Art and Design (Photography) Pearson Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma (RQF)
Course level: 5
Course code: Q1594
05/10/2026
Is this course right for me?
If photography is your passion, the HND in art and design (photography) will give you the skills you need for a career in the creative industry.
You will build on your existing theoretical and practical skills and study a range of modules – from traditional black and white darkroom-based images to up-to-date digital photography and image manipulation – to develop your professional photographic practice..
You will learn how to apply research and planning techniques to develop a photographic strategy in response to a given brief that explores current trends in photography, nalyse the characteristics of photographic images in different contexts, and effectively use camera techniques to communicate thought-provoking concepts through image making .
You will also learn studio lighting techniques to produce impactful photographs, create innovative images using a range of up-to-date post-production techniques and apply darkroom techniques effectively to produce high quality black and white prints that explore the relationship between technique and bespoke output.
And throughout the course you will create your photographic portfolio and present it on an online platform.
Duration: 2 years
Day’s and Times:
Year One: Wednesdays 9am – 3pm and Thursdays 4pm – 9pm
Year Two: Mondays 9am – 4pm and Tuesdays 4pm – 8pm
Course Fee: £5,995
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Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access this course you are required to have:
- GCSE English and maths at grade C/4
- Two A Levels OR
- Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject such as art and design or photography
- An interview and provide examples of your own work to demonstrate your suitability for the course
Applications from adults without the necessary qualifications will be assessed on an individual basis, based on skills, knowledge and experience.
What will I learn?
During this course you will study:
- Photographic techniques
- Computers in photography
- Techniques and technology
- Professional studies
- Business practice
- Studio practice
- Darkroom practice
- Visual language in photography
- Interpreting images
- Digital imaging
- Advertising photography
- Creating digital images
- Location photography
- Specialist practice in photography
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will develop skills, knowledge and understanding of:
- The qualities required to work in the photography field
- Research and planning techniques to develop a photographic strategy in response to a given brief
- Analyse the characteristics of photographic images in different contexts
- Effectively use camera techniques to communicate different concepts
- Application of complex theories to practical realistic work situations in the photography sector
- Researching projects
- Problem-solving and teamwork
- Critical awareness
How will I be assessed?
This is an assignment based course so there are no exams.
You will be continually assessed throughout the programme in a variety of ways including:
- Coursework
- Reports
- Case studies
- Essays
- Presentations
- Observations
What can I do next?
The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:
- Progress to the third year of a photography degree and complete a ‘top up’ year which leads to a full degree
- Pursue a career as an advertising photographer, studio / portraiture photographer, photo journalist, layout designer, illustrator, commercial designer, fashion photographer, graphic artist / designer, interactive media, package designer, web designer or graphic designer
Please note: City of Wolverhampton College reserves the right to close or not run courses if enrolment numbers are not educationally or economically viable. If this course is unable to run, you will be notified as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Future careers
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