New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6)

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL 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 enrollment advisor at 0800 468 265.

This programme consists of 120 credits.

• Advanced camera skills
• Creative solutions to unfamiliar visual problems
• Industry-appropriate lighting techniques
• Industry-appropriate camera equipment and accessories (range may include but is not limited to, full-frame digital cameras, and medium format digital cameras)
• Use of materials and techniques to enhance industry-relevant photographic communication (covering subjects which may include but not limited to, formal and informal portraiture, wedding, families, children, graduation, product lighting setups, architecture, food, landscape, editorial, corporate, advertising, creative)
• Generate advanced visual ideas from research and analysis of the initial brief leading to digital capture and progressing to resolution (range may include but need not be limited to composition, digital manipulation, presentation and written component).

Digital Production 2A (15 Credits)
Gain advanced skills in communicating visual ideas, through understanding digital imaging technology. The course will cover:

• Intermediate manipulation of RAW files
• Advanced use of software relevant to the photographic industry
• Imported images are selected, manipulated and combined to meet the specified purpose,
• Advanced retouching techniques which may include but not limited to soft focus, skin smoothing, image detail replacement techniques, etc
• Advanced tonal and colour control using adjustment layers and layer masks,
• Advanced tools are used to produce a range of effects,
• Advanced selection techniques
• Advanced image compositing techniques may include but not limited to duplicate layers, local selections feathering, layer masks and channel masks, blending layers, etc.
• Advanced digital image integration into design applications 
• The advanced application of design elements, principles and processes to solve visual imaging problems
• The advanced use of relevant software to create, import and manipulate text, graphics and imagery
• Creation of advanced computer-based design layouts
• Advanced use of type (fonts, shape, point size, kerning, leading, weight, layout)
• Communicating through type 
• Intermediate filming, lighting and camera techniques using DSLR cameras
• Intermediate storyboarding and narrative visual communication
• Framing and composition related to video
• Intermediate  video post-production techniques and editing software
• Intermediate knowledge of specialist software in video and sound editing
• Sound recordings including how to get clean audio with background noise

Photographic Practice 2B (30 Credits)
Develop specialised skills in photography as a medium to express creative ideas. Learn how to solve visual problems through idea generation, composition, lighting and using various equipment. Create a portfolio of photographic work at a professional standard relevant to the photographic imaging industry.

Digital Production 2B (15 Credits)
Gain specialised skills in communicating visual ideas, through understanding digital imaging technology.

Photographic Communication 2C (15 Credits)
Gain knowledge and understanding of theories and histories significant to photography and related media. Analyse and discuss, visual semiotics and the construction of meaning in photographic images. Gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of selected photographers in their respective historical, social, and cultural contexts. Identify, research, reflect and discuss the appropriate historical and theoretical contexts for your own work.

Photographic Industry & Business 2C (15 Credits)
Gain specialised knowledge of intellectual property law and the copyright act in relation to photography in a New Zealand context. Develop an understanding of business management, control systems and operations. Evaluate the current photographic marketplace and generate strategies for career development and self-promotion.

Students must have successfully completed the New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5).

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 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 (ie combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Prospective learners should understand that the New Zealand Diploma in Photography, Level 6 requires motivation, organisational skills and commitment.

Where class content is delivered on campus, a high level of attendance is recommended if learners are to satisfactorily meet the learning outcomes. If a learner misses a key session or significant portion of the programme, progress may be hampered. It is highly recommended that consistent attendance levels are maintained and notified key sessions are attended.

Where programme content is delivered on-line it is necessary that learners maintain a high level of commitment to completing the programme content and that regular communication is maintained with lecturers.

Timetable

Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of:

• 15 hours  of lecturer supported learning in class
• 23 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent working to complete your assignments)

Please be aware there will probably be at least one night class a week. If you choose to do part-time work, we recommend a maximum of 10 hours a week.

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).