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Student photography
Student photography

HNC Photography

HNC Photography

Course Code: C40016

Level: 4

Study mode: Full time

Duration: 1 year

Start your journey into the creative industries with a course built around real skills, real experiences, and real opportunities.

Photography today powers everything from social media and advertising to digital storytelling and brand identity. Our Level 4 HNC in Photography gives you the solid technical foundations, creative confidence, and industry awareness you need to step into this world with purpose.

Why Choose Our HNC?

Hands-On Learning with Industry Equipment

Work in dedicated photography studios, a professional darkroom, and digital suites equipped with Mac workstations and industry-standard software. You’ll develop practical skills with multi format cameras (analogue and digital), studio lighting, colour workflow, and post-production.

Creative, Supportive, Professional Teaching

You’ll be taught by experienced photographers, designers, and lecturers with strong links to industry. We support you individually while pushing you to explore ideas, refine technique, and build your creative voice.

Projects That Build Employability

Your work will mirror the industry — from product and portrait photography to documentary, studio, editorial, and commercial briefs. You’ll build a high-quality portfolio and gain the professional habits needed to succeed.

What You’ll Achieve

By the end of the HNC, you will:

Understand the fundamental principles of image-making

Be confident using professional photographic equipment

Communicate visually with clarity and purpose

Work independently and as part of a creative team

Develop strong problem-solving, organisation, and project-planning skills

Be ready to progress into the Level 5 HND or directly into junior creative roles

Length of the course

Full time, over one year.

Students will be required to attend college two full days and one-half day per week.

  • A1 Concept and Development – 85 credits
  • A2 Creative Project – 35 credits

Teaching is conducted on campus for a minimum of two full days, and one-half day per week – this may include evening sessions.

Students are expected to complete several hours of self directed study from home, and complete photographic shots, independent research, develop time management and independent working skills.

Tutorial support will be provided by the Course Leader.

The course has one core unit at Level 4, which will be assessed by a mandatory Pearson-set assignment targeted at particular skills.

All other units are assessed by centre-devised internal assignments, assessed work will be evidenced through a mixture of practical workshops, presentations, and written assignments.

The units taught on this course will include live briefs set by industry professionals to help develop students’ professional practice and practical skills alongside employers.

Assessment is graded at pass, merit or distinction.

  • 48 UCAS points
  • GCSE grades A* to C (9 – 4) in Maths and English Language.
  • A Level 3 vocational qualification in a relevant subject at grade PPP or above, or 1 A Level with one in a related area

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

Full-time students should apply via UCAS Apply, using the UCAS code: PHHC

Click here to watch a video on how to use UCAS Apply

Should any applicants have questions or queries, please contact the Student HUB for further guidance:

Phone: 0121 602 7777

Or via the live chat facility on the College’s website www.halesowen.ac.uk

September 2026

Full Time: £5,995

Course equipment: approximately £640

It is recommended students purchase:

  • DSLR camera
  • 1TB portable hard drive
  • two 16GB SD cards
  • USB sticks
  • Adobe Photoshop (12 months access)
  • A3 plastic folder to store photographic prints

HE Loan available to eligible applicants.

https://www.halesowen.ac.uk/he-finance-financial-support/

Should any applicants have questions or queries concerning finance, please contact Admissions for further guidance:

Phone: 0121 602 7607

Or via the live chat facility on the College’s website www.halesowen.ac.uk

Course Code: C40016

Level: 4

Study mode: Full time

Duration: 1 year

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