Diploma in Contemporary Photography

By JANINE OGIER


THE COURSE

People wishing to make a career in the photographic industry can study full-time for two years to attain the Diploma in Contemporary Photography at Unitec in Auckland.

Students are challenged to apply photographic skills and knowledge to a range of visual problems.

The NZQA level six diploma provides broad photographic experience, business studies, a work placement component and increasing levels of specialisation to reflect students' interests.

Students learn traditional photographic techniques alongside the latest in digital technologies.

They are exposed to "real world" experience through visiting practitioners, live projects, studio visits, field trips and contextual studies.

Students examine the place of photography in society, its history, meanings and applications.

Graduates can work in photographic and related industries or be self-employed.

Students are assessed in three different ways in both years of study: competence assessment by reaching minimum skills standards; graded assessment on production assignments; and written tests, essays and seminar presentations.

There are 18 places on the course each year and selection is very competitive.

The course begins in February but applications close on September 30.

As well as academic criteria (see website for details), applicants will be at an advantage if they have studied New Zealand University Bursaries Photography and can demonstrate aptitude through work submitted with their application.

Applicants have to provide 20 transparencies of their work, 12 of which should be black-and-white photographic images.

For those successful in attaining an interview, the selection panel is looking for readiness to benefit from the programme, visual ability, commitment to photography and the potential to pursue a career in photography or a related industry.

The selection panel is also looking for candidates with potential for personal development, potential for exploration of the photography medium and an innovative approach to image-making, and a desire to attend the programme on a full-time basis.

Interviewees are required to provide a portfolio of their photographic work and other visual media.

Fees are $4065 including GST. Students also need to allow $2000 each year for course-related costs to cover photographic materials and processing.

Graduates who wish to pursue further study are eligible to enter Unitec's Bachelor of Design at third-year level with a visual communications major if they average B grade final year marks.


WHAT GRADUATES THINK

Terri Foote, 24

Wedding photographer's assistant

Stephanie Creagh Photography

Graduated 2003

"To get in, everyone has to have a basic understanding of photography.

The main focus is teaching you the technical side of things and that's what you use in your day-to-day job.

You have to know what you are doing and then just get out there and take photos.

They can't teach you what it is going to be like in the real world - but they do try with the work experience.

They also bring in photographers every week from a different field and they talk to you and that was valuable.

It was a good mix between theory and work experience.

With the small classes, we were handling and using the equipment all the time. It was very practical, not just sitting in a classroom.

You have to be committed - if you are ummming and aaaaaarhing about it I wouldn't recommend it, as it's a lot of money."


WHAT EMPLOYERS THINK

Stephanie Creagh

Photographer

Stephanie Creagh Photography

Auckland

"I definitely hire assistants who have graduated from Unitec or are studying because they are more knowledgeable.

The only thing they lack is experience, which is what I can offer.

The course covers absolutely everything and they get ready for the working world with realistic expectations.

They are well rounded and multi-skilled and I can have confidence that they will hit the ground running.

I know myself what I got out of the course and how gruelling and expensive it is, so I know that anyone who has finished the course is driven and passionate about photography.

It is hard to find work in this industry - it is pretty hard going."




Diploma in Contemporary Photography

UNITEC

Phone: 0800 109 510

Website: Unitec

Email: