View the world through a new lens with our degree-level photography course.
About the course
This practical course prepares aspiring photographers with the creative, technical, and professional skills required to succeed in the visual media industry.
This new Level 5 HND course is currently subject to validation with a first entry of students in September 2027.
Designed to reflect the demands of the creative industries and the flexibility needed in modern life, this course model lets you develop your studies step by step, one year at a time. You can continue, pause, or change direction, while still achieving a recognised, industry-relevant qualification at each stage.
You’ll be taught by experienced tutors and visiting experts who are active in the creative industries, offering practical guidance and current industry insight.
The HND course comprises two modules:
Personal Professional Development (45 credits)
Professional Project (75 credits)
Facilities
Based at our ultra-modern City Hub campus, you’ll have access to our superb facilities, including: industry-standard studios, darkrooms and equipment, Adobe software, 3D design and technology suites.
Teaching and Assessment
This course will be delivered through blended learning with demonstrations, lectures and practical activities. Assessment is evidence-based including: practical work, portfolios, group work, presentations, written assignments and exhibitions. There are no examinations.
Qualification awarded
Pearson Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Photography - subject to validation
Bursaries
We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Check out our website for more information.
Your career and progression
The Level 5 HND offers a strong foundation, giving students the skillsets, confidence and knowledge to progress further with their studies. The Level 5 HND enables students to take the next step in their creative practice and advance to the final year of a degree programme and postgraduate study if desired.
Many photographers work in advertising, media, fashion, sports, weddings, and more! Possible careers include: photographer, sports photographer, fashion photographer, press photographer, picture editor, exhibition curator, visual merchandiser, videographer, retoucher, digital marketeer, photo-journalist, blogger or teacher.
This course has restrictions on who can apply.
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Nottingham College 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?
This course has restrictions on who can apply.
The following entry points are available for this course:
We expect applicants to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes in English Language and maths at Grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C).
Applicants must also have a minimum of 64 UCAS points from study at Level 3:
• At least two A Levels at A2
• BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
• International Baccalaureate
• Access to HE Diploma
• T levels
Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.
Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.
We expect applicants to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes in English Language and maths at Grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C).
Applicants must also have a minimum of 64 UCAS points from study at Level 3:
• At least two A Levels at A2
• BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
• International Baccalaureate
• Access to HE Diploma
• T levels
Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.
Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | An overall band score of 5.5; with no individual component less than 5.0. |
Please be advised that the College is not currently authorised by the UK Government to offer places to students from overseas who require a student visa (formerly known as a Tier 4 visa) to study in the United Kingdom.
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.
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.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland & EU | £8250 |
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.
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Email:he.team@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk
Phone:0115 838 0700
Email:he.team@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk
Phone:0115 838 0700
City Campus, The Adams Building
Stoney Street
The Lace Market
Nottingham
NG1 1NG
At Nottingham College
