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

Duration: 10 weeks, part-time

Dates:
16 Aug 2022 - 05 Nov 2022

Domestic Fees: *
$200.00Scholarship info

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

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.

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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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

The New Zealand Government COVID-19 Mandate Order requires the following workers to be vaccinated:

health and disability sector workers
prison staff
border and MIQ workers.

As well as that, private companies and organisations have the right to require staff to be vaccinated.

Therefore, to go on placement or an internship that is a part of your programme, you must meet COVID-19 vaccination requirements. You can see more information on UCOL's Covid-19 page and on the Unite Against Covid-19 website.

_{Image above by UCOL 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, see Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Occupation Outlook for Photographers.

Education pathway

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

Certificate in Intermediate Photography

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 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.

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

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 is a TOEFL testing centre.

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

International Entry Requirements

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

English language proficiency
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 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 is a TOEFL testing centre.

Advice & Guidance

As UCOL becomes Te Pūkenga on 1 January 2023, learners enrolling in a programme that is likely to continue into semester 1 2023 or starting in semester 1 2023 will become Te Pūkenga learners. They will receive their qualification from Te Pūkenga on completion.

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 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).

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.

Certificate in Introductory Photography