Adobe Photoshop

Level(s) of Study: Short course
Course Fee:
£350
Start Date(s): 2 July 2026, 17 November 2026, 9 March 2027
Duration: 10 am - 4 pm, two days
Study Mode(s): Part-time
Campus: City Campus
Entry Requirements: More information

Introduction:

Course dates:

2 - 3 July 2026, Thursday and Friday 10 am - 4 pm, two days

17 - 18 November 2026, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm, two days

9 - 10 March 2027, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm, two days

Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard software to use for designers, marketers, image-makers and photographers alike.

It’s a versatile software and skill to learn as it’s used for a wide range of applications, including:

editing and manipulating photographic images and illustrations
graphic design
product illustration
textiles and fashion design
website design.

This course is suitable for anyone looking to apply Adobe Photoshop to either artistic pursuits or professional projects.

It’s also ideal if you’ve attempted to learn the basics online and would like to consolidate your skills and learn the most efficient ways of working in the software, as you’ll be learning directly from an expert with years of knowledge and experience.

You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas.
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work.
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices.
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge.

‘The tutor was fantastic. I learnt a lot, and I'm inspired to continue learning after the course.’ JT

'Really helpful, learnt a lot and absolutely loved it. I enjoyed everything especially learning how to use the software effectively.' KS

'The course has really helped me feel more confident in using Adobe software. It was all really useful.' AG

‘I really enjoyed the course.’ TH

‘Excellent course with great resources. Would definitely sign up for a next level of photoshop training!’ GB

'I’ve taken away lots. Very comprehensive. A good overview with lots of questions answered and problems solved. The tutor - patient and very knowledgeable. Jason is a credit to NTU. It was apparent that he’d spent the time organising a clear and well-structured programme of learning that developed at a good pace.'

'From doing this course I’ve taken away lots of aspects of Photoshop that will help me in my day-to-day job when designing things such as banners, social media posts, website graphics etc. It was great to learn the basics and then also some slightly more advanced things that can help improve the quality of your work once the basics are mastered.'

What you’ll study

You’ll be introduced to the main functions of Adobe Photoshop as well as receiving industry level tips, tricks and shortcuts, so that you can efficiently create and edit images with maximum visual impact.

Through practical projects, you’ll develop your skills in the software and use a range of tools and techniques to enhance and adapt photographic images and learn how to use them in a variety of different print and screen outputs.

You’ll have dedicated, uninterrupted study time in our industry standard Mac suites, using the latest version of Adobe Photoshop software.

learn how to create and size files for digital and print
produce layers and understand different layer styles
discover how to use pivotal tools such as the direct selection and pen tool
create digital collages that utilise key skills
understand the key use of photoshop in relation to other Adobe applications
save artworks in various formats
understand what pixel artwork is and its main uses and advantages
practice using important options such as brightness and contrast
use the gradient tool to create gradients.

How you’re taught

You’ll be challenged creatively with the support of a small group of like-minded people, with lots individual attention from the tutor to support your projects.

By the end of the course, you’ll be confident in using Adobe Photoshop and be able to prepare artwork for a variety of uses.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of Adobe Photoshop you’ll be able to take your work to amazing new levels.

Contact hours

You will receive 10 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.

Tutor profile:

Dan Turner is a senior technician with the Nottingham School of Art and Design. As well as having expertise and teaching experience in Adobe software, he also specialises in immersive media, real-time 3D pipelines and Unreal Engine operation for virtual production.

Emilie Machado is a Technical Specialist in Arts and Design at Nottingham Trent University, where she teaches Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

With over a decade of experience in digital design, her creative journey began in the fashion industry, specialising in high-performance activewear and product development.

Emilie brings real world insight and a hands-on approach to the classroom, and genuinely enjoys helping students grow in confidence and creativity.

Her teaching encourages exploration, critical thinking, and technical skill; unlocking the full potential of digital arts across all disciplines.

Francis Dixon graduated from NTU's Design for Film and Television course where he focused on 3D art, creating visuals, props and short animations. His work in 3D is diverse and adaptable, covering a broad range of specialisms.

He has also worked in the freelance world of art departments, working on productions such as Downton Abbey 3 for Carnival Films, JUICE 2 for the BBC, and international projects for clients in Dubai, where he supplied renders and drafted sets for construction.

Careers and employability

Certificate of attendance and digital badge

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.

Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.

They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.

Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.

Campus and facilities

You will be based in the Nottingham School of Art and Design on the City Campus.

You’ll find collaborative working spaces where you develop your sketches and concepts, and IT suites equipped with industry standard software including Adobe Creative Cloud.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.

Entry requirements

Level: Beginner

Entry requirement: Whilst no software experience is required, you should be confident in saving files and basic computer functions.

You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course.

Fees and funding

The fee for this course is £350.

Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.

Please bring with you to the first session:

a notepad and pen
a memory stick with images you'd like to edit
you can bring your own laptop with Adobe Creative Suite loaded (if preferred), although Macs with software will be available to learn on in the classroom.

You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.

Looking for accommodation?

You can read about short-stay options on the Visit Notts website:

Where to Stay - Visit Nottinghamshire