HND Art & Design (Photography)
240 credits

Whittingham Campus and Coombswood Campus

Digital marketing is now one of the fastest-growing industries in modern society. Every company whether a large high street chain or a local small business needs images to promote what they sell either through online platforms or traditional methods of advertising.

The course offers students progression from the Level 4 HNC, linked to Professional Body standards, and can provide professional status and progression to direct employment.

Delivered in a supportive environment, by staff with a wealth of experience in the industry, students will gain access to necessary resources, including MAC computers, DSLR cameras, and work in the campus’ Photography Studio and Darkroom.

The course offers a stimulating and challenging programme of study that will be both engaging and memorable for students, providing essential subject knowledge needed to progress successfully into further study and the world of work.

The Level 5 HND Art & Design (Photography) is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant engineering degree programmes in subject specialisms such as BA Art & Design; BA Digital Design; BA Communication Design, and many more.

Graduates completing this course will have developed a sound understanding of the principles of study and will have learned to apply those principles more widely.  They will have learned to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and be able to perform effectively in their chosen field, having the necessary qualities for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision making.

Graduates may find work in graphic design studios; photography studios; design agencies; and publishing companies, to name a few.

Full time, over one year.

Students will be required to attend college two full days and one-half day per week.

Unit 32 Professional Practice

Unit 33 Applied Practice Collaborative Project (Pearson-set)

Unit 38 Advanced Photography Studies

Unit 47 Branding & Identity

Unit 56 Project Management

Unit 68 Commercial Photography

Teaching is conducted on campus for a minimum of two full days, and one-half day per week – this may include evening sessions.

Students are expected to complete several hours of self directed study from home, and complete photographic shots, independent research, develop time management and independent working skills.

 Tutorial support will be provided by the Course Leader.

The course has two core units: one at Level 4, and one at Level 5.  Both will be assessed by a mandatory Pearson-set assignment targeted at particular skills.

All other units are assessed by centre-devised internal assignments, assessed work will be evidenced through a mixture of practical workshops, presentations, and written assignments.

The units taught on this course will include live briefs set by industry professionals to help develop students’ professional practice and practical skills alongside employers.

Assessment is graded at pass, merit or distinction.

Full-time students should apply via UCAS Apply, using the UCAS code: PHHD

Click here to watch a video on how to use UCAS Apply

Should any applicants have questions or queries, please contact the Student HUB for further guidance:

Phone: 0121 602 7607

Or via the live chat facility on the College’s website www.halesowen.ac.uk

• 48 UCAS points
• GCSE grades A* to C (9 – 4) in Maths and English Language.
• Level 4 in a similar subject

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

September 2025

September 2025 course timetable to be confirmed

September 2025 course timetable to be confirmed

Course equipment: approximately £640

It is recommended students purchase:

• DSLR camera
• 1TB portable hard drive
• two 16GB SD cards
• USB sticks
• Adobe Photoshop (12 months access)
• A3 plastic folder to store photographic prints

HE Loan available to eligible applicants.

https://www.halesowen.ac.uk/he-finance-financial-support/

Should any applicants have questions or queries concerning finance, please contact Admissions for further guidance:

Phone: 0121 602 7607

Or via the live chat facility on the College’s website www.halesowen.ac.uk

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