Level 5 HND Photography Course in Bishop Auckland. Classes run at Bishop Auckland College, full-time during the day. You'll develop technical and creative skills across digital and analogue photography, working in a black-and-white darkroom, digital suites, and dedicated studios. Units cover studio lighting, post-production, photojournalism, commercial photography, and professional practice. You'll build an industry-ready portfolio and explore the social and political contexts shaping photography today. The course takes two years. Entry requires a minimum of 80 UCAS points from A Levels, Level 3 qualifications, or an Access to HE Diploma.
Who this course is for
This programme develops your technical and creative skills across both digital and analogue photography, including studio lighting, post-production, visual communication and professional practice. You will work in specialist facilities such as our black-and-white darkroom, industry-standard digital suites and dedicated photography studios. Throughout the course, you will refine your personal style and visual language while exploring contemporary debates around the social, political and economic contexts that influence photographic practice today. The programme supports you in building a strong, industry-ready portfolio and developing the critical understanding needed for a successful career in the creative industries.
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold a minimum of 80 UCAS points from A Levels, Level 3 Diplomas, a combination of Level 3 Certificates, or an Access to HE Diploma, plus ideally a portfolio of your previous photographic work if you have one. Mature students with relevant life or employment experience will also be considered. Equivalent international qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
What you will learn
You'll develop technical skills in both digital and analogue photography
You'll practise studio lighting techniques in dedicated photography studios
You'll learn post-production and image editing in industry-standard digital suites
You'll explore photojournalism and commercial photography in depth
You'll study moving image as part of your creative practice
You'll refine your personal visual style and build a professional portfolio
You'll examine the social, political, and economic contexts that shape photographic practice
How you will learn
You'll learn through studio-based practical sessions, darkroom work, and classroom study. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, portfolio submissions, and a Pearson-set collaborative project. Professional practice runs throughout both years, giving you ongoing experience of working to industry briefs. Units are assessed individually as you progress through the course.
What you will need to bring
A DSLR camera is strongly recommended for the duration of the course. If you don't have one at the start, Bishop Auckland College has a small number available to borrow for up to seven days at a time. You'll also need to provide your own stationery and research materials.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Photographer, working across commercial, editorial, or portrait photography
Photojournalist, capturing news and documentary images for media outlets
Studio photographer, shooting products, fashion, or corporate clients
Photo editor, selecting and editing images for publications or agencies
Videographer, producing moving image content for brands or broadcasters
Visual content creator, producing photography and video for digital platforms
Photography assistant, supporting senior photographers on professional shoots
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Photography: the HND is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree. You can apply to top up to a full honours degree by completing a final year at a university.
BA (Hons) Fine Art or Visual Communication: related degree routes if you want to broaden your creative practice.
Postgraduate study in Photography or Photojournalism: for those who complete a degree and want to specialise further.
