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Photography

BA Honours Degree (top-up)

BA (Hons) Photography Level 6 Top-Up - advance your existing qualifications with a University of Hertfordshire–validated degree, refine your creative and professional practice, and graduate with a distinctive portfolio ready for industry.

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Why this course?

Take your photography expertise to degree level and develop the creative confidence, critical thinking and professional skills to define your own distinctive approach to practice. The BA (Hons) Photography Level 6 Top-Up builds on your existing qualifications, helping you deepen your specialist knowledge, strengthen your professional identity and prepare for the next stage of your career. On successful completion you'll be awarded a BA (Hons) in Photography.

This Level 6 Top-Up is designed for students who have already completed an appropriate Level 5 qualification in Photography or a related subject. The programme comprises 120 credits at undergraduate degree level and is validated and quality-assured by the University of Hertfordshire. Through four specialist modules and 16 assignments, you'll progress from your existing knowledge towards a sophisticated, independent approach to photography.

Learning reflects contemporary professional practice. Working closely with subject-specialist tutors, you'll develop ambitious photographic work while strengthening your research, critical thinking and creative decision-making. You'll explore the wider cultural, ethical and professional contexts of photography, refine the way you communicate ideas through images, and develop a body of work that demonstrates your individual perspective and creative direction.

Throughout the programme you'll have access to comprehensive online learning resources, regular tutor support and assessment, and an active student community where students and tutors share work, ideas and feedback. You'll be encouraged to establish your own creative voice, develop an independent professional practice and produce work that demonstrates your capabilities to prospective clients and employers.

With a strong focus on academic development and professional progression, the Top-Up provides a recognised route from Level 5 study to a full honours degree. Whether your ambition is to advance within the photography industry, develop a freelance or independent practice, or continue to postgraduate study, you'll graduate with an internationally recognised qualification and a stronger professional profile.

Quality assurance: aligned with the QAA Quality Code, QAA Subject Benchmark Statements, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), and Advance HE principles. The programme also follows the University of Hertfordshire's Herts Learning Approach, emphasising active learning, inclusivity and a supportive learning community.

Workload & structure: approximately 1,200 total learning hours and 120 credits at Level 6. The programme is structured around four modules and 16 assignments, providing a clear framework for advanced undergraduate study while supporting the development of your individual photographic practice.

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COURSE DETAILS

About this course



Graduation & what to expect

UPCOMING

BA Honours Degree (top-up) course

Date Start Date:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY
The Home Study course allows you to learn entirely at your own pace and can be started anytime.

Best for: Students who want complete flexibility and prefer to study independently.

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Learning

£4,065 Payment plans available
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Entry requirements: A recognised BTEC level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in Photography, If English is not your first language, you must have at least level 5.5 IELTS or the equivalent.

Pearson Education & University of Hertfordshire

Pearson Education & University of Hertfordshire

Awarding Bodies

The National Academy of Creative Arts works in partnership with Pearson Education and the University of Hertfordshire to provide internationally recognised qualifications for our students. Pearson, a global leader in education, awards our BTEC qualifications up to Level 5, while the University of Hertfordshire, a renowned UK institution, validates and awards the Level 6 degree component, ensuring our courses meet the highest standards in higher education.

STUDY MODE

Explore Our Flexible Learning Path

Choosing your study mode

Home Study courses allow you to learn entirely at your own pace.

You will study through the Online Learning Centre, which provides access to instructional videos, written lessons, and course assignments, working through course materials and assignments independently while receiving feedback and guidance from your designated tutor.

There are no scheduled classes or assessment submission dates, giving you maximum flexibility to study around work, family, or other commitments.

Best for: Students who want complete flexibility and prefer to study independently.

Home Study

OUTCOMES

What will you learn?

Understand camera settings and basic composition

Learn how to control camera settings and frame simple, well-composed shots with confidence.

Learn to use natural light and simple lighting tools

Experiment with natural light and basic lighting techniques to improve photos taken in various conditions.

Develop essential editing skills for better images

Gain basic editing skills to enhance images for personal enjoyment and creative self-expression.

Grow confidence capturing shots that reflect your view

Build confidence capturing images that express your creative perspective and personal style.



Our teaching approach


PROGRAM

Course Overview

TUTORS

Meet Our Photography Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors

FAQ

Can't find what you need?

Find answers to commonly asked questions about admissions, programs, financial aid, and more. If you have a question that's not listed here, feel free to reach out to us directly.

The National Academy of Creative Arts is dedicated to helping aspiring creatives develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in today's creative industries.

Whether you're looking to start a new career, develop your professional skills or pursue higher education, we offer flexible study options, experienced tutors and industry-focused courses designed around real-world practice.

As part of the Further Learning Group, an established education provider supporting thousands of students across specialist academies, we're committed to delivering a high-quality learning experience from enquiry through to graduation.

Yes.

We offer a range of professionally recognised qualifications, including Certificates, Diplomas, Professional Diplomas and Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications.

Selected higher education pathways also provide the opportunity to progress to a BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree, validated and awarded by the University of Hertfordshire.

Our BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, one of the world's leading education organisations, giving students confidence that they're studying qualifications recognised by employers and educational institutions.

Absolutely.

Our flexible study options are designed to fit around your lifestyle. Depending on your chosen course, you can study from home, attend live online classes or join classroom sessions, allowing you to balance your studies with work, family and other commitments.

We know everyone learns differently, so many of our courses are available in a choice of study modes.

Depending on the course, you can choose from:

  • Home Study
  • Live Online Classes
  • Classroom-Based Learning

Whichever option you choose, you'll receive expert tutor support throughout your studies.

Not usually.

Many of our students begin with little or no previous experience. Whether you're taking your first steps into a creative subject or building on existing skills, our tutors will support you throughout your learning journey.

Individual entry requirements vary for higher education courses, and these are clearly explained on each course page.

Yes.

From the day you enrol, you'll have access to experienced tutors who provide guidance, feedback and encouragement throughout your studies.

You'll also have access to our Online Learning Centre, comprehensive learning resources and our Student Services team, ensuring you always have someone to turn to whenever you need help.

That's exactly what many of our students are looking to achieve.

Our courses are designed to develop practical, industry-relevant skills that prepare you for employment, freelance opportunities or further study.

Selected courses also include optional work placement opportunities, helping you gain valuable real-world experience.

Yes.

We offer selected higher education pathways that enable students to progress from the Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) to the Higher National Diploma (HND) and then to a BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree, validated and awarded by the University of Hertfordshire.

These pathways combine practical, industry-focused learning with recognised higher education qualifications.

We're here to help.

Whether you're exploring a creative hobby, preparing for university, changing careers or looking to advance professionally, our friendly Course Advisors can help you choose the course and study option that's right for your goals.

People increasingly want flexible ways to develop creative skills without putting their careers or personal lives on hold.

A high-quality online creative course allows you to learn from experienced tutors, study at times that suit you and build practical, industry-relevant skills from anywhere. At the National Academy of Creative Arts, many courses are also available through Live Online and Classroom-Based learning, giving you the flexibility to choose the study experience that works best for you.

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