Ive been looking at Photographic courses recently, a lot of them seem to be aimed at the complete beginner, or they are a completely un-affordable (By anyone) £20k full time degree.
Im looking to study part time, maybe distance learning, im not a beginner, so my primary reason for looking is for getting a recognised qualification - leading on to a career change into photography.
Just for the record - im 29 and live near Derby in the UK.
In the UK, I would look at certification by BIPP (the British Institute of Professional Photography). Like other major national professional associations (PPA in the USA, PPoC in Canada), full membership is juried and contingent on both photographic competence and viable/ethical business practices. Training is available if you want it. Individual certifications in a genre are based on a juried body of work in that genre, and are not automatic by any means.
BIPP membership and certification will mean more to publications and permit authorities than to the general public, but the plaque on the wall, the sticker in the window, or the logo on the web site can also be a great differentiator if you're aiming for a higher-end clientele. There is usually a wealth of other benefits to the photographer as a member of one of these national bodies, like legal and insurance resources, breaks on rental fees, easy access to "pro only" services, as well as great networking opportunities.
Addressing the question from this point:
leading on to a career change into photography
A photography career is actually not really about photography, thats just what you produce. A career is either getting a job from someone else, in which case you need to have self marketing skills, networking, and get lucky, or it's about creating your own business in which case you need all the myriad skills, patience, fortitude, and good luck to succeed.
None of that is possible without good skills as a photographer but where you get those skills from is largely irrelevant and measuring the cost effectiveness of the learning proces is highly subjective.
Edit, wanted to add something about a degree: going to uni to do a degree gives you the opprtunity to meet and make friends with a group of people who will be your cohorts. Thats why the 'posh' universities are so expensive because you meet a more infuential class of people. Without that opportunity a degree is not worth as much on paper, particularly an arts degree, which used to be what kids did if they didn't have any other skills or interests (although I'm being a bit mean here I must admit)
Another edit: If you had 20K to invest in a photography business what would get you the most bang for your buck? Premises for six months/a year, a big pile of marketing, wages for up to a year, a load of kit, or a degree?
I know you are in the UK but you mentioned the potential to learn via distance.
I personally have been looking into this course, as a few friends of mine have raved about it. The institute is located in Australia, but can do everything via online course.
http://www.thephotographyinstitute.com.au
It's pretty cheap (At least by Australian standards) so I wanted to pipe in and give it as some food for thought.
Good luck!
I don't think anyone should hire or develop a liking because photographer has a degree/certificate, His work should do for him and the biggest certificate would be experience.
You have at least 2 areas in which you need to become proficient. Running a small business, with all that that entails, and learning the craft of photography.
A good photography course will take you through the various areas you need to be familiar with but it will not make you a businessman. Also bear in mind that in business, 75% of your time will be spent in activities other than the one you are supposedly in business to perform.
I would look for courses in both areas, you are looking for breadth and quality of tuition not just a certificate.
