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Key details

Course area
Media, Digital and Photography
Student type
University Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 4
Start date
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Fees
£8,250.00
Course code
Parent course code:C060422 Child course code: Q060424
UCAS course code
PHT1
UCAS institution code
N30
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Course introduction

View the world through a new lens with our degree-level photography course.

This new course is currently subject to validation with a first entry of students in September 2026.

About the course

This practical course prepares aspiring photographers with the creative, technical, and professional skills required to succeed in the visual media industry.

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 Level 4 HNC course comprises two modules:

Concept and Development (85 credits)
This aims to support the development of your core knowledge, understanding, and skills in creative practice through the exploration of photography. You’ll examine the history, theories, and key developments; while also building the technical abilities needed to enhance and inform your creative work.

Creative Project (35 credits)
This provides an opportunity to consolidate and apply your learning by producing a portfolio that demonstrates your creative and technical progress.

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.

Course information

1 year

Pearson Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Photography  - subject to validation

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.

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.

The Level 4 HNC offers a strong foundation, giving students the skillsets, confidence and knowledge to progress further with their studies. The following stage - 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.

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.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

Careers related to this course

Photographers, Audio-visual and Broadcasting Equipment Operators

Potential Earnings

£46,377.42

Average Earnings

£26,848.07

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Employment opportunities

The number of job postings in this career for previous years starting from 2023, the current year and projections for future years until 2034.

Sources: The Labour Force Survey (LFS), Working Futures (projections) data, and Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES).

Pathways

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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