NQ PHOTOGRAPHY

Intro to the course:

Photography is a wonderful medium that allows us to share what we find beautiful and interesting with others. It can be used to express our ideas, to grab attention, to stir emotions, and to communicate in an increasingly visual world. 

If you have an interest in studying photography this course is a great place to begin, as we will teach you the basics of using your camera, the technical elements of creating strong images, and basic editing techniques. This course delivers a hands-on approach to developing your knowledge and creativity both on location and in our new studio on campus.

With our small class sizes and knowledgeable and approachable lecturers, we offer a fun and supportive learning environment in which you will develop your creativity as well as your technical skills.

This course is bursary funded.

Who is the course for?

This course is suitable for a wide range of applicants including:

• school leavers
• adult returners to education
• individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
• people who wish to take their first steps into the industry

What will I study?

You will learn through a variety of lectures, discussions, practical workshops, fieldtrips, guest lectures and practical project work. Some of the modules studied include:

• Photographing People
• Photographing Places
• Working with Photographs
• Understanding Photography
• Basic Camera Techniques
• Portraiture Skills
• Studio Photography: An Introduction  

Next Step Course Options

Successful completion of the NQ Photography course at SCQF Level 5 will lead to direct entry to our NC Photography at SCQF Level 6 beginning in January 2024, with further progression to our HNC Photography course. 

How will I be assessed?

Ongoing written and mainly practical assessments. You will be asked to submit work to meet specified deadlines reflecting the importance placed upon working to deadlines within the creative industries.

Why should I choose this course?

The development of the basic skills at level 5 is the start of your journey to higher level studies enabling you to embrace your passion and build towards a successful career. There are many jobs for those studying photography, for example, in social photography, commercial photography, advertising, art direction, press or sports photography, forensic photography, videography and education.

Where can this course lead?

The development of technology has made photography more accessible than it has ever been, expanding the employment opportunities related to photography.  Photography is historically associated with freelance photographers who were employed to document social events, for example weddings, or with people who were specialised in the darkroom processes. However, nowadays the employment opportunities in photography have increased considerably.  

This course will develop skills to provide a broad foundation of basic photographic skills and experiences in our new photography studio on campus.   You will have opportunities to develop vocational and employability skills relevant for posts such as a trainee photographer.

The development of the basic skills at level 5 is the start of your journey to higher level studies enabling you to embrace your passion and establish a successful career.  Besides these careers mentioned, there are many jobs for those studying photography, for example, medical illustrator, advertising, fashion, art director, press or sports photographer, forensic photographer, videographer. Many of these jobs are not only quite stable but offer competitive salaries, in most cases over 30K.

What are the entry requirements?

Any of the following: 

• Two National 4 qualification(s) preferably Communication and Numeracy
• Equivalent recognised qualification
• Adult returners with relevant experience 
• Evidence of a keen interest in photography – we may ask to see a portfolio of some of your best images
• If English is not your first language, an interview to support your application may be beneficial 

What are the interview arrangements?

Offers made will be based on your application.  Those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements will be invited for an individual interview and the production of a portfolio of your recent work will support your application. 

Other information:

The vast majority of students on this course are bursary funded. If you are a bursary funded student you will be given the sole use of a DSLR camera to use whilst studying Photography at South Lanarkshire College, which will be yours to keep on successful completion of the course to support your progression to the next level of your studies. 

Bursaries are not a loan and do not need to be repaid. 

This is a full time course over 18 weeks.  Successful completion will give you the opportunity to continue studying at Level 6 for a further 18 weeks until June.