NC Photography SCQF level 6

NC Photography SCQF level 6

The National Certificate (NC) in Photography is designed to meet the needs of learners who wish to develop a foundation of the photographic knowledge and skills required for progression to more advanced levels of study in photography.

It is also suitable for those who wish to prepare themselves for initial entry to employment within the photo-imaging sector.

Candidates will have opportunities to develop vocational and employability skills relevant for posts such as assistant photographer, photographic lab technician and retail assistant.

National Certificates are designed for full-time delivery over one year or part-time delivery over two years (including evening provision). Many are suitable for open and distance learning and may also be offered as January-start access to HN courses.

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: GT94 46 (72 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 6

The National Certificate in Photography at SCQF level 6 consists of all eight credits listed in the mandatory section and four credits from the optional section. The whole award equates to 12 SQA credits of learning (72 SCQF credit points).

See the group award specification (472 KB) for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Unit search

National Certificate in Photography at SCQF level 6 – GE6C 46

This group award has been replaced.

It entered its lapsing period on: 31/07/2022

It finishes on: 31/07/2025

NC Photography at SCQF Level 6 (1.03 MB)

Unit search

How to assess

Assessment is mostly carried out through ‘hands-on’ practical tasks that will generate product evidence, and tasks that will generate written and/or oral recorded evidence. Some assessments will be carried out under supervised open-book conditions, others under supervised closed-book conditions. See the assessment and evidence requirements for each unit.

Assessment support packs are available for selected units and can be found on SQA’s secure website. Each unit is assessed separately.

Deliver this qualification

Resources

Why study this qualification

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

  • learners who are at school or who have just left school
  • mature learners 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
  • employees who want to develop their careers
  • individuals who are seeking national recognition of their achievements
  • employers who wish their employees to take part in short continuing professional development courses
  • migrants to the UK
  • learners whose first language is not English
  • learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • individuals who wish to start their own business
  • learners who want to study at a pace and style that they determine

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

You will develop:

  • an 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 centre.

No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although 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 this level 6 award to progress to:

  • an HNC/HND in Photography or a related area
  • a BA in Photography
  • a BA Honours in Photography

Qualification structure

Group award code: GT94 46 (72 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 6

The National Certificate in Photography at SCQF level 6 consists of all eight credits listed in the mandatory section and four credits from the optional section. The whole award equates to 12 SQA credits of learning (72 SCQF credit points).

See the group award specification (472 KB) for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Unit search

National Certificate in Photography at SCQF level 6 – GE6C 46

This group award has been replaced.

It entered its lapsing period on: 31/07/2022

It finishes on: 31/07/2025

NC Photography at SCQF Level 6 (1.03 MB)

Unit search

Resources