Certificate in Introduction to Video Creation

This programme is the perfect starting point to learn the basics of professional filming and production techniques that will help you create quality content. 

Whether you’re interested in creative projects, vlogs, corporate videos, instructional content, or even building a freelance career, you’ll learn the skills to turn your vision into engaging video experiences.

Palmerston North and Whanganui

Tuesday evening 5:30 - 8:30pm, alternating Thursday evening 5:30 - 8:30pm and Saturday 10am - 3pm

This programme comprises 20 credits.

The programme will cover the following:

• Storyboarding and narrative visual communication

• Analysis of multiple layers of meaning, interpretation, symbolism and indirect reference

• Post-production techniques, including editing

• Presentation of video and sound projects that explore the development of visual ideas generated from an initial brief through to resolution

• Basic knowledge of specialist software in video and sound editing

• Basic filming, lighting and camera techniques

• Sound recordings, including how to get clean audio with background noise

• Framing and composition related to video

• Fundamentals of visual communication and communication techniques
  

Excellent industry-standard learning facilities and equipment including Canon DSLR cameras, photography studios, and Apple iMacs equiped with Adobe creative software.

Open entry.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

This certificate will prepare you for higher study in videography.

Upon successful completion of the UCOL Certificate in Introduction to Video Creation, you'll be able to:

• Apply principles of video image production to moving images

• Use sound effectively to enhance or complement video work

• Develop a basic knowledge of specialist software for video and sound editing

• Apply lighting and camera techniques to develop visual coherence to moving images

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of influences affecting your imagery

• Develop conceptually based work applying the fundamentals of visual communication

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Film, TV and Music Technicians, and Producers and Directors, visit tahatu.govt.nz

Timetable

• Two classes per week.

  • UCOL Manawatū and Whanganui - Class times alternate between Tuesday and Thursday evening classes one week, and Tuesday evening and Saturday day classes the following week.

• 13 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent on research and study to complete your written assignments)

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 learner 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 relevant 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).

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

DSLR camera capable of recording video. 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 - 16GB or 32GB high speed cards start from $50.

Two pen drives - At least 8GB. These start from $20 each. Do not recommend pen drive that slides. If not an Apple Mac user you will need to bring USB to USB-C adaptor.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

Portable hard drive - some people prefer this to a pen drive. 1TB is $125. If you intend to do a lot of image making work, it is recommended to invest in a powered portable hard drive if you intend on storing a large amount of recordings, and imagery.

Adobe Premier and Photoshop - this software is available as a monthly download for approximately $40 per month. It is available as paid subscription in Adobe Creative Cloud.