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New Zealand Diploma in Screen Production

Course details

New Zealand Diploma in Screen Production
NZQF Level 5

About the course

This hands-on programme introduces ākonga to industry-based practices and processes. Learn from industry practitioners and gain skills in off-set and on-set crew roles, including directing, camera, lighting, and production management. Study at Te Kāhui Auaha, our creative campus at the heart of Wellington CBD.

Programme outline

Areas covered in this programme includes:

  • Contextual 'building blocks' of film. The history, its arc and role in popular culture, and the components that make for compelling and memorable films.
  • The 'toolbox' of filmmaking. Camera, lights, sound, and editing. Project based learning is practical and includes 'in-camera edit shoots, music video production and much more,
  • The art of successful scriptwriting as it applies to the film industry. What makes a successful story and how to break this down to a screen ready plan.
  • Robust pre-production planning using mapping and recording techniques.
  • Discovering the process of editing and how to apply practical knowledge with creative flair to stamp personal marks upon shot. sequences.
  • Planning, shooting and editing of a short drama and End of Year (EOY) project. 

Entry requirements

NCEA Level 2 or equivalent skills and knowledge and evidence of aptitude based on interview.

International students

IELTS 5.5 (no band lower than 5), or equivalent

Find your country's equivalent academic entry requirements here

*For fee exclusions, please see our terms and conditions.

Career Options

  • Director, Director of Photography (DOP)
  • 1st AD (Assistant Director)
  • Production Manager
  • Camera Operator (ARRI )
  • Editor (Avid)
  • Props, Gaffer, Grip, Sound, Continuity
  • Assistants
  • Digital Content Creator

Do you have enough time?

To check which study options best fit your lifestyle, try our handy time calculator tool

Give yourself credit →

Use the knowledge you already have to fast-track your qualification. Workplace-learning, volunteering, professional development, other provider qualifications and online courses can be recognised as prior learning and put towards your qualification. Start by getting in touch with us, or find out more here.

Whitireia and WelTec are a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

About the provider

Whitireia is a wholly-owned Crown entity subsidiary company of NZIST, known for its high student success rate and culturally diverse student body. Established in 1986, Whitieria has grown to become a highly respectable Tertiary Institution in Wellington, Porirua and Auckland. 

We have highly-skilled teaching and support staff who work hard to support you every step of the way, with over 200 programmes of study covering masters, postgraduates, degree, diploma and certificate levels along with a number of short courses. 

We welcome learners at every life stage: school leavers. University graduates, those preparing to re-enter the workforce. and current workers wanting to upskill or retain. We have a wide range of excellent support services to ensure you achieve your career goals.