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Photography for England Level 4 Higher National Certificate - HTQ Full-time

Course Overview

Photography for England Level 4 Higher National Certificate - HTQ Full-time

The Higher National Certificate in Photography (HTQ) lays the foundation of learning by providing you with a broad introduction to photography. It will develop and strengthen your core skills and prepare you for specialist subjects at Level 5, 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. Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are qualifications that have been approved as meeting occupational standards for the relevant sector.

The Higher National Certificate comprises of two modules:

Concept and Development - This module is designed to enable the practice and development of your underpinning knowledge, understanding and proficiency of creative practice through exploration of photography. You will explore the history, theories and developments related to photography. You will explore the technical knowledge and skills necessary to support your creative practice.

Creative 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 virtual learning environment (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 log books 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 Certificate, you will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of photography. You will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of this industry.

Classes are held:

Monday 13.00pm - 16.30pm

Tuesday 9.00am - 16.30pm

Wednesday 9.00am - 12.15pm

Located at: Barnsley College University Centre

Course Start: September 2025

Course length: 1 Years

Study Mode: Full-time

Course Code: HPHOTHNC

UCAS Course Code: PTHC

Awarding Organisation:

Pearson education ltd logo
Higher Technical Qualification Logo

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.