Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
Apply problem solving skills to a range of complex design challenges within a photographic context
Conceptualise, plan and produce a body of photographic work
Apply specialized conceptual, creative and technical skills in photographic imaging
Apply specialized knowledge of software technologies relevant to a range of photographic applications and genres
Contextualise own photographic practice and evaluate the work of others
Work independently to meet complex project briefs
Present work in a manner that engages with others
Apply professional, ethical and business practices within photographic location and studio environments
Satisfactory Completion
To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:
A minimum of 120 credits in accordance with the Programme Schedule for the New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6)
The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Photography full-time over one year or part-time over four years
Please Note: Students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.
Qualification Pathways
For those wishing to pursue further study, SIT offers
Bachelor of Screen Arts (where students can specialise in either animation or digital filmmaking.
Expected June, July 2025
More details
Start date
September 2025
Applicants for this programme of study should have a keen interest and aptitude in photography, as evidenced by the portfolio of images required to be submitted for assessment by any applicant new to the programme of study.
Prior to enrolment, candidates must have completed the New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5) or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills in the same or a related field.
School Leavers
Applicants should be a minimum of 18 years of age, and have attained NCEA Level 3.
Mature Applicants
Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme.
IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE)
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18)
Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools or C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill
OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 4 (Academic) b) Level 4 (Academic)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
Language Cert - C1 Expert International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS
Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than distinction in any band
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.