Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicNew Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Diploma
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Dunedin Campus
Summary
About the programmeKickstart your photography journey with a hands-on diploma designed to build your technical, creative, and professional skills from the ground up. You’ll explore a range of photographic genres while developing your own style and area of interest.
Through practical projects and client-based work you’ll learn how to capture and enhance images, work with lighting and use both digital and analogue processes. You’ll also gain essential professional skills such as planning shoots, managing workflow, budgeting, invoicing and presenting your work to an audience.
Guided by experienced lecturers who are active in the industry, you’ll work in our professional-standard studios, have access to industry software and equipment, and develop a portfolio that reflects your best work. When you graduate, you’ll be ready for entry-level roles or freelance opportunities in the creative industries, or to continue your studies at diploma or degree level.
Please note: 1. This programme replaces the New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6).
Entry criteria
Academic requirementsThose under 20: you must have completed a NCEA Level 2, OR an NZQA Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in a related field, OR demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills You will need to submit a digital portfolio (see Portfolio section below for more info) and partake in a phone interview to discuss programme advice 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 can supply evidence of their ability to succeed in the programme.
Those 20 and over: No minimum academic requirements.
You will need to submit a digital portfolio (see Portfolio section below for more info) and partake in a phone interview to discuss programme advice
International requirements and equivalenceTo enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
English Language requirementsIf English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance; OR Overall IELTS 5.5 (academic, no band score lower than 5.0) 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.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
Our suite of Level 4 certificates provides a negotiated pathway to this programme.
Please get in touch with us to discuss this pathway.
New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4) New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
Your portfolioWe require a digital portfolio submission of your photographic work.
Your examples should show us your photographic interests.
Please send us five (5) examples of your photographic work 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.
Your portfoliois a chance to showcase your interests and passion for photography, rather than polished technical skills.
Developing those skills is what this diploma will help you achieve.
Thank you.
We are looking forward to seeing your photographic work.
Prior learning Prior Learning will be considered against learning outcomes for a course and may include a combination of attestation, portfolio, professional conversation, challenge test, academic transcript.
Where possible applicants will be advised prior to enrolment of their eligibility for cross credit for particular courses.
Selection Criteria Where there are more eligible applicants than places available, applicants will be selected based on a first-in, first-served basis.
Disclaimer