Bachelor of Fine Arts: Photo Media

The Bachelor of Fine Arts: Photo Media program at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a comprehensive and intensive course that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field of photography. The program covers all aspects of photo media, including digital imaging, lighting, camera operation, and post-production techniques. Students will also gain an understanding of the historical and theoretical contexts of photography, as well as the business and entrepreneurial aspects of the industry. Through a combination of practical workshops, lectures, and assignments, students will develop their creative and technical skills, and be prepared for a successful career in photo media.

Additional Information

The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in photography, including both traditional darkroom techniques and the latest digital technologies. Students will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including professional lighting studios, darkrooms, and digital editing software. The program also offers opportunities for collaboration and networking with industry professionals and peers, providing students with valuable connections and experience in the field.

Unlock Your Creative Potential at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a leading institution for photography education, offering a unique blend of creative and technical skills. The college has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled and knowledgeable graduates who are well-prepared to succeed in the industry. Located in the heart of Auckland, students have access to a vibrant cultural and artistic community, providing opportunities for collaboration, inspiration, and creative growth. With a focus on practical learning and real-world application, Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the field of photo media.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts: Photo Media specialism places emphasis on contemporary fine art photographic and moving image practice, historical contextual learning, current theoretical concerns, and best practice industry expectations. Students will consider the formal and technical aspects of photography and video as well as the theory and debate surrounding lens-based image-making today.

The programme is underpinned by the delivery of essential skills, techniques, and methodologies to foster students' creative, practical, and contextual development. Students develop this creative potential while gaining an understanding of professional practice applicable to the photographic and wider communications and media industries. Photo Media students are supported in working on projects that are realised in the form of exhibitions, screenings, and publications.

Students have access seven days a week to modern adaptable studio spaces and specialist digital equipment within which to develop and display their work. They are supported by a range of photographic, lighting, and video equipment and the input of a highly-skilled technician. At the end of each Semester, students stage formal assessment exhibitions within these spaces which provide opportunities to showcase work, resolve ideas, and consider new directions.

Photo Media graduates will be well-positioned to embark on dynamic and creative careers. Alumni for the specialism have established their own commercial and fine arts practices assisted professional photographers and worked in galleries, photo labs, and for photographic agencies and producers.

The uniqueness of the Whitecliffe Bachelor of Fine Arts qualification is that it begins by aligning the subjects of Fine Arts and Photo Media (Photography and the Media Arts) together, allowing students to experiment with all forms of working before choosing to focus on a specialism for further study. This means Whitecliffe graduates are better prepared to work across new and traditional fields of contemporary arts practice utilising these highly sought-after transferable skills in an increasingly wide range of industries after graduating.

Whitecliffe's Form Gallery provides an excellent site for students, alumni, faculty, and visiting artists to exhibit. These exhibitions provide insight into professional contemporary practice and help students to connect with the wider arts community.

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form

• Minimum age: Students must turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe

• NCEA University Entrance or equivalent

• CIE/IB award

• Discretionary Entrance is available to students who have gained exceptional marks in NCEA Level 2 and wish to embark on higher-level study. These students must display a high level of motivation and maturity

• Some of the above academic requirements may be waived for students over the age of 20

• Interview: All applicants for this programme are interviewed, and students should come to the interview prepared to discuss their work and ideas freely

• Portfolio: This is brought to the interview and should include between 12-24 examples of original work showing breadth of ability. The portfolio can be specific to one genre if that has been the student's body of work. Digital copies of your portfolio will also be accepted

• Letter of Intent: A 250-word letter of intent outlining reasons for wanting to study the BFA programme and desired pathway

International Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form

• Passport copy

• Minimum age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe

• IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent

• Academic transcripts: School or previous tertiary results

• Interview: All applicants for this programme are interviewed. International student interviews are conducted via telephone or online

• Portfolio: This is brought to the interview and should include between 12-24 examples of original work showing breadth of ability. International students may submit their portfolio digitally

• Letter of Intent: A 250-word letter of intent outlining reasons for wanting to study the BFA programme and desired pathway