Certificate in Introductory Photography

Designed for beginners and enthusiasts who want to move beyond auto mode, this programme provides you with the fundamentals of camera operation, manual settings, composition, lighting, and digital image processing to create visually striking images.

Whether you own a camera or use ours, we’ll teach you how to take control of your equipment and unlock its full potential. This hands-on course gives you the practical skills and confidence to capture images that truly stand out - and prepares you for further study in photography.

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.

Graduates of the Certificate in Introductory Photography will be able to apply their new knowledge and skills in a variety of potential employment opportunities, including professional photography (introductory level), marketing and social media.

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Photographers, see tahatu.govt.nz

Education pathway

Graduates wanting to take their skills to the next level can enrol in:

• Certificate in Intermediate Photography

Please contact the Programme Leader regarding pathways into other courses in the Creative Industries.

It is recommended that learners have met the literacy and numeracy requirements of NCEA Level 1 or equivalent.

The Certificate in Introductory Photography, Level 5 (Training Scheme), comprises 20 credits.

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).