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New Zealand Certificate in Entertainment and Event Technology

Level 4

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Do you see yourself behind a camera, mixing sound, or creating a mood with lighting? UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Entertainment and Event Technology (Level 4) will provide you with the technical skills you need to enter the entertainment industry.

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Quick info

Level: 4

Locations: UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

Duration: 1 year full-time (41 weeks)
Part-time option available.
(See Course Hours & Duration for details)

Dates:
17 Feb 2025 – 22 Nov 2025

Domestic Fees: *
$7,438.00

Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
$26,614.00

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.

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Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students
Download the Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students.
The New Zealand Certificate in Entertainment and Event Technology Level 4 is designed for people who want to become entertainment technicians. This programme covers the industry's general practices, processes, and protocols, and has lighting, live sound, and video strands. This programme will allow you to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to operate safely under supervision.

This programme uses blended delivery – combining in person, online, and in-work learning. Your work-integrated learning within the entertainment and event industry will provide you with much-needed industry experience.

This programme runs for 40 weeks, including 6 holiday weeks..

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time - 9 hrs
In person, online and in-work.

Industry Experience - 11 hrs (23hrs in one Semester)
You will work with real entertainment events and performances for public viewing.

Study Time - 14 hrs
Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time, or possibly by paper. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

Graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Entertainment and Event Technology Level 4 will have the skills to enter the entertainment industry in a technician role or can progress onto the Bachelor of Creative Media (Level 7) to expand their skillset.

This programme consists of 120 Credits. 

Entertainment and Event Industry Foundations (30 Credits)
Ākonga will become familiar with industry terminology, production processes, roles and duties, worker responsibilities, conduct, and professional development opportunities. After this course, you will be able to:
  • Describe the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of people working in the entertainment and event industry.
  • Describe and demonstrate the professional and safe working practices required when on an entertainment or event worksite.
  • Describe production processes, types of venues, and business relationships within the entertainment and event industry.
  • Explain and use entertainment and event industry terminology in context.
  • Identify professional development opportunities in the entertainment and event industry and develop your own professional goals. 
Entertainment and Event Industry Practice (30 Credits)
Ākonga will learn the skills to effectively communicate and operate professionally, collaboratively and safely in an entertainment and event industry environment. After this course, you will be able to:
  • Contribute to planning a performance or event and complete event documentation.
  • Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders and personnel within a production team in an entertainment and event context.
  • Prepare and set up sound equipment for a small-scale performances, events, or live recordings.
  • Manage hazards and comply with safety requirements and venue policies and procedures.
  • Solve problems and manage conflict in the entertainment and event industry.
  • Use reflection to help identify areas for development.
Industry Practice – Lighting Systems (30 Credits)
Ākonga will learn the skills and knowledge to safely install, operate, and remove lighting systems for complex performances or events. After this course, you will be able to:
  • Explain and apply electrical theory for stage lighting and functions.
  • Explain the qualities and use of light, effects, and equipment for a performance or event.
  • Interpret, adapt, and implement a lighting plan and documentation for a performance or event.
  • Program a lighting console for a performance or event.
  • Operate a lighting console in both pre-programmed and busking modes.
  • Remove and pack out lighting equipment for a performance or event.
Industry Practice – Live Sound Systems (30 Credits)
Ākonga will learn the skills and knowledge to safely install, operate, and remove sound equipment for complex performances, events or a live recording. After this course, you will be able to:
  • Explain sound system requirements and factors affecting good sound quality for a performance or event.
  • Interpret a sound plan and set up sound system equipment for a performance, event or live recording.
  • Prepare, load, and transport sound equipment to an entertainment venue or site.
  • Install sound system equipment for a performance, event or live recording.
  • Select and apply techniques to improve the sound quality during a performance, event or live recording.
  • Pack out and load sound system equipment at the end of a performance, event or live recording.

To be eligible for entry to the programme, applicants must hold at least one of the following:

NCEA Level 2 

OR

equivalent academic achievement

OR

on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

Additional Requirements
All applicants are required to:

  • Hold, or be in the process of obtaining, unit standard 17600 Explain safe work practices for working at heights;

    AND

  • Meet with the Programme Leader (to discuss the programme and industry environment).

 

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

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

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 (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).

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements for operating in professional entertainment and event environments. Ideally, students will need to be reasonably fit and strong as they need to lift or carry heavy equipment. Learners will be advised to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the Executive Dean before the programme begins.

Learners are required to hold or obtain (at their own cost) unit standard 17600 - Explain safe work practices for working at heights - from an accredited provider such as Be Safe Workplace Training.  You must provide evidence you hold or have booked in to complete the unit standard before acceptance to the programme.

It is also recommended that learners hold a current full driving licence.

Learners will be placed in live production settings organised by UCOL to achieve the required work experience hours. Learners may be required to work long and/or irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

This programme may include field trips of one or more days in length, and in those instances, the learner may incur additional costs. In these instances, learners will be informed of the schedule and associated costs well ahead of time. The programme lecturers will endeavour to ensure the costs and arrangements are appropriate.

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 relavant 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).

TBC

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, a business division of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

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