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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
Full time, over one year.
Students will be required to attend college two full days and one-half day per week.
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.
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:
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
Level: 5
Study mode: Full time
Whittingham Road
Halesowen
B63 3NA
Tel: 0121 602 7777
New Road
Halesowen
B63 3HY
Tel: 0121 602 8500
Dudley Road
Halesowen
B63 3NT
Tel: 0121 602 7694
Coombs Wood Business Park
Coombs Road
B62 8BB
Tel: 0121 602 7770