Photography Higher

What is special about this course?

This exciting part-time course is delivered through weekly online sessions and self-directed working. Students learn to decipher the visual language of photographic images whilst gaining practical knowledge of photography and building confidence as creative photographers.

Step-by-step photographic micro-assignments build a broad and comprehensive range of creative and technical photographic skills.

The knowledge gained from micro-assignments enables students to build unique portfolios of work; students are encouraged to be experimental, develop knowledge of photographic theory and learn industry-standard software for image-manipulation, becoming competent photographers equipped with the technical skills to create imaginative work.

The SQA Higher Photography is a great course providing a really solid foundation to Photography; after completion, students are ready to continue into options including Higher Education, artistic practice and freelance commercial work.

See student work at our Creative Student Showcase 2022

Entry requirements

You should be able to show evidence of having a keen interest in photography.

During the course you will learn about the creative, technical and critical skills and aspects which make up great photography:

Creative:
Gain insight into the styles, genres, compositions, elements and narratives of important historical photographers and start to identify these in your own work.

Technical:
Build a step-by-step knowledge of every aspect of the camera, how it operates and how you can operate it to manipulate light to produce well-exposed, focused and composed images.

Critical:
Your knowledge gained in the technical and creative micro-assignments enable you to ‘read’ images and identify influences and themes which your images are part of as well as start to critique the work of other photographers.

You will develop a method of recording your observations and you will maintain a sketchbook/journal throughout the course of notes, ideas, sketches, plans, test images, technical details, collected historical and contemporary images all of which will build into an inspirational resource.

Equipment

You will need a DSLR camera. Advice and guidance on types and likely costs will be provided at the start of the course. 

You will need an A4 journal (approx £10.00) and an A3 journal for the final project, (approx £15-20).

Studio space, lighting equipment, computers and software can be booked at UHI Fort William and Broadford.

Computers and software can also be booked at UHI Portree.

Internet connection and a suitable device with headphones, microphone and camera (minimum spec) is required. Please email us if you have any concerns about connectivity or equipment.
 

Fees

£352

You will need a DSLR camera and advice and guidance on types and likely costs will be provided at the start of the course. You will also need to buy an A4 journal (approx £10) and an A3 journal for the final project. (approx £15-20)

Funding

A Fee Waiver or funding of up to £200 could be available to help with payment of course fees, depending on your personal circumstances.

This support will be available for people who are 16 or over, living in Scotland and either in low paid work or actively seeking work. To be eligible, you must have income of £22,000 a year or less, or be on certain benefits.

You will also not be undertaking any secondary, further or higher education, SDS funded training or participating on the Community Jobs Scotland programme.

Please contact your local college centre for more information about eligibility, or call us on 01397 874000.