications
Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.
Course Code | Dates | Duration | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
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HGF1978C01-1 | 15/09/2025 - 15/06/2026 | 1 years | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | Enquire | 09:00 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
|
Enquire Apply |
HGF1163D01-1 | 15/09/2025 - 15/06/2026 | 1 years | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | Enquire | 09:15 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
|
Enquire Apply |
Additional information
Who is this course for?
Do you have a passion for imagery, taking photographs, capturing your surroundings in visual form and want to explore your creative and individual approach to photography, developing your awareness of its commercial context and potential? Then 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 6 core units and 2 optional that cover the wider Photography Arts sector focusing on creative and professional practices. The Higher National Diploma has 2 core units and 6 optional that can be selected across a range of specialist pathways. The programme will cover a board range to start but allow students to tailor their learning and focus within certain specialism
Each unit is assignment based and will involve a project/scenario with a vocational purpose and designed to work with industry links and employers and covers the following:
- Photographic Techniques
- Visual Language
- Silver-based Imaging
- Digital Imaging
- Studio Photography
- Location Photography
- Specialist Practice
- Independent Practice
- Professional Development
Course entry requirements
It is expected that applicant would have a level 3 qualification in a related area, and ideally have 56 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.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
Higher Nationals are assessed using assignments that are marked internally. Our staff will design and create assignments with industry knowledge, context and scenarios, that are targeted at the unit learning content and assessment criteria, to ensure that you are prepared to undertake the assignment to the best of your ability,
The assignments will used require applied knowledge and technical competency, which will be assessed based on each units requirements.
All work is graded internally and verified externally.
Future career and study opportunities
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.
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