Unitec New Zealand | Experience Real World Learning

[BPSA]

7, 360

Full-time for three years

Starts March

20 places

Applications will be considered in the date order they are received.
First round of interviews September

CA2222

Mt Albert campus

NZ$ 7581

International fees
Programme summary
Career opportunities
Courses and timetables
Admission requirements

Programme summary

Interested in a career as a writer or director for film, TV or the theatre? Gain an understanding of creative and conceptual processes, and see your work realised in film and theatre productions.

Are you a born filmmaker? Have you considered a career in film and television? The Directing and Writing major has an emphasis on the creative skills and knowledge you need to pursue career pathways in the film and television industry in New Zealand and around the world. The programme helps you develop the creative skills to participate in the development and production processes for the screen by collaborating in the making of a large body of work for film, from drama to documentary.

This will allow you to understand the creative and technical aspects of the writing, directing and production processes of television and film making in order to move more readily into the industry with a body of work or to seek further specialisation at postgraduate level.

Highlights

  •  Practical projects: you’ll work on high-quality practical exercises and projects (documentaries, commercials, music/dance video, short films, experimental film and studio pieces) using current industry standards.
  • You’ll gain a real understanding of the complete production process, starting with the idea through production to the finished work.
  • Lecturers and guests who are talented and professionally credited writers, directors, designers, actors and creative technicians. They’ll inspire you to produce innovative work and support you in gaining the exposure you need.
    • The real world of performing and screen arts: you’ll learn to work collaboratively in teams made up of acting, dance, art department, directing and writing students.
  • Strong links with industry: we’re active members of SPADA (Screen Production and Development Association), WIFT (Women in Film and Television), Playmarket, New Zealand Writers Guild, New Zealand Directors Guild, Entertainment Technology NZ and New Zealand Film and Video Technicians’ Guild.

Highly regarded graduates who have produced prize-winning short films and plays for seasons at festivals and other venues around New Zealand and internationally. Recent graduates have received New Zealand Film Commission funding for the development of feature films. 

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Career opportunities

Director for theatre, film and television

  • First assistant director
  • Playwright
  • Production manager
  • Script editor
  • Scriptwriter for film and television

Interviews

Around 100 people apply each year for the 20 places offered in Year 1. Everyone who applies is offered an interview. You’ll be given clear information at the time of your application about how to prepare and what to bring with you. The first round of interviews will take place during the September school holidays. From these interviews, the final selection of trainees is made for the following year.

Please note: If you’re not sure that you’re ready to audition for this highly competitive programme yet please look at the Certificate in Communication and Media Arts. 

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Courses and timetables

To view the list of courses and timetables for this programme for 2011, please click here.

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Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the general, discretionary or special admission requirements. Applicants must also meet the English language requirements. All applicants will be required to attend an interview/audition.

General admission

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age when the programme begins (or provide a completed Early Release Exemption form, which you can obtain from your local Ministry of Education office); and
  • Have a minimum of 42 credits at level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), including a minimum of:
    • 14 credits at level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from an approved subject list; and
    • 14 credits at level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the NQF or approved subjects; and
  • A minimum of 14 credits at level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau on the NQF; and
  • A minimum of eight credits at level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori, of which four credits must be in Reading and four in Writing (see note), or equivalent; or
  • Have achieved at least three C passes in New Zealand University Bursaries examinations, or equivalent; or
  • Have the Unitec Certificate in Foundation Studies: Whitinga (Level 3) with a relevant endorsement, where appropriate, or equivalent.

Applicants must also provide a medical declaration that indicates their ability to participate in the physical and practical aspects of the programme.

Discretionary admission (for applicants aged under 20)

Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements and who are less than 20 years of age when the programme begins may be considered for discretionary admission if they can demonstrate aptitude for study at the required level. This may include, for example, experience or employment in a field related to performing or screen arts, or evidence of ability in a related programme of study.

Special admission (for applicants aged 20 and over)

Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements and who are at least 20 years of age when the programme begins may be considered for special admission if they can provide evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other experience.

English language

Applicants must:

  • Have a minimum of eight NCEA credits in English at level 2, of which four must be in Reading and four in Writing, or equivalent; or
  • Have a minimum of seven NCEA credits at level 3 in an English-rich subject, or equivalent; or
  • Have successfully completed studies at level 5 or higher in an English medium; or
  • Have a grade of 5 or better in New Zealand Sixth Form Certificate English, or equivalent; or
  • Have New Zealand University Bursaries in an English-rich subject, with a minimum mark of 40 percent, or equivalent; or
  • Have an overall IELTS band score (Academic) of no less than 6.0 (with no band score lower than 5.0), or a TOEFL score of no less than 550, or equivalent; or
  • Have an appropriate Unitec English language qualification, such as the Diploma in English (Academic), or equivalent.

Note: New Zealand secondary school graduates who have English as an additional language (EAL) and are using NCEA to meet the general admission requirements may substitute the eight credits in English at NCEA level 2 (four in Reading and four in Writing) with an IELTS score (or equivalent). This IELTS score is the same as that required by the programme in which they wish to enrol. These students are still required to achieve a minimum of 42 NCEA credits at level 3 or higher and the Mathematics or Pangarau requirements.

Interview/audition

The interview/audition stage will consist of a combination of demonstrations and exercises requiring the applicant to demonstrate their ability to carry out specific tasks individually and as part of a group. The exact nature of the tasks involved will be related to the major of the degree into which the applicant is seeking entry, and will be notified to applicants at least 14 working days prior to the interview/audition.

 



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