About New Zealand Diploma In Photography (level 5) in Southern Institute of Technology

The aims of the qualification are to:

• Gain skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to working or further training in the arts/photography sector
• Provide a base for learners to progress to more advanced studies or employment in photography
• Produce dedicated, professional practitioners who hold a qualification which is well regarded by employers in the photography sector

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this qualification will be able to work in junior technical or assistant roles in the photographic sector and:

• Apply problem-solving skills to a range of design challenges within a photographic context
• Apply conceptual, creative and technical skills in photographic imaging
• Apply knowledge of image making and use of technologies relevant to a range of photographic applications and genres
• Create a range of photographic imaging works
• Analyse and evaluate own photographic work and the work of others
• Self-manage photographic project briefs within defined guidelines
• Behave professionally in a photographic work environment 

Applicants for this programme of study should have a keen interest and aptitude in photography, as evidenced by the portfolio required to be submitted for assessment by any applicant new to the programme of study. The portfolio should consist of 5-6 images showing the applicant’s skills in a variety of subjects and genres.

School Leavers
Applicants should be a minimum of 18 years of age, and have attained NCEA Level 3.

Mature Applicants
Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme. Examples of demonstration of ability to succeed are the provision of evidence of successful completion of a programme of study at Level 3 or above in a related discipline and/or employment in the related sector for one or more years. They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate. Personal commitment and a belief in one's own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.

Language Requirements

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate of at least 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved an NZQA approved English Proficiency Assessment, or achieved the required score in one of the following internationally recognised English Proficiency tests within the preceding two years:

• IELTS test - Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
• TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE)
• TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) - Score of 46 (with a writing score of 20)
• Cambridge English Examinations - FCE or FCE for schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill.
• OET at Grade C in all sub-tests
• NZCEL - Level 4 with Academic endorsement
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PToE (Academic score of 42)
• City and Guilds IESOL - B2 Communicator with a score of 42

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate below 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence that they:

• Have gained NCEA Level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements 
• Hold a bachelor's degree of at least 3 years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America or
• Have achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, CELTA or
• Have achieved the required score in one of the internationally recognised English Proficiency tests (specified above) within the preceding two years.

Southern Institute of Technology Highlights

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.