Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Photography

The Photography HNC is a challenging and wide-ranging course whose central aim is to introduce students into higher education and employment in the photographic industry. Students will develop practical, academic and research skills alongside their exploration of image taking and image making. The broad variety of assignments will help students to discover which area of photography they are passionate about, and staff will offer the career guidance needed to pursue their passions professionally.

A fundamental aspect of student’s development is educational visits, which enhance the course experience and underpin all assignments. Previous destinations have included Paris (Paris Photo), London and Dublin, giving students the opportunity to not only add to their own portfolios but also to network with other photographers at an international level. Guest lectures are also incorporated into the curriculum to enhance students' understanding of professional practice and previous guest lectures included acclaimed photographers, curators, marketing and PR representatives and specialist practitioners.

Skills and Knowledge Developed: This programme develops a student’s in-depth understanding of photography and the possibilities within the genre. Study is set with a vocational bias and skills and knowledge are developed through practical and theoretical sessions. This includes working in a photographic studio, creative lighting, working with a range of photographic mediums (film and digital), image manipulation and editing and working on location. Alongside the many practical skills gained, students develop self-management, self-promotion and interpersonal skills, whilst improving reflective practice and evaluation skills. Students also gain a number of transferable skills over the course of the qualification in areas such as problem solving, numeracy, IT and communication.