Photography - Portfolio Production: NQ (Level 6)
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Course overview
See the world differently — and capture it through your own creative lens.
This one-year, full-time course is the perfect introduction to the art and craft of photography. Whether you’re looking to develop a new creative skill or begin your journey toward a professional career, this course will help you master the fundamentals of camera work, image composition and editing using industry-standard software.
You’ll learn how to plan and execute photography projects, explore people and place photography, and develop a personal photographic style that reflects your interests and creativity. The course combines technical learning, research and practical assignments, helping you see the world through an artistic, observant lens — just as photographer Elliott Erwitt once said:
“It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place.”
Taught by experienced lecturers and supported by shooting visits and exhibition trips, this course provides a strong foundation for further study in Photography at SCQF Level 6.
This course is ideal for:
- Beginners and enthusiasts who want to learn the basics of digital photography.
- Creative individuals looking to explore photography as an expressive art form.
- School leavers or adults interested in progressing to higher-level creative study.
- Learners who enjoy practical, project-based learning and visual storytelling.
What you will learn
You’ll explore the foundations of photography — learning how to see creatively, capture moments effectively, and begin shaping your artistic voice.
You’ll study:
- Understanding Photography – explore how exposure, light and composition work together.
- Photographing People – build confidence directing and capturing portraits.
- Photographing Places – discover how to convey mood and narrative through landscape and location photography.
- Working with Photographs – learn basic post-production and image editing using Adobe Photoshop.
- Portraiture – experiment with lighting and visual style.
- Darkroom Printing – gain hands-on experience with traditional film techniques.
- Photography Research – study key photographers, styles and visual storytelling methods.
By the end, you’ll have a small digital portfolio that reflects your developing skills and creative potential.
Entry requirements
✅ No formal qualifications are required.
✅ A keen interest in photography and creativity is essential.
✅ You will be asked to upload a small selection of your photographic work to support your application.
✅ You may also be invited to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
ℹ️ Due to Health & Safety, Awarding Bodies stipulations or Legislation set by Governing Bodies - you must be 16 years old at the start of this course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
A qualification in Photography can open doors to a variety of creative pathways, including:
📸 Freelance Photographer
📰 Press or Media Photographer
Commercial or Portrait Photographer
Scientific or Medical Photography Assistant
💼 Photographic Studio or Lab Assistant
You may also use this qualification as a platform for further study in the creative industries.
Future prospects
After completing this course, you can progress to:
- NQ Photography Level 6 or equivalent creative industry courses at Glasgow Kelvin College.
- Further education in Art & Design, Media or Visual Communication.
- Employment or freelance opportunities in photography-related fields.
Other Courses You Might Consider
Photography - Advanced: HND
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