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HND Photography

Course Code: C40011

Level: 5

Study mode: Full time

Duration: 1 year

Advance your skills, refine your creative identity, and step confidently into a professional photographic career.

Our Level 5 HND builds directly on the HNC, taking you deeper into specialist practice while developing the professional capabilities expected across the creative industries.

What Makes the HND Exceptional?

Industry-Driven Projects

You’ll work on commercial; editorial, studio, documentary, digital design, and visual communication briefs aligned with professional body standards. This is where you refine your craft and build a portfolio that employers take seriously.

Professional Facilities & Real-World Experience

Use advanced studio setups, digital workflows, location lighting, darkroom processes, and commercial grade editing environments. Students also gain access to industry projects, employer links, and real client opportunities.

A Supportive and Ambitious Creative Community

You’ll collaborate with other emerging creatives, receive expert 1-to-1 guidance, and be supported to take bold creative risks.

Progression & Career Pathways

The HND is widely recognised by universities and employers. Graduates may continue on to:

BA (Hons) Photography — with guaranteed progression via our articulation agreement with the University of Wolverhampton

Further creative degrees in Digital Design, Art & Design, Communication Design, Visual Communication, and related fields

Or step straight into roles such as:

Studio photographer

Freelance photographer

Digital content creator

Graphic design assistant

Studio/agency creative

Retoucher or visual content editor

Editorial, advertising, or product photographer

What You’ll Achieve

By the end of the HND, you will:

Have a strong technical and conceptual understanding of photography

Work confidently across complex projects and creative challenges

Evaluate creative approaches and apply them professionally

Show leadership, independence, and creative problem-solving

Be ready for university-level study or employment within the creative sector

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.

Compulsory Modules

Unit 32 Professional Practice

Unit 33 Applied Practice Collaborative Project (Pearson-set)

Unit 38 Advanced Photography Studies

Delivery

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.

Assessment Method

The course has two core units: one at Level 4, and one at Level 5. Both 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.

Entry Requirements

48 UCAS points
GCSE grades A* to C (9 – 4) in Maths and English Language.
Level 4 in a similar subject

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.

Students must have successfully completed the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design (Photography).

How to Apply

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

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 7607

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

Start date

September 2026

Course fees

Full Time: £5,995

Course equipment: approximately £640