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Photography BTEC HNC

Photography TBCG
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  • Photography HNC (Full time) – L139

Overview

Photography HNC (Full time)

The Pearson BTEC HNC Photography course aims to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of clients and employers in the Photography sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance career prospects.

Higher Education at Tresham is taught by Art & Design specialist practitioners, with extensive vocational and academic experience. Flexibility of the full and part time courses allow students to manage work and family commitments alongside study requirements. In addition, competitive course fees and additional supporting bursaries enable more accessible learning.

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Important information

No. of contact hours

12 hours per week

Expected self-study

12 hours per week

Regulatory body

Pearson

UCAS code

PH01

Student Loans Company code

911429

Course information

Entry requirements

32-48 UCAS points and English language and maths GCSE grade 4 or above.

1. Progressing students from Level 3 will be required to have successfully passed their Extended Diploma year and attended a portfolio interview with the HNC Graphic Design staff.

2. External students will be required to attend a portfolio interview with subject staff and give evidence of prior learning within the subject area.

Course content

The course is delivered over 1 academic year covering one Core Module with two main units. Content is delivered based on the following unit criterion.

1. Contextual Knowledge
2. Ideas Generation & Development
3. Technical Knowledge & Skill
4. Professional Practice.
5. Communication.

Formative feedback supports assessment throughout the year, ensuring group and individual sessions on feedback are achieved.

Students attend for 12 hours a week and it is expected that they match that with independent study time.

Module A Process & Practice includes the following units:

Unit A1 Concept & Development
This assessment unit is designed to enable the practice and development of underpinning knowledge, understanding and proficiency of creative practice through exploration of the subject area.

Unit A2 Creative Project
This assessment unit is designed to give students the opportunity to consolidate and apply their learning through the production of a portfolio of work related to project outcomes.

Assessment methods

The method of assessment is via evidence-based submissions – recommended and types of evidence may include:

  • A portfolio of development work and outcomes
  • Physical and digital prototypes
  • Written reports, essays or case studies
  • Planning and research documents, files and links
  • Audio and visual presentations
  • Exhibitions of outcomes
The qualification

Upon successful completion of this course, you will gain a Pearson BTEC HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Photography.

Further study and career options

Course progression:

  • HND Photography at Tresham College and then UoN BA Hons Photography top up at Tresham or University of Northampton, leading to master’s degree and PHD.
  • A wide range of specialist degree courses within the Photography umbrella.

Career progression:

  • Employed / Freelance Professional Photographer within the Creative Industries.
  • Specific career progression can range from Wedding Photography and Lifestyle to Advertising and Editorial, Medical, Marine and Interior Photography.
Additional information

It is expected that students will have digital SLR or Mirrorless cameras and / or analogue film cameras. Trips are planned throughout the year and these are dependent on availability of relevant exhibitions. There are usually three cultural trips a year. It is suggested that students should budget £25 for each college coach trip and additional funding for independent travel.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat or email us at info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Take the next steps

Apply now through UCAS

Apply now
Two students looking at camera film
Available Courses
Tresham College Kettering Campus
Starts: 22/09/2025
Type: HE
Length: 1 year
Day(s): MON&THU
Time(s): 9:00am - 4:30pm
Fees: £6,000.00 Fee notes: The fee indicated is for each year of the course.
Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Funding Information

Loan Pay by Instalments

You could be eligible to take out a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees. Click on the link below to find out more about the financial support available for our Higher Education courses.

Find out more

If you decide to pay for your course yourself, we also offer an affordable Direct Debit instalments option to help spread the cost of tuition fees (terms apply).

Bedford College Photography HNC
Art & Design

Laura

I studied an Art & Design course at Level 2 five years ago at a different college. I love art, but was keen to learn more about photography, which this particular course unfortunately didn’t cover in any great depth. I have a 12-year-old daughter and have been waiting for the right time to study again. I bought my own camera three years ago and enrolled on to the part-time HNC Photography course last autumn.

I chose The Bedford College Group because it is definitely the best around for Photography. The course is one day per week, but I always come back in for a second day so that I can benefit from tutor support.

It was scary getting back into education at first, but it’s definitely worth it and I have so much more confidence.

I’ve learnt different techniques on the camera I didn’t know about before, and also how to use Photoshop. We’ve been on trips to the Tate Modern and to a photography show. We also went to London last week to do some street photography, which I love.

My current project is based on narrative photography, where a photo tells a story but there is no wrong or right. I have produced three photos on the theme ‘what happens after happily ever after?’ One is happy, one is independent and strong and one is sad.

At home I like to photograph friends with their babies and do pregnancy shoots too. The area I want to get into when I finish the HNC is wedding photography. I’ve already done one wedding for a friend and have another coming up, which I’m really looking forward to.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.