Trafford & Stockport College Group
UCAS Code: HCPG | Higher National Certificate - HNC
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
Whilst applications are considered on an individual basis, they are usually based on a requirement to have 64 UCAS points from either: A level 3 vocational qualification, GCE A levels or an Access to Higher Education Diploma GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or above. Mature students with relevant experience and/or professional qualifications are welcome to apply, and may be invited to interview
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About this course
This course is assessed at Level 4 and is a natural progression route for students that have previously studied art, design or creative media. However, you can successfully study this course without prior knowledge and mature students are encouraged to apply. An eagerness and passion to learn, examine and experiment in the world of analogue and digital photography is what we desire.
The competitive field of photography often requires multi-skilled freelance practitioners that can produce and edit content for a variety of clients. This Higher National Certificate will teach you the broad fundamentals, introducing you to both studio and on-location shooting, digital imaging, editing, lighting, composition and processing. Whether you’re drawn to creative portraiture and fine art or the corporate world of events and marketing, we will guide you in creating compelling visual narratives.
Taught by practicing photographers, our experienced tutors will equip you with not just the core technical skills, but also competent business knowledge. We encourage critical reflection, your ability to self-promote and portfolio build, liaison with clients and harvest your resilience to work in this ever-changing industry.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN You will study two components within:
Module A: Process & Practice.
The primary focus is on practical application and execution, but this will be grounded in conceptual understanding.
Progression from this pathway can be onto HND Photography at Level 5, any BA (Hons) related degree or into employment.
Nationally, there is significant growth and development in creative and digital industries with a wealth of content made in Manchester, Salford and Stockport. The UK Market for photographers is growing steadily on average 4% per annum to £1.9 billion in 2025 (IBISWorld). This has resulted in an increase in job opportunities and employers seeking photographers, content creators, web and graphic designers either in-house, or freelance by project.
Graduates could choose to enter creative agencies or operate as freelance practitioners in their chosen fields and book an array of jobs in the corporate sector.
Full time one year ,12 hours per week
For further information please contact us by visiting the contact page on the college website.
Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.
Modules
At level 4 you will study:
A1 Concept & Development:
• Fundamentals of shooting on Digital and film cameras.
• Large and medium format
• Darkroom techniques
• Image manipulation and Editing techniques
• Exposure and metering
• Studio lighting
• Colour and black-and-white printing
• Working with moving image
• Exhibiting
• Portfolio building
• Career guidance and business skills.
A2 Creative Project:
• Professional Project-Students will demonstrate their lens-based skills working on an industry brief or work placement.
• Employability & Project Management
Assessment methods
Assessments can vary in method and will likely include presentations, portfolios and exhibitions.
You will be formally assessed twice a year.
You will be graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction for each component.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Main Site (University Centre -Stockport College)
Arts, Design and Media
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