Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Photography course at City of Glasgow College is a one-year study option for those who may have already started their photographic experiences through full time or part time courses, such as NC/ NQ Photography, Higher Photography and evening or weekend classes. 

This course allows you to expand upon your existing photographic experience and takes you beyond the basics to really support you to embed your skills. Introducing a range of specialist techniques and photographic genres, you will be encouraged to widen your photographic approaches and ideas. 

The course is mostly practical, with project work making up a large part of assessments, allowing you to develop both your technical and creative knowledge while putting into practice what you have learned. An important part of your experience will be working independently to complete project work, managing your time and workload, while being supported by a broad range of experienced staff in using a range of photographic equipment.

The HNC Photography has been designed to prepare you for a career in the Creative Industries or to continue in your studies by applying to an HND Photography course.  There will be opportunities to experience what it is like to be a working photographer by completing a range of industry or live projects devised by Creative Industry professionals.  Students studying photography at the City of Glasgow College have achieved national recognition, winning prestigious awards from the Association of Photographers and the British Institute of Professional Photography. By engaging fully with this course you could also enjoy such success in the future.

The image used above is by one of our students Dominika Kreft.  The image was the winner of the AOP Student Awards 2019 People best in category and was shot for one of her projects in year 1.

This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 7. 

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• NC/NQ in Photography; OR
• Higher Photography at Grade C or above AND National 5 English at Grade C or above; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

Additional selection requirements

• You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.
• You'll be asked to provide a portfolio of your photographic work.  See our Portfolio Guidelines for advice on your portfolio. 

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

You'll study a range of subject which give you access to all photographic areas including:

• Studio - Portraiture and Still Life.
• Digital Imaging.
• Image Editing.
• Theory.
• Applied Photography.

After the course

Careers

Some students will graduate and begin working in a wide range of job roles in the creative industries.

Continuing Study

Most students who successfully complete their HNC in Photography, apply to continue their studies onto HND Photography level 8 at City of Glasgow College or other institutions.

 

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods

Additional Information

Materials