You will complete project-based assessments which are industry-focused. The teaching will reflect the project approach and will include aspects of teamworking.
September 2025 and will run for 30 weeks.
Level 4 qualification within media, photography. Relevant industry experience will also be considered upon application. GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.
Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Photography
Awarding Body: Pearson
The Higher National Diploma in Photography* equips you with advanced skills and industry insights, preparing you for employment or further study. Building on Level 4, this hands-on course hones technical expertise, creativity, and professional adaptability. You’ll gain real-world experience through research, independent projects, and workplace scenarios while developing key transferable skills like teamwork and communication—ideal for a dynamic career in photography.
*Subject to approval by the awarding body.
The Higher National Diploma comprises of two modules:
Personal Professional Development – This module, is designed to build on your creative, technical and contextual knowledge and skill apply them to more complex and professionally oriented outcomes. In the curriculum and Assessment Units in this module, you will explore both the creative and technical aspects of your own practice and your future career intentions; developing projects and professional skills and materials that will enable you to progress to employment or continued study.
Professional Project – This module is designed to give you the opportunity to consolidate and apply your learning through the production of a portfolio of work related to photography.
A wide range of teaching and learning strategies are utilised across the programme and these are indicated within the relevant modules. This includes the delivery of lectures, practical workshop sessions, technical guidance, case studies, discussion groups and student- led seminars.
During the induction process the students will be introduced to study skills, referencing, research skills and the appropriate use of academic language.
The College VLE, other relevant ICT resources and the internet will be encouraged for use as both study and investigative tools.
Students are enabled to develop transferable skills through the outlined teaching and learning methods and are encouraged to develop reflective practice through feedback, both summative and formative, student logbooks and their progress file.
Teaching and Learning methods
You will complete project-based assessments which are industry-focused. The teaching will reflect the project approach and will include aspects of teamworking.
All equipment will be provided, but we recommend purchasing an SD card (32gb or higher) and/or a removable portable storage drive for larger file transfers.
Church Street campus
Church Street
Barnsley
S70 2AN
Either a Level 6 top up course or year 3 full time university course, or industry relevant work and employment.
Course fees: £6,995* per year for those that enrol in September 2025 (*subject to approval from the Office for Students).