About New Zealand Diploma In Photography (level 6) in Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
Overview
Focusing on the exciting diversity of contemporary professional photography, you will develop advanced knowledge and in solving visual problems through idea generation, composition, lighting and using various equipment.
We’ll introduce you to a range of photographic ideas from fashion and advertising through to wedding and portrait, product and still life, documentary and video, architecture and food. You’ll build your industry portfolio and develop your creative talent in a practical, career focused way.
UCOL brings you strong links with the photographic industry and opportunities to showcase your work on a local, national and global stage. UCOL Photography students have attained unprecedented success at the NZIPP Iris Professional Photography Awards, achieving New Zealand Student of the Year for twelve consecutive years, New Zealand Tertiary Institution of the Year for eight consecutive years and winner of the Canon Eyecon Award for six consecutive years.
Past students have gone on to craft successful careers in areas of fashion, wedding, portrait, newspaper and architecture, here and abroad.
Career & Study Outcomes
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work in entry-level professional photography practitioner roles or as self-employed/freelance practitioners.
- Portrait photographer
- Fashion photographer
- Wedding photographer
- Food photographer
- Architectural photographer
- Photo-journalist
- Product photographer
- Newspaper photographer
- Photoshop retoucher
- Videographer
- Photographic assistant
- Production manager
- Studio manager
To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries, see Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Occupation Outlook for Photographers.
Academic qualification equivalents
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
English language requirements (one of the below):
- IELTS : Score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5
- TOEFL : Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18)
- PTE : Score of 50 with no band less than 42
New Zealand Living Expenses
You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.
| General expenses |
Cost
(in NZ dollars) |
| Rent (per month) |
$800–$950 |
| Groceries (per week) |
$100–$150 |
| Gym membership (per year) |
$300 |
| Entertainment (per week) |
$50 |
| Milk (per litre) |
$3 |
| Coca Cola (per can) |
$2 |
| Cup of Coffee |
$3–$5 |
| Lunch from University food hall or campus café |
$7–$12 |
| Local calls made from a cell-phone |
$0.50–$1.50 |
| Taxi - 5 km ride |
$10–$12 |
| Movie ticket |
$10–$14 |
| Visit to doctor |
$45–$85 |
