Morley College London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The HNC photography course offers students advanced skills in studio lighting, Black & White darkroom printing, postproduction techniques and alternative processes. It is a Level 4 course equivalent to the first year of university and is designed to provide all you need to break into the photography industry, by offering in-depth practical investigations into current photographic practices. During the course, which will be delivered over 2 years (part-time), you will build on your knowledge by exploring a wide range of different subject areas such as fashion, portraiture, fine art, documentary, editorial and commercial photography. The theoretical aspect of the course will offer an historical and cultural framework which will provide the ground for understanding photography in a wider context. You will also develop a collaborative working mindset and will enhance communication, planning and problem-solving skills. In small group sizes, you will be supported by a team of lecturers with professional experience as photography practitioners. You will learn actively through workshop-based teaching in our state-of-the-art studio and B&W darkroom. The learning is further enriched with visiting lecturers and a range of study visits to galleries and photography fairs. At the end of this HNC, you will develop your professional practice in the area of photography you wish to pursue as a career choice. You will produce a strong portfolio that is truly valued by potential clients and employers. This is a current Association of Photographers (AOP) accredited course, that offers all students a free AOP student membership for the duration of their studies.
Modules
Units are subject to change but would typically cover: • Professional Development • Contextual Studies • Individual Project (Pearson-set) • Techniques & Processes • Lighting for Photography • Photographic Practices • Darkroom Techniques • Communication in Art & Design On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: BTEC Higher National Certificate in Art and Design [EDEXCEL]
Assessment method
Progress towards achieving the learning outcomes will be reviewed regularly. At the end of each unit the work will be assessed and written constructive feedback will be provided with suggestion for future improvements. Throughout the course students will be greatly encouraged to work independently and entirely supported to achieve their full potential
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 48 points
Mature students: If you do not meet the entry requirements as outlined above, we may still consider your application based on previous employment or previous study. We appreciate that mature students may have extensive relevant experience gained through paid or unpaid work, or through other types of professional training or sector-related opportunities and this experience may be used to support an application.
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
You should have a digital portfolio of your own photographic work (16-20 images) that you will present/discuss during your interview
Interview
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | Students and prospective students require a minimum level of 5.5 IELTS (or equivalent) with no score lower than a 5 in listening and speaking and no score lower than a 5.5 in reading and writing. |
| PTE Academic | 42 | Pearson Test of English Academic |
Students undertaking higher level education need to have a commensurate level of understanding of the English language so as to be able to achieve their qualification. In the case of applicants for whom English is a second language, the interviewer and Central Admissions Team must assure themselves of the applicant’s ability to function at IELTS English Level 5.5 (or equivalent). This is in line with the requirements of the awarding and validating bodies. Where applicants do not hold an IELTS qualification at 5.5 or equivalent, the Central Admissions will ask the applicant to sit an online test (BKSB) to check the suitability of the applicant’s English level prior to interview. Photographic identification will be required. Applicants who have recently completed (i.e. in the last 2 years) a formal programme of study in English at an appropriate level (such as a level 3 BTEC or ‘A’ level) prior to starting their Higher National are considered to be at a suitable level of English without requiring additional evidence..
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £3235 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
There is a materials fee of £50.00, which covers the cost of essential materials. When visiting exhibitions, if there is an entry fee you will be expected to cover it. You will also need to anticipate the cost of film and darkroom paper, for the completion of the darkroom unit. The academic year will end with an exhibition. For this, there will be additional printing and possibly framing costs.
Provider information
Chelsea Centre for the Creative Industries
Hortensia Road
London
SW10 0QS
Course contact details
Visit our course page Online enquiry form