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Photography

  • Higher National Certificate
  • 1 Years
  • Full-Time
  • September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
Awarded by:
Pearson Education Ltd
More about Solihull College & University Centre

Course options

2027-2028
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Course summary

This Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Photography is designed to equip aspiring photographers with the creative, technical, and professional skills needed to thrive in the visual media industry. Aligned with IfATE occupational standards, this Level 4 qualification blends practical learning with industry-relevant knowledge, preparing students for employment or progression to further study.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers.

Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications

Modules

Course Modules

They key module for this course is Module A: Process and Practice, which makes up the 480 guided learning hours and 120 credits of this course. Within module A is:

A1: Concept and Development

A2: Creative Project

You will study a range of photographic techniques, materials and technology, which includes both digital and darkroom, location photography, studio practice, photographic theories, as well as the professional skills needed to run a business and thrive as a freelancer. This is a very practical programme and will allow you to explore your creative practice along with pushing you to improve your techniques. You will also work on live project briefs and benefit from masterclasses delivered by Industry professionals.

Technical Skills: Mastery of camera equipment, lighting, exposure, and other principles to produce high-quality images.

Creative & Artistic Skills: Developing original ideas, producing photographic assets for client briefs, and creating compelling visual stories.

Professional & Business Skills: Understanding client management, the photography business, ethics, and how to market your work.

Industry Knowledge: Learning about current and historical developments in photography, including new technologies and platforms for image distribution.

You will learn about: - Producing, managing and delivering photographic assets to specific client briefs while also developing one’s own artistic ideas and originality - Historic and current developments in order to develop bespoke concepts and solve creative problems, from artificial intelligence (AI) to new platforms for distributing images and new camera technologies - technical skills and the photography business industry to produce successful outcomes.

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/demographic/university-level-learner/category/photography/course/hnc-photography-htq-status-subject-to-approval/

Assessment method

Assessment is 100% coursework-based and includes:

Portfolio creation
Written assignments
Practical projects
Presentations
Peer critiques and reflective journals

Continued Professional Development (CPD)

This course offers Continued Professional Development. CPD courses allow you to develop your skills and knowledge relevant to your career path.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Higher National Certificate • Full-Time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
PH01
Institution code:
S26
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Solihull College & University Centre has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
PH01
Institution code:
S26
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

A minimum of three A levels equivalent to 80 UCAS Tariff Points must be a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.

T Level
Pass (C and above)

Must be a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 80

Must be a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass in Access course with 60 credits overall including 45 Level 3 credits passed with a minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff Points in a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE A-C or 9-4 in English Language and Mathematics or recognised equivalents will be required.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
MMP

Must be a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMP

Must be a relevant subject area to the subject qualification.

Equal consideration is given to applicants who are currently in relevant work and wish to apply to Solihull College & University Centre. To apply, they must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating technical, management or supervisory duties. Any application must also include a reference from their line manager which supports entry to higher education.

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio
Equal consideration is given to applicants who are currently in relevant work and wish to apply to Solihull College & University Centre. To apply, they must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating technical, management or supervisory duties. Any application must also include a reference from their line manager which supports entry to higher education. If self-employed, applicants will need to demonstrate suitability for the course through their professional portfolio.
Institutions Own Test (IOT)
Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but can demonstrate appropriate industry or life experience will have their prior learning and skills taken into consideration during the admissions process. They may also be required to complete an aptitude assessment, which will be discussed and confirmed at interview. Equal consideration is also given to applicants who are currently in relevant employment and wish to study at Solihull College & University Centre. To be eligible, applicants should normally have a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience that demonstrates technical, managerial, or supervisory responsibilities. All applications must also be supported by a reference from the applicant’s line manager confirming their suitability for higher‑level study.

English language requirements

Students who are non-native English speakers, or who have not studied the final two years of school in English, but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualification, will be considered as eligible to apply for the programme/course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Solihull College & University Centre is committed to widening participation and ensuring fair access to higher education for all learners, regardless of their background. We are committed to recruiting a student body from a diverse background with a wide range of lived experiences, to create a rich learning environment.

Learn more on the Solihull College & University Centre website

International entry requirements

Solihull College & University Centre are not a licenced student sponsor institution for UK student visas; therefore, we are unable to accept applications from students that require a student visa to enter the UK.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland£6701*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships and Bursaries 1

Solihull College & University Centre offer a Higher Education Bursary.

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/about-us/student-services/

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