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Certificate in Introductory Photography

Certificate in Introductory Photography

Level 5

Learn the basics of photography as a medium to express creative ideas in the UCOL Te Pūkenga Certificate in Introductory Photography.

A close-up of a person holding a DSLR camera.
Quick info

Level: 5

Locations: UCOL Te Pūkenga Manawatū in Palmerston North,  UCOL Te Pūkenga Whanganui

Duration: 10 weeks, part-time

Dates:
Palmerston North
2024 dates TBC

Whanganui
2024 dates TBC

Masterton
2023 dates TBC

Domestic Fees: *
$205.00

Scholarship info

International Fees:*
Please enquire for details

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

You will develop introductory knowledge and skills in the usage of camera equipment, composition, lighting, digital image processing and presentation of your images. This course will give you the practical skills to equip you for further study in photography.

In the course, you will be using camera equipment that allows you to manually change camera settings. We will teach you how to use the manual functionality of your camera (or ours if you don’t own a camera) to create interesting and visually appealing images.

Image above by UCOL Te Pūkenga photography student Reuben Parr.

 Career & Study Outcomes

Graduates of the Certificate in Introductory Photography will be able to apply their new knowledge and skills in a variety of potential employment opportunities, including professional photography (introductory level), marketing and social media.

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Photographers, see careers.govt.nz

Education pathway

Graduates wanting to take their skills to the next level can enrol in:

Please contact the Programme Leader regarding pathways into other courses in the Creative Industries.

 Course Information

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme will help you develop introductory knowledge and skills to improve your photography. It will cover:

  • Composition of images through the application of design elements and principles such as texture, shape, form, space, shadow and colour as appropriate
  • Camera types, use and relevant accessories
  • Exposure and ISO
  • White balance
  • Shutter speed, aperture and focusing
  • Using natural and studio lighting
  • An introduction to Photoshop processing
  • Influences on contemporary photographic practice
  • Visual ideas, from analysis of the initial brief
  • Research and development from concept to resolution

 Learning Facilities

Excellent industry-standard learning facilities.

 Domestic Entry Requirements

Open entry.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL Te Pūkenga NCEA explained page.

 International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

 Advice & Guidance

It is recommended that students have met the literacy and numeracy requirements of NCEA Level 1 or equivalent.

The Certificate in Introductory Photography, Level 5 (Training Scheme), comprises 20 credits.

Timetable
The following are the timings for class, which comprise seven hours a week. The Saturday session is every second week. Note that the following hours may vary slightly from time to time and will be confirmed on the first night of class.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

  • National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
  • Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
  • Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
  • Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

 Additional Costs

Required equipment

  • DSLR camera (Just bring whatever you have. Even a phone is fine to start with. If you do not have a DSLR camera, you can loan one from UCOL Te Pūkenga. The bond is $80 for outside class use, for two days at a time, and is fully refundable at the end of the course.)
  • SD card - for recording your photographs on. 4GB start from $12 and 16GB are $17.
  • Two pen drives - At least 8GB. These start from $12 each. 16GB are $14.

Optional equipment

  • Portable hard drive - some people prefer this to a pen drive. 1TB is $125. If you intend to do a lot of photography work, this is recommended. If you intend to do a huge amount, a powered hard drive is recommended.
  • Photoshop and Bridge - this software is available as a monthly download for approximately $23 per month. It's in Adobe Creative Suite in Creative Cloud.

Required items for mounting images

  • Card 16 x 20" (51 x 41cm) $5 per sheet (you'll need at least five)
  • Back board 16 x 20" (51 x 41 cm) $2 per sheet (you'll need at least five)
  • Cutting knife with sharp blades $5 - $10
  • Double-sided tape 1cm width $12

Optional item for mounting images

  • Spray glue - don't purchase this until you've attended class, as there are many types available and some don't work properly with photographs. 3M does, and is repositionable. You may prefer using tape, so please delay this purchase until you find out more in class. $20 - $34.

 Accreditation

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning Limited, a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

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