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Diploma, Arts, design and media. Cardiff and Vale College - City Centre, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
National Extended Diploma - Photography is a diploma program in arts, design and media at Cardiff and Vale College - City Centre, a public institution in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, founded in 2011.
First-year tuition is listed at 12,000 GBP and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027.
Plan for about 22,224 GBP for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. UKVI sets a monthly maintenance amount that differs for London and the rest of the UK, plus the tuition fee for the first year, up to a cap. You must also pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Amounts are updated by the UK government, so read the money section of the official guidance before you apply.
Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.
| Item | Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Tuition, first year | 12,000 GBP |
| Living costs, first year (school estimate) | 10,224 GBP |
| Application fee (one time) | Free |
| Estimated first-year total | 22,224 GBP |
Our directory lists 42 diploma programs in arts, design and media at 10 schools in the United Kingdom. Their median first-year tuition is 12,000 GBP, and the middle half cost between 8,736 GBP and 17,000 GBP.
At 12,000 GBP, National Extended Diploma - Photography costs about the same as the median, in the middle of the range.
If budget matters, these diploma programs in arts, design and media have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in the United Kingdom.
| Program | School | Tuition (1st year) |
|---|---|---|
| Higher National Diploma - 3D Design: Interior, Product and Exhibition Design | Edinburgh College - Granton, Edinburgh | 8,736 GBP |
| Higher National Diploma - Music | Edinburgh College - Milton Road, Edinburgh | 8,736 GBP |
| Higher National Diploma - Music | Edinburgh College - Sighthill, Edinburgh | 8,736 GBP |
| Higher National Diploma - Performing Arts Acting | Cheshire College South and West - Crewe, Crewe | 9,950 GBP |
| Diploma - Art and Design | Cardiff and Vale College - Barry, Barry | 12,000 GBP |
| Foundation Diploma - Art and Design - Design and Media | Ravensbourne University London, London | 14,500 GBP |
Working back from a Sept 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September or October is the main intake for most courses, with a January or February intake for some. Visa applications can be made within a set window before the course start date.
| By | Step |
|---|---|
| November 2026 | Shortlist programs, check entry requirements and book your English test. |
| January 2027 | Prepare your statement of purpose, references and transcripts, then apply. |
| March 2027 | Receive offers, compare total costs and accept one. |
| May 2027 | Pay the deposit, gather funds evidence and apply for the student visa. |
| August 2027 | Book travel and accommodation once the visa is approved. |
Cardiff and Vale College - City Centre sets the exact entry requirements for National Extended Diploma - Photography. For a diploma, applicants usually need the following.
Universities accept a range of tests and some accept alternative evidence. For the visa itself you may need an approved English test result or confirmation from the sponsor. Check what your sponsor will accept before booking a test.
Students from India need a Student visa (Student route) to study in the United Kingdom. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) decides the application.
The UK Student visa is sponsored by a licensed university or college through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The route is points based and document heavy: funds, English language and sponsor details must all match the rules in force on the day you apply.
Eligible graduates may apply for the Graduate route, which allows time in the UK to work or look for work. The length of stay and conditions have been under review, so use the current GOV.UK page and not older figures.
First-year tuition is listed at 12,000 GBP. Living costs are extra; Cardiff and Vale College - City Centre estimates 10,224 GBP a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.
This program lists no application fee.
The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.
It is listed as a diploma. Check with the school what qualification it awards and whether it leads to further study or work rights.
You need a Student visa (Student route), decided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.
Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Cardiff and Vale College - City Centre, then help with the visa. The first call is free.
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