Photography Level 5 Higher National Diploma Full-time Full-time
Course Overview
Photography Level 5 Higher National Diploma Full-time Full-time
The Higher National Diploma in Photography builds on the foundation of learning from Level 4 by providing you with in-depth insight to Photography. It will develop and strengthen your core skills and prepare you for level 6, or to enter employment, with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.
You will gain a wide range of photography knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. You will be involved in vocational activities that help you further develop behaviours and transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, along with research and analysis, which are highly valued in both higher education and in the workplace.
This programme develops professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the photography sector and adapt to a constantly changing world.
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:
Lectures
Discussion Groups
Research- based directed written work
One to one subject tutorials
Group tutorials and verbal feedback
Practical demonstration
Tutor-led Workshops
Seminars
By the end of your Higher National Diploma, you will have advanced knowledge of the concepts of photography. You will be competent in a range of industry-specific skills as well as in behaviours and qualities relevant to key areas of photography.
Classes are held:
Wednesday 13.00pm - 16.30pm
Thursday 9.00am - 16.30pm
Friday 9.00am - 12.15pm
Located at: Barnsley College University Centre
Course Start: September 2025
Course length: 1 Years
Study Mode: Full-time
Course Code: HPHRQHND
UCAS Course Code: PTHD
Awarding Organisation:
Course Fees and Funding
How much does the course cost?
£6,995 per year.
Other funding information
Course Content
Other Resources
For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.
Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.
Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The course information on this page was last updated 08 September 2025.










