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Certificate in Introductory Photography

Certificate in Introductory Photography

Level 5

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

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

Level: 5

Locations: UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Ohakune

Duration: 10 weeks, part-time

Dates:
TBC

Domestic Fees: *
$961.00Scholarship info

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

International Fees:*
TBC

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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Develop introductory knowledge and skills in solving visual problems through idea-generation, composition, lighting, use of equipment, image processing and presentation. You’ll gain practical skills and be equipped for higher level study in photography.

Bring along whatever camera you have, even if it is just your cellphone. We teach you how to use your or our camera in full manual mode, so that you can create interesting and good quality images.

Tutor: Gerry Le Roux

Image above by UCOL photography student Reuben Parr.

 Career & Study Outcomes

Graduates of the Certificate in Introductory Photography will be able to apply the knowledge and skills learned in a variety of potential employment opportunities, including in the field of photography, image processing and image presentation.

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries, see Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Occupation Outlook for Photographers.

Education pathway

Graduates who wish to further specialise can enrol in:
New Zealand Diploma in Photography Level 5

 Course Information

Gain an introduction to photography as a medium to express creative ideas. Develop introductory knowledge and skills in solving visual problems through idea-generation, composition, lighting, use of equipment, image processing and presentation.
 
This course will cover:
  • Examples of influences on contemporary photographic practice
  • Visual ideas, from analysis of initial brief
  • Research and development from concept to resolution
  • Camera types, use and relevant accessories 
  • Digital storage devices such as memory cards 
  • Exposure and ISO
  • White Balance / Kelvin Scale
  • Shutter Speed, aperture and focussing
  • Composition of images through the application of design elements and principles such as texture, shape, form, space, shadow and colour as appropriate
  • Lighting to emphasise specific design elements. 

 Learning Facilities

Excellent industry-standard learning facilities.

 Domestic Entry Requirements

ENROLMENTS ARE CLOSED

 

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see UCOL's NCEA explained page.

 International Entry Requirements

International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or an equivalent test 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). UCOL is a TOEFL iBT 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 or unit standards have already been met.

 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. 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 Act 1989, and Universal College of Learning (UCOL) Trading as Universal College of Learning (UCOL) is accredited to teach it.

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