Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicNew Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6)
Level of Study
Diploma
Summary
About the programmeTake your photographic practice to a professional level in this commercially-focused programme.
Whatever kind of career you want to have across photography, video, or film – we’ll support you to become industry-ready; developing a portfolio full of your best practice, experience, and digital content so you can hit the ground running when you graduate.
With a focus on self-initiated projects, entrepreneurship, and live briefs from real clients, this is basically a mentored beginning to work.
As well as technical photographic skills, we’ll teach you the essential professional and business skills you’ll need to get your practice up and running commercially.
Plus, you’ll learn from experienced tutors who work part-time in the industry and enjoy access to our industry-standard studios and editing software and equipment.
We hope to replace this programme with a Level 5 diploma in photography from 2026. This programme will provide a pathway to the Bachelor of Visual Arts and all our Bachelor of Design specialty degrees.
Entry criteria
Entry Entry requirements Academic requirementsThose under 20
- You must have completed a Level 5 qualification in a related field OR demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
- In exceptional circumstances, an applicant under the age of 20 who doesn't meet the academic requirements may be granted entry to the programme where they supply evidence of their ability to succeed in the programme.
- You need to submit a portfolio (see Portfolio section below for more info).
Those 20 and over
- No minimum academic requirements.
- You need to submit a portfolio (see Portfolio section below for more info).
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall IELTS 6.0 (academic, no band score lower than 5.5) achieved in one test completed in the last two years, OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection criteriaWhere there are more eligible applicants than places available, applicants will be selected based on the strength of the submitted portfolio and the above entry criteria.
Don't meet the entry requirements?Our New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) provides a negotiated pathway to this programme. Please get in touch with us to discuss this pathway.
We hope to replace this programme with a Level 5 diploma in photography from 2026. This programme will provide a pathway to the Bachelor of Visual Arts and all our Bachelor of Design specialty degrees.
Your portfolio PortfolioWe require examples of your photographic work (still and/or moving images) and the ways that you develop your ideas. Your examples need to show us your interests and your ability to use a range of techniques.
- Please send us twelve (12) examples of your photographic work (still and/or moving images).
- Please submit your portfolio digitally as a PDF uploaded to the OP website. Combine your images into a single digital document and save as a PDF.
- Please upload any moving image work to a website (e.g. YouTube or similar) and include links as a page of your portfolio PDF.
Thank you. We are looking forward to seeing your photographic work.
Covering letter- Please write a short covering letter to accompany your application. A double-spaced letter of not more than one page (300 words) explaining why you want to come to study on the program and what your relevant experiences have been to date.
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
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