Introduction
The HNC in Photography is for motivated individuals with a passion for photography seeking an opportunity to further their knowledge and gain a qualification.
This course is designed to reflect the ever-changing professional photographic industry. Students are able to spend much of their time working on practical projects, with underpinning theory being addressed.&#nbsp;Whether your inclination is towards fine art photography, commercial photography or the world of digital media photography and manipulation, we have the course for you.&#nbsp;
You will be challenged to examine your current practice and thinking about photography, to build your knowledge by means of practical assignments, tutorials, group discussions and research.
Students undertaking this course have access to an excellent range of equipment, studios, film darkroom, digital, darkroom and Apple Mac facilities.
Course code
HPHO
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Attendance:
- 1 Year Attendance
- Full Time 2-2.5 days per week
- Independent study time is also required
Entry Requirements
- Two Highers at C (including photography) or above or equivalent or successful completion of the Level 6 in Photography (qualifications ideally include English and Art/Photography)
- Other equivalent qualifications or experience
- Current college students will also require a positive progressing learner reference
- Entry may be possible for mature students without the stated academic qualifications depending on their prior knowledge and experience
- Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher for HNC/D courses.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
As part of the application process for this programme, all prospective students will be invited to attend a Recruitment Day. This event, which will last 2-3 hours, is designed to help you learn more about the course while allowing us to understand your skills, interests, and readiness for study.
Your Recruitment Day will include:
- An individual task – an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding, problem-solving, and written or practical skills.
- A group activity – designed to assess teamwork, communication, and how you work with others.
- A one-to-one discussion with a lecturer – a short, informal conversation about your goals, your experience and why you feel this course is right for you.
- A discussion regarding your portfolio.
Performance across all elements of the Recruitment Day will be used to determine whether an offer of a place can be made.
We aim to make the process supportive and informative, giving you a clear sense of what to expect from the course and helping ensure the programme is the right fit for your future plans.
The following guidelines for a portfolio of work should be noted:
- A folio can consist of photographs, digital files or a combination of all.&#nbsp;
- Neat and clean presentation is important.
- A maximum of 15 pieces and a variety of work is recommended.&#nbsp;
- Please be prepared to discuss why and how you produced the creative work in your folio.
- If your portfolio is digital, please send it to admissions@dumgal.ac.uk prior to your recruitment day.
Course Content
This exciting course will give you a taste of the specialist areas of Photography including Studio Still life, Darkroom techniques, Alternative Processes, Photojournalism, Portraiture, Digital imaging and editing, Environmental, Theoretical, Corporate photography. You will learn and develop essential skills through both experimental and commercial practical projects, supported by theoretical studies. (Course may be subject to change).
Alongside our industry-standard creative Mac studios with Adobe Creative Cloud, our smaller groups ensure you have direct contact with, and personalised support from your experienced Lecturers throughout your studies.
You will be required to pay a studio fee to cover the costs of the hire of equipment and software.
Assessments
Assessment methods may include individual and group projects, presentations, written assignments, and practical exercises. Emphasis is usually placed on both the creative output and the understanding of theoretical concepts.
The year is divided into 3 teaching blocks, so assessment is spread evenly throughout the course. There are opportunities for re-assessment throughout the year.
All SQA HN awards conclude with a graded unit. This is your opportunity to shine and complete an independent project that is graded A, B or C pass.
Progression
Students may apply to progress onto our Creative Practice Degree programme delivered in partnership with University of West of Scotland.
Career Prospects
Successful students may wish to follow social, commercial, digital imaging, picture research, curating, academic, fine art practice, or freelance careers.
Additional funding information
You should apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for funding. Please visit their website: www.saas.gov.uk for further details.
Selling Points
- Engage with industry speakers
- Take part in a range of relevant workshops
- Develop technical skills
- Exhibition visits
- Location photography
- Studio and darkroom facilities
- Be taught by photographers with industry experience
- Develop skills for employment
- Exhibit your work