Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6)
Version
1
Qualification type
Diploma
Level
6
Credits
120
NZSCED
100303
Creative Arts > Visual Arts and Crafts > Photography
Qualification developer
New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Next review
July 2018
Approval date
June 2015
Strategic purpose statement
This qualification is for people seeking to enter professional
careers within the photographic imaging and related industries.
The photographic imaging and related industries, along with the
creative and culture sector of Aotearoa New Zealand, will benefit
from having people trained in photography to a professional
level.
Graduates will be capable of working independently as
employees, or in self-employed or freelance roles.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
-
Outcome Statement
-
-
Education pathway
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 specialised conceptual, creative and technical skills
in photographic imaging.
Apply specialised 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.
The qualification provides a pathway from the New Zealand
Diploma in Photography (Level 5) [Ref: 2648].
Graduates of this qualification may wish to undertake further
tertiary study at diploma or degree level in the field of creative
arts, or, the field of business if pursuing self-employment.
Employment pathway
Qualification Reference 2649
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work in entry-level
professional photography practitioner roles or as selfemployed/freelance practitioners.
version 1
Page 1 of 4
Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification may be awarded by any education organisation
accredited under section 250 of the Education Act 1989 to deliver
a programme leading to the award of this qualification.
The formal document certifying the award of this qualification will
display the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) logo
and may also include the name or logo of the qualification
developer and/or other awarding body.
Evidence requirements for
assuring consistency
All tertiary education organisations (TEOs) either arranging
training or delivering programmes that lead to the award of the
qualification are required to participate with the qualification
developer in a scheduled consistency process, in accordance
with published national guidelines.
This will involve reviewing evidence associated with graduates’
achievement of outcomes, establishing a periodic cycle for a
review focus for the external consistency review, and agreeing
acceptable standards and/or benchmarks for qualification
outcome achievement, and areas for improvement.
Standard evidence for programme providers may include:
-
Minimum standard of
achievement and standards for
grade endorsements
assessment information leading to the achievement of the
graduate outcomes
a portfolio of student work relating to the qualification and
the annual review focus requirements
graduate and/or stakeholder/end-user feedback on outcome
achievement
TEO moderation outcomes which may include
moderation/benchmarking across common programmes
relevant External Evaluation and Review (EER) data
The minimum standard of achievement required for the award of
the qualification is the achievement of all the graduate outcomes
in the graduate profile.
There are no grade endorsements for this qualification.
Other requirements for the
qualification (including regulatory
body or legislative requirements)
Qualification Reference 2649
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
version 1
Page 2 of 4
General conditions for the programme leading to the qualification
General conditions for
programme
The programme design, including assessment, must reflect the
interconnectedness of graduate outcomes and the norms of
photography industry practices.
Prior to enrolment, candidates must have completed the New
Zealand Certificate in Photography (Level 5) [Ref: 2648] or
demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills in the same or a
related field.
Programmes may be developed based on Māori principles and
values, and are intended to enable Wānanga to meet obligations
under the Education Act (1989, section 162(4)(b)(iv)).
All TEOs offering programmes leading to this qualification must
maintain currency with amendments to, and replacement of,
relevant legislation, regulations, rules and Australian/New
Zealand Standards.
Conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
1
Programmes must include creative image production through indepth exploration and research.
Apply problem solving skills to
a range of complex design
challenges within a
photographic context.
Credits 10
2
Conceptualise, plan and
produce a body of
photographic work.
Complex design challenges have multiple components and
require a range of specialised skills and/or knowledge. The
objective can be achieved in a variety of ways.
Programmes must include the interpretation and construction of
photographic messages.
Credits 30
3
Apply specialised conceptual,
creative and technical skills in
photographic imaging.
Programmes must include:
Credits 15
-
-
-
4
Apply specialised knowledge
of software technologies
relevant to a range of
photographic applications and
genres.
Conceptual – research and development from concept to
resolution.
Creative – exploration of the image process through
experimentation.
Technical – industry appropriate lighting methods, camera
equipment and accessories, industry-relevant technologies.
Programmes must include relevant software technologies
relating to the production of photographic work.
Credits 15
5
Contextualise own
photographic practice and
evaluate the work of others.
Qualification Reference 2649
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Programmes must include the interpretation of photographs and
different stylistic approaches.
version 1
Page 3 of 4
Credits 10
6
Work independently to meet
complex project briefs.
Credits 10
7
Present work in a manner that
engages with others.
Programmes may include exhibition, digital/social media, client
presentations, publications.
Credits 10
8
Apply professional, ethical and
business practices within
photographic location and
studio environments.
Credits 20
Programmes must include:
-
-
Qualification Reference 2649
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Business planning, financial obligations, marketing plan and
SWOT analysis or similar.
The Copyright Act; ethics and intellectual property;
determining a pricing scale for services and products.
Practice with an understanding of the implications of the
Treaty of Waitangi for photography in Aotearoa New
Zealand.
Self-promotion through professional portfolio presentation.
version 1
Page 4 of 4