NPA Photography SCQF level 4 and 5

These National Progression Awards (NPA) develop knowledge and understanding in photography.

It covers areas such as:

  • understanding different photography genres and concepts
  • practical skills in photographing people and places
  • organising and working with photographic images

This qualification is available through schools, colleges and training providers.

Alternative assessment guidance

This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.

Qualification structure

Group award code:     GR4L 44 (24 SCQF credit points) SCQF level:    4

The National Progression Award consists of 4 mandatory units (24 SCQF credit points).

See the group award specification for the full list of mandatory units.

Group award code:     GR4M 45 (24 SCQF credit points) SCQF level:    5

The National Progression Award consists of 4 mandatory units (24 SCQF credit points).

See the group award specification for the full list of mandatory units.

Group award specification for GR4L 44 and GR4M 45 (339 KB)

Unit search

How to assess

Assessment will be a combination of practical and knowledge assessments under closed- and open-book assessment conditions. See the assessment and evidence requirements for each unit.

Assessment and/or e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

Deliver this qualification

Resources

These videos have been created to help support teachers, lecturers and candidates with their understanding of basic camera concepts. More videos will be added to this list over the coming months and we will notify centres when new videos have been published

Why study this qualification

The NPAs in Photography is designed for a wide range of learners, including:

  • learners who are at school or who have just left school
  • mature candidates who have been out of education for a long period of time
  • individuals who are currently in employment and wish to obtain a formal qualification
  • those who are looking to access HN programmes

The qualification is also suitable to other providers who wish to promote photography to interest-based groups.

You will develop:

  • understanding of different photography genres and concepts
  • practical skills in photographing people and places
  • skills in organising and working with photographic images

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the school, college or training provider. However, it would be beneficial if learners had a keen interest in photography or creative digital media. Ideally, learners should have some degree of aptitude for, and a genuine interest in, photography, that can be nurtured and developed either in a freestanding unit-by-unit basis and/or throughout the group award.

Employment and progression

You could use the level 5 award to progress to:

  • SCQF level 6 NC Photography
  • Higher Photography
  • SCQF level 5 NC Creative Industries
  • an HNC/HND in Photography or a related area

Qualification structure

Group award code:     GR4L 44 (24 SCQF credit points) SCQF level:    4

The National Progression Award consists of 4 mandatory units (24 SCQF credit points).

See the group award specification for the full list of mandatory units.

Group award code:     GR4M 45 (24 SCQF credit points) SCQF level:    5

The National Progression Award consists of 4 mandatory units (24 SCQF credit points).

See the group award specification for the full list of mandatory units.

Group award specification for GR4L 44 and GR4M 45 (339 KB)

Unit search

Resources

These videos have been created to help support teachers, lecturers and candidates with their understanding of basic camera concepts. More videos will be added to this list over the coming months and we will notify centres when new videos have been published