What does it include?

The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Photography is a vocational higher education course. It includes the following areas of study:

Conceptual & Vocational Photographic Practice Pathways

Professional Development & Business Practice

This intensive course will help you to develop your knowledge of photographic practice via challenging live project briefs. The course will give you practical experience and knowledge of all the major areas of commercial and fine art photography at a professional standard via challenging live project briefs. The course focuses on the technical and vocational aspects of photography and you will be supported to help you develop your strengths and interests in contemporary photographic practice. You will engage with research and study skills development related to photographic history and cultural studies that will strengthen and improve your practical work. Like all students on the course and in the photography department you will be encouraged and supported to seek work experience. Throughout the course students have the opportunity to display their work and this culminates in a major exhibition to promote your work. The course has a history of annual residential visits relating to projects. You will be taught by experienced and dedicated lectures and technicians who currently work within the photographic industry so that you get the very best learning. Your learning will take place in our purpose built studios and darkrooms and the digital facilities at our Paddington Basin Campus that have been awarded Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status by the Learning & Skills Council. The college is affiliated to the Association of Photographers and the British Institute of Professional Photographers.

The School is a member of the Association of Photographers (AoP). The course is recognised by the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP). Areas of the course may be recognised by The National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

We believe that it is important to support you so that you can pursue a future career in the photography industry, so you will receive group and individual tutorial support to help keep you on track.

What do I need to get onto it?

Entry onto the course is by interview. You will need to bring with you some examples of your work that you would like to talk about. An academic or employer reference would be useful. At interview you should demonstrate potential to benefit from this course. Ideally you will have the minimum of 1 subject related A level or the equivalent level 3 vocational qualification (National Diploma in Photography, Foundation Diploma etc).

If you don’t think that you have the right qualifications, but think this is the right course for you, then apply or come along to the college to see how we can support you.

You will need to be highly motivated and prepared to devote yourself to the demands of the course.

The Interview Process

Apply direct to the college

A portfolio of no more than 20 photographs. You will need to indicate if your photographs form part of a series, or were part of a college or school project. You will also need to explain the theme or idea behind the portfolio of work presented.

A sketchbook containing general images which you find interesting and show a development of your ideas. This could include photographs you have taken outside of set projects and or collected from magazines, newspapers etc.

You must also provide a written piece, minimum of 500 words, about a specific photograph that excites or inspires you, discussing the technical elements of the image and the meanings you read within it. This may be a photograph from an exhibition, book, magazine or newspaper.

This should consider; Composition, Implied meaning, technical issues and how successful is the image.​

How is the course assessed?

Coursework and continual assessment

Where is it based?

This course is delivered at the Paddington Green Campus where there are spacious photographic Studios, digital studios and a colour and monochrome processing darkrooms​

Where does it lead?

On successful completion of the course, students can expect to progress either into employment in the industry as a photographer, self-employed freelance photographer, photographic assistant or onto further specialist study at degree level. ​

University

This course is validated by Edexcel

Accomodation

The college does not have in-house accomodation but the student Advisory service can assist in support with accomodation