New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5)
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Kickstart 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, develop your own style, and prepare for entry-level creative industry roles or further study.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
This course requires 37 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Technical capability in photography
Develop beginner to intermediate camera skills, lighting, post-production, digital and analogue processes in alignment with industry standards.
Creative and personal development
Build your own photographic style and interpret a range of genres, responding to briefs and developing visual narratives.
Professional skills
Gain business and workflow capabilities including planning shoots, managing budgets, invoicing, and presenting work to clients and audiences.
What You're Signing Up For
The New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5) at Otago Polytechnic is a practical qualification that develops technical, creative, and professional skills in photography. Students work on real-world projects, develop a portfolio, build expertise in camera work, lighting, post-production, analogue and digital processes, and gain essential business and workflow management skills. The diploma prepares graduates for freelance, in-house, and independent work as well as further study in visual arts or design.
Course Content
- Photographic Techniques: fundamental digital camera skills and techniques across multiple genres
- Lighting Techniques: principles of light design and manipulation for photography
- Analogue Processes: exploration of analogue photographic processes and image enhancement
- Photographic Culture and Concept: research and interpretation of historical and contemporary photography
- Contemporary Practice: digital trends, platforms, and professional workflow development
- The Client Project: industry-standard client-driven project and collaboration
- The Narrative Project: visual storytelling, research, and project publication
- Professional Practice: exhibition, group collaboration, and professional proposal preparation
What you need to know first
For applicants under 20: NCEA Level 2 OR an NZQA Level 3 or 4 qualification in a related field OR demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills. Digital portfolio and phone interview required.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Creative Industries
Media
Commercial Photography
Visual Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
Advertising photographer
Editorial photographer
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.