Abby Watson graduates with an HND in Photography at the NESCol Aberdeen Graduation Ceremony, an achievement she would not have envisaged a few years earlier. After a difficult time at school, College has allowed her to discover her passion and develop new skills.

Abby began struggling with anxiety in secondary school, which made attending increasingly difficult. As a result, her education was affected, and when she returned, found it challenging to attend mainstream classes.

Abby began working with the special educational needs department, where she achieved National 4 qualifications. It was during this time that she learned of the School-College courses offered by NESCol, which provided an alternative pathway for her.

Abby chose the NPA Photography (SCQF Level 5) to study, having always been interested in the subject.

She said, “I chose to study photography because I have always loved capturing memories and visual media, photographs, films, magazines, etc. I felt that the course would allow me to develop my creative abilities, rather than purely academic.”

Abby flourished at College, deciding to leave school and study photography full-time. She started on the SCQF Level 6 Photography Portfolio Building course, before progressing to the HND. Abby credits the lecturing team as being one of the main influences in her decision to study at NESCol.

She said, “The support from my lecturers was vital in my decision to study full-time after I completed the School-College course. I truly felt not only supported, but pushed to believe in myself and my abilities. This was a huge confidence boost for me.”

Abby also found that the facilities at NESCol‘s City Campus played a key role in developing both her practical and academic skills.

She said, “It provided a relaxed yet professional learning environment that encouraged my creativity and growth.

“With fully equipped photographic studios and a specialist film development lab, the facilities offer students invaluable hands-on experience to support our development as photographers.”

In addition to achieving her HND, Abby was also named winner of the Paul Nicol Award. Established in 2026, the award honours former NESCol student and respected photographer, Paul Nicol, who sadly passed away last year.

The award coincided with an exhibition of work from Abbie and her peers from the second year of the HND Photography course at Curated in the Bon Accord Centre, alongside a special display honouring Paul’s life, career and lasting influence on the local photography community.

The Paul Nicol Award recognises students who embrace the qualities Paul displayed during his time at NESCol, fully engaging with the course, demonstrating both strong application and an enthusiasm that inspires others.

Abby was presented with the award by Paul’s family on the opening evening of the exhibition and describes it as a standout moment for her during her time at College.

Abby said, “Receiving the Paul Nicol Award will always hold a very special place in my heart. I was incredibly grateful and honoured to receive an award that carries such significance within the photography community at NESCol.

“Being presented with the award by Paul’s family made the moment even more meaningful. It was a privilege to be recognised in his memory, and I hope this accolade continues to inspire future students.”

Another College highlight for Abby was taking part in the NESCol Creative Industries End of Year Show alongside her classmates.

Abby explains, “I found it to be a very rewarding experience. The exhibition allowed us to see the results of our hard work across the years, and it was lovely to see my photographs displayed beside my peers.”

Abby is now using her HND to enter year three of a Photography BA (Hons) at Gray’s School of Art. In the future, she would love to work in creative visual media, either producing her own fine art photography or moving towards the film industry.

Abby reflected, “NESCol has offered me great opportunities, including progressing to university. I have discovered that education is for anyone and I am grateful for my experiences there.”

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