Where will this course lead?

This Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Photography is designed to equip aspiring photographers with the creative, technical, and professional skills needed to thrive in the visual media industry. Aligned with IfATE occupational standards, this Level 4 qualification blends practical learning with industry-relevant knowledge, preparing students for employment or progression to further study.

What will I study?

This very practical programme will allow you to explore your creative practice along with pushing you to improve your techniques. You will work on live project briefs and benefit from masterclasses delivered by Industry professionals.

Students will gain a wide range of photography knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. which includes both digital and darkroom, location photography, studio practice, photographic theories, as well as the professional skills needed to run a business and thrive as a freelancer.

Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for competence) and transferable skills.

Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace.

By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of photography. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of photography.

The objectives of these qualifications are:

• to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that students need to achieve high performance in the photography environment
• to develop students with enquiring minds, who have the abilities and confidence to work across different photography functions and to lead, manage, respond to change, and tackle a range of complex photography situations
• to provide the core skills required for a range of careers in photography
• to offer a balance between employability skills and the knowledge essential for students with entrepreneurial, employment or academic ambitions
• to develop students' understanding of the major impact that new digital technologies have on the photography environment
• to provide insight into photography operations and the opportunities and challenges presented by a global marketplace
• to equip students with knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, diversity, and values, and to allow flexible study to meet local and specialist needs.

They key module for this course is Module A: Process and Practice, which makes up the 480 guided learning hours and 120 credits of this course.

Within module A is

A1: Concept and Development

A2: Creative Project

For further details, see the programme specification at https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Higher-Nationals/Photography/2025/specification-and-sample-assessments/btec-hn-photography-for-england-2025-specification.pdf

How will this course be delivered?

This is a full-time course delivered over one academic year.

• College Attendance: Maximum of two and a half days per week on campus
• Independent Study: Approximately 10-15 hours per week
• Placement: Not applicable

What qualifications will I get?

Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a BTEC Higher National Certificate in Photography (HTQ), worth 120 credits at Level 4.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is 100% coursework-based and includes:

• Portfolio creation
• Written assignments
• Practical projects
• Presentations
• Peer critiques and reflective journals

How do I get a place on the course?

Full-time applications should be submitted via UCAS using the following codes:

Course Code: PH01

Institution Code: S26

Campus Code: Main Site - Blossomfield Campus

What are the entry requirements?

Standard offer: 80 UCAS Tariff Points or MMP profile in preferably in a relevant subject

A Levels: BB preferably in a relevant subject

T-Levels: Pass with (C or above on the Core) preferably in a relevant subject

BTEC: MMP/MM preferably in a relevant subject

UCAS Tariff: 80 UCAS Tariff Points preferably in a relevant subject

Access to Higher Education: 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at level 3 with a minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff Points in a related subject

Level 3 Apprenticeship: Successfully achieve an advanced apprenticeship in a related subject.

GCSE/IGCSE English Language grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent. GCSE/IGCSE Maths grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent.

Individual portfolios are not necessary but will be considered from applicants who do not hold the traditional entry criteria.

English Language Requirements

Students who are non-native English speakers or who have not studied the final two years of school in English but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualifications may be considered as eligible to apply for the programme.

Contextual Offer

Standard offer: 64 UCAS Tariff Points or PPM profile preferably in a relevant subject

A Levels: CC preferably in a relevant subject

T-Levels: Pass with (D or E on the Core) preferably in a relevant subject

BTEC: MPP/MM preferably in a relevant subject

UCAS Tariff: 64 UCAS Tariff Points preferably in a relevant subject

Access to Higher Education: 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at level 3 with a minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff Points in a related subject

Level 3 Apprenticeship: Successfully achieve advanced apprenticeship in a related subject. https://www.solihull.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/contextualised-admissions-policy-higher-education.pdf

UCAS Tariff Calculator https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points

Work-based: e.g.

Equal consideration is given to applicants who are currently in relevant work and wish to apply to Solihull College & University Centre. To apply, they must have a minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience, demonstrating technical, management or supervisory duties. Any application must also include a reference from their line manager which supports entry to higher education. If self-employed, applicants will need to demonstrate suitability for the course through their professional portfolio.

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) are welcomed in accordance with the Solihull College Admissions Policy. Any student wishing to apply for RPL or RPEL should first speak to the Programme Coordinator and provide a full transcript of the work to be considered. The Programme Coordinator will then map the learning outcomes for the previously completed study to those of the programme and make a recommendation to the APL/APEL Committee.

What else do I need to know?

Students may wish to purchase and use their own DSLR camera. A suitable camera for the course would usually cost in the price range of £500 - £800. If applicants do not have their own DSLR camera, a small number are available for loan from the college.

Students should also budget around £20 to purchase one or more SD cards (32gb or higher) and monthly access to Adobe Creative (approx. £15 per month).

There will also be field trips during the course, and students should budget a maximum of £100 over the academic year to meet the associated transport and/or admission costs.

If you need to re-take a module due to non-achievement, this will also incur a cost.

You may be eligible for the Solihull College Higher Education Bursary (a non-repayable bursary of £1000 to help towards study). For details of eligibility criteria and how to apply see https://sway.cloud.microsoft/fYJIIFPhCwEYgO4E?ref=Link

Full time students with dependants may wish to review the government's Childcare Grant https://www.gov.uk/childcare-grant and Parent's Learning Allowance https://www.gov.uk/parents-learning-allowance Please read our full terms and conditions https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/policies-and-applicant-information/

What can I do after this course?

Once students have achieved the Level 4 Higher Certificate, they can further develop their careers in the photography sector by:

• entering employment
• continuing existing employment
• progressing to the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Photography
• progressing to university.