Course details

Summary

Programme highlights

Capture the world around you with this practical photography programme.

Designed to meet industry requirements, you will become confident with photographic equipment, studio lighting and engage in a first-hand industry experience.

Explore your talent by creating photographs in different genres, using software to manipulate images for commercial use, and learning to make critical selections of your work to create a dynamic portfolio.

This qualification is for people seeking entry-level employment or those already employed in the photographic industry.

Career opportunities

Self-employment - Employment in industry with intermediate-level prospects.

Programme structure

Introduction to Photography

To explore and analyse the core concepts, techniques and processes necessary to the creation of digital photographic images. Students will use industry standard software to develop images for a range of uses and be able to manage a variety of file types related to photography.

Creative Thinking: Photographic Histories

To acquaint students with a range of photographic historical lineages, core concepts and thematics and to build skills and confidence in critical thinking and articulation.

Light

A comprehensive look at how to operate within a studio lighting environment and to confidently work with on-camera flash. Students will develop the skills to work with a diverse set of subjects and use appropriate lighting equipment in a professional manner.

Portfolio

Students develop the ability to make critical selections from a broad range of self-authored photographic images. They will gain the skills and knowledge to refine and present their images and ideas to a professional standard.

Professional Practice

Students develop an understanding of the professional demands and requirements associated with working in the photography industry through in class delivery, guest speakers and internships.

Further study

New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6)

Entry criteria

General

For the Diploma in Photography (Level 5) applicants must provide their own DSLR camera and 1TB (or over) hard drive.

Academic

For the Diploma in Photography (Level 5)

A minimum of 40 credits at NCEA level 2 across four subjects

Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:

• 5 credits in reading
• 5 credits in writing

Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of numeracy related achievement or unit standards OR

Have successfully completed the MIT Certificate in Photography (Level 4), or an equivalent Level 4 programme/qualification, or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and/or knowledge. AND

Present a portfolio of examples of photography completed in the previous 18 months that shows creativity, knowledge of composition and selection of images along with a personal statement outlining the reasons for choosing to apply for the programme.

For applicants 20 years of age and over there are no minimum academic requirements but are required to present a portfolio of images and a personal statement as described above.

English language requirements:

• IELTS test - Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
• TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)
• TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) - Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14)
• Cambridge English Examinations - FCE or FCE for schools with a score of 162. No less than
• 154 in each skill OET at Grade C in all sub-tests
• NZCEL a) Expiring b) Current - a) Level 4 (General) or (Workplace) b) Level 4 (General) or (Employment)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PToE (Academic) score of 42
• City & Guilds IESOL - B2 Communicator with a score of 42