Course details

Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Screen Arts)
NZQF Level 7

About the course

Step behind the camera and bring your stories to life. Unitec’s Screen Arts major in the Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts is all about capturing performances—combining technical mastery with creative collaboration.

Across your 3 years of study, you’ll choose to specialise in cinematography, editing, production, screenwriting, directing and more. No other Bachelors programme in the country, and only the best worldwide, offer the collaborative projects where you’ll work alongside our Acting and Dance students to create powerful, performance-driven content achieved through our technical training.

With world-class facilities, expert industry mentors, and hands-on projects from day one, you’ll gain the skills and experience to thrive in Aotearoa’s screen industry or to work around the world. And our Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae ensures a welcoming, inclusive environment where diverse voices and stories shine.

Career Options

  • Assistant Director
  • Assistant Editor
  • Boom Operator
  • Camera Assistant
  • Camera Operator
  • Cinematographer
  • Content developer
  • Digital ingest technician
  • Director
  • Editor
  • Gaffer
  • Lighting Assistant
  • Location manager
  • Production Assistant
  • Production Co-ordinator
  • Production manager
  • Screen Project Researcher
  • Screenwriter
  • Sound designer
  • Sound recordist

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$11,500(NZD)

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save up to $2,000 (NZD) with the Unitec International Study Grant 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Screen Arts) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students

Entry requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • At least 3 ‘C’ passes in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations; or
  • 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:
    • 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and
    • 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved)
    • 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

Non-academic requirements

  • Complete a medical declaration form.
  • Interviews, submissions, and/or auditions will be required – we’ll notify you of what is required.

About the provider

Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.

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External links