HNC Photography (part-time)

When & Where

26 September 2024 - 11 June 2026 ( 240 hours, 30 weeks )
Chelsea Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Course Code C24PGYF11A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

The HNC photography course offers students advanced skills in studio lighting, Black & White darkroom printing, postproduction techniques and alternative processes. It is a Level 4 course equivalent to first year university and is designed to provide all you need to break into the photography industry, by offering in-depth practical investigations into current photographic practices. During the course, which will be delivered over 2 years (part-time), you will build on your knowledge by exploring a wide range of different subject areas such as fashion, portraiture, fine art, documentary, editorial and commercial photography. The theoretical aspect of the course will offer an historical and cultural framework which will provide the ground for understanding photography in a wider context. You will also develop a collaborative working mindset and will enhance communication, planning and problem-solving skills. In small group sizes, you will be supported by a team of lecturers with professional experience as photography practitioners. You will learn actively through workshop-based teaching in our state-of-the-art studio and B&W darkroom. The learning is further enriched with visiting lecturers and a range of study visits to galleries and photography fairs. At the end, you will develop your professional practice in the area of photography you wish to pursue as a career; you will produce a strong portfolio that is truly valued by potential clients and employers. This is a current Association of Photographers (AOP) accredited course, that offers all students a free AOP student membership for the duration of their studies. The course is delivered on Thursdays 9.30am-16.30pm in person, with regular one -to-one online tutorials. For more information contact Niki Sianni - niki.sianni@morleycollege.ac.uk

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Use advanced studio lighting techniques to produce powerful photographs
Create innovative images using a range of up to date post-production techniques
Apply darkroom techniques effectively to produce high quality black and white prints that explore the relationship between technique and bespoke output
Apply research and planning methods to develop a photographic strategy in response to a given brief that explores current trends in photography
Create and present a strong photographic portfolio in an online platform

On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: BTEC Higher National Certificate in Art and Design [EDEXCEL]

Class format and activities

The course will be delivered in Chelsea Centre. Active learning will take place through workshop-based teaching in our state-of-the-art studio and darkroom. One -to-one support and constructive feedback will be provided to develop the skills and confidence to succeed independently. All course materials (project briefs, background notes, handouts, you tube videos, links to galleries etc.) will be available online and accessible via our Virtual Learning Environment, Microsoft Teams. Recordings of online presentations will be available via Microsoft Teams. The learning experience will be enriched with a range of study visits to museums and galleries, as well as visiting lecturers.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have knowledge equivalent to a level 3 Photography program. GCSEs, grade 4/C or above, in Maths and English (or an equivalent level of qualification) is desirable. For non-native English speakers, an IELTS 5.5 is needed. You will have to have a digital portfolio of your own photographic work (16-20 images) that you will present/discuss in your online interview.

What you need to know before you enrol

This course requires study/completion of activities outside of class time.

What you need

You will need to have a DSLR, or mirrorless camera. Access to a computer is essential.

What you can do next

Once you complete this course you could progress to the HND in Photography course, or join the second year of a degree course. Alternatively, you can start your own photographic business, or seek employment as a photographer.