Educational Partnerships

Education – developing photography’s future

The BIPP partners and engages with select educational organisations to support learners and students. These relationships give the next generation of photographers a direct line into the profession, from accredited degree study through to on-the-job apprenticeships, and give our members a role in developing and growing the talent coming into the industry.

Edinburgh College – BA (Hons) Professional Photography

The BA (Hons) Professional Photography is a one-year top-up degree unique to Scotland, taught at Edinburgh College’s Sighthill campus and validated by Kingston University London. It is industry-linked and accredited by the BIPP, with our standards built into the curriculum alongside endorsement from the Association of Photographers.

Students progressing from an HND in Photography spend the year developing contemporary and commissioned work in state-of-the-art studios, with guest lectures from working professionals and industry connections made through the college’s Creative and Tech Futures Day. BIPP accreditation means graduates leave with a qualification that’s recognised across the profession, and many go on to be award winners in national and international photography competitions.

JGA – Photographer Apprenticeship

We work with the JGA Group on their Level 4 Photographer Apprenticeship, an 18-month programme combining structured learning with real-world studio and location experience. Apprentices are offered BIPP Apprentice membership as part of the course, giving them access to our community, resources and qualification pathway from day one.

As part of their training, apprentices have the opportunity to build a 20-image portfolio that is submitted to the BIPP, giving them the chance to earn a BIPP award alongside their apprenticeship. We also run joint training days with JGA, bringing apprentices together with industry experts for hands-on sessions in professional studio lighting and technique.

Supporting the next generation

Through our partnerships, the BIPP offers a route into the profession that’s grounded in real industry standards – whether that’s a degree-level qualification or an employer-based apprenticeship.

Partner with us

Is your college, university or training provider interested in offering learners a route into the profession through the BIPP? We’re always open to discussing new relationships with educational organisations that share our aims. Get in touch to talk about how we could work together.

You don’t need an organisational partnership to get your students involved, though. Student membership is available to any individual studying photography, independent of whether their college or course has a formal relationship with the BIPP. Find out more about student membership.