NQ Media, Photography and Communications (Level 5): NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Tell stories through images that move, inspire and stay with your audience.
This one-year, full-time course is designed for learners who want to take their photography skills to the next level — developing a professional portfolio that demonstrates creativity, technical skill and personal style.
Guided by our award-winning Photography lecturers, you’ll explore the art of visual storytelling through advanced projects that challenge your imagination and refine your craft. The course provides a vibrant and creative experience that balances practical learning with critical thinking and research — preparing you for progression to HND Photography or for entry into the creative industries as a practising photographer.
You’ll be encouraged to develop your own independent approach and to create a portfolio that truly reflects your photographic vision and professional capability.
This course is ideal for:
- Learners who have completed an NQ or NPA Level 5 Photography course.
- Creative individuals ready to refine their technical and artistic skills.
- Those aiming to build a strong portfolio for entry to HND or employment.
- Students who enjoy hands-on, project-based learning guided by experienced professionals.
What you will learn
This course will help you move from technical competence to creative confidence, building a professional-quality portfolio that showcases your personal style.
You’ll develop skills in:
- Photography: An Introduction – advancing your core camera knowledge.
- Basic Camera Techniques – mastering manual settings, exposure and lighting control.
- Photo-Reportage – producing compelling documentary-style image series.
- Portraiture Skills – experimenting with studio and natural light to capture character and story.
- Portfolio Production – creating a cohesive, creative body of work for exhibition or progression to HND.
- Research Project – investigating influential photographers and visual trends to inspire your own work.
- Product Photography – developing commercial techniques for advertising and still-life shoots.
You’ll graduate with a refined creative portfolio, showing your ability to plan, produce and present work like a professional photographer.
Entry requirements
✅ NQ in Photography (Level 5) (minimum 12 credit passes) OR
✅ An NPA Art and Design
✅ A keen interest in photography and a commitment to creative development are essential.
You’ll be asked to upload a small selection of images with 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 Higher (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
This qualification can lead to opportunities across a range of photographic sectors, including:
📸 Commercial Photography
🎨 Social or Portrait Photography
📰 Press and Media Photography
🔬 Scientific and Medical Photography
Graduates may also work as freelance photographers, photographic assistants, studio or lab technicians, or progress into creative education and training roles
Future prospects
Successful students can progress directly to:
- HND Photography at Glasgow Kelvin College.
- Further study in creative media, art and design, or visual communication.
- Employment or freelance work in professional photographic practice.
Other Courses You Might Consider
Photography - Advanced: HND
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