Overview

Photography HND (Full time)

The Pearson BTEC HND Photography course aims to provide a comprehensive study of photography to meet the creative and commercial needs of an image-based world. There is an emphasis on the skills valued by employers in the creative sector, making ‘live’ client-based assignments integral to the course. Study will focus on many aspects of photography including: Documentary; Reportage; Fine Art; Studio and Commercial Photography, using both digital and darkroom-based techniques. You will make use of our industry standard software and modern studios to ensure that you refine your skill set to meet employability requirements.

On completion of the HND course you will be able to pursue a career in the photography industry in a range of areas including – Photographic Studios, Media and Photographic Journalism. The skills you will develop will also prepare you for setting up your own business and to work as a freelance photographer.

Ready to apply?

Important information

No. of contact hours

12 hours per week.

Expected self-study

You will be expected to study in your own time – hours to be confirmed by your tutor.

Regulatory body

Pearson.

Course information

32-48 UCAS points

  • Relevant Level 3 qualification
  • HNC in Photography
  • GCSE English

To begin this course you will need:

  • Photography BTEC HNC, OR
  • Foundation Diploma Art and Design or UAL Level 3 Photography

Entry will also be subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to present a portfolio of your creative work, including developmental worksheets or sketchbooks.

Course content

B1: Personal Professional Development

  • 1 Develop and apply contextual knowledge to inform personal progression
  • 2 Develop and apply professional approaches to creative problem solving to support personal progression
  • 3 Develop and apply technical knowledge and skill to support personal progression
  • 4 Develop and apply professional knowledge, behaviours and practices to support personal progression
  • 5 Develop and apply professional communication skills to support personal progression

B2: Professional Project

  • 1 Apply contextual knowledge to inform a response to a professional brief
  • 2 Apply creative problem-solving skills to the development of ideas, proposals and final project outcomes
  • 3 Use technical knowledge and skills to produce professional outcomes
  • 4 Demonstrated professional knowledge, behaviours and project management skills
  • 5 Present project development and outcomes demonstrating professional communication skills

Core Modules

  • Unit B1: Personal Professional Development
  • Unit B2: Professional Project

All activities are supported through one-to-one tutorials and group discussions to inform you of personal progress and to aid assessment. Assessment is continuous throughout the course, with assignments graded at the end of each project.

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design (Photography).

Students could progress onto a Level 6 top up and then further into full time work.

On successful completion of the HND, you could top up the qualification to a full Bachelor’s degree at university or enter employment.

UCAS code: PHCB

Student Loans Company code: 189559

Trips and visits

  • Visit to The Photography and Video Show at NEC to review latest tech, processes and speakers
  • Visit to local major retailers studio with potential for work placement
  • Trips to London to photograph and visit galleries and exhibitions
  • Portfolio review with industry professionals

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

Applying to more than one institution?

Apply through UCAS

If you would like to apply to more than one institution, then you can ‘Apply through UCAS’.

Otherwise, click on ‘Apply Now‘ to apply directly to us.

Stuck on how to apply to UCAS? Find out more with the UCAS application guide.

Apply through UCAS
Available Courses
Central Bedfordshire College The Store
Starts: 14/09/2026
Type: HE
Length: 1 year
Day(s):
Time(s): 9:00am - 5:00pm
Apply now
Fees: £6,186.00 Fee notes: The fee indicated is for each year of the course.

Funding Information

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.

Financial Support for Higher Education

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).

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.