Students
BIPP offers students a discounted membership of £50 pa. Student membership is open to anyone on a photographic course of NVQ Level 3 or above. For details, visit how to join.
Professional Qualifying Programme
Some of the most respected photographic courses in the UK offer their students the opportunity to gain a BIPP professional qualification alongside their academic achievements. The scheme (PQP) is currently offered by nine colleges and universities:
- Blackpool and the Fylde College
- Cleveland College of Art and Design
- Kirklees College
- Plymouth College of Art and Design
- Stevenson College, Edinburgh
- Thames Valley University
- University of Derby
- University of Gloucestershire
- Wiltshire College, Salisbury
For more information on PQP, please contact the relevant college.
College Affiliation
BIPP's College Affiliation programme works with a small number of colleges and universities to support the core aims of the Institute, while delivering benefits to students. These range from discounts on events, copies of the Photographer magazine, opportunities to involve students in skills-based training and entry into national awards. For details please ask your college to email Chris Harper on chris@bipp.com.
Choosing Photography Courses
There are literally hundreds of photographic courses available through colleges and universities and other training providers. Skillset has information on training and careers and it's worth taking a look at their site.
Other than the PQP courses, which are assessed, BIPP cannot recommend individual courses. However, always ensure that the course content is relevant to the photography you would like to do afterwards. Also, make sure that the training provider has 'awarding status'. Many offer certificates or distinctions, but they are not official qualifications.