Programme overview
Important notice to current and prospective BPSA students
The Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Screen Arts), is an in-depth programme of study where you will engage in a combination of creative, academic and practice-based courses designed to equip you with skills and qualities that will enable you to work in Aotearoa’s screen sector.
It is the only undergraduate degree in NZ that offers a full ‘script-to-screen' experience
We work in an environment that is framed in Mātauranga Māori and the in the values embedded in our Te Noho Kotahitanga partnership. The whanaungatanga we embrace with other disciplines is woven throughout the school via shared noho marae and other whanau events. Partnering with Māori practitioners (Writers, Directors, etc ) strengthens this foundation for staff and students in our mahi. We are very fortunate to have the beautiful Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae and Maia centre onsite at Unitec, to provide us valued support in our practice
In Year One, you will learn about the filmmaking process and industry as a whole, the relationship between specialist skills, creative and critical thinking, and storytelling. From Year Two, you will start to specialise, gaining knowledge in a particular area of the industry.
Specialisation Options:
- Camera and field sound: includes cinematography, camera assisting, lighting and grip, new media technologies, sound recording and colour grading
- Post-production: includes editing and post-production sound
- Production: includes production management, assistant directing, location management and scouting
- Screenwriting: includes screenwriting craft, writing for different mediums (short film, feature film, TV series, etc.), and best professional practices for working writers (pitching, proposal documents, working with producers)
Highlights
- Participate in hands on learning through film, television and small screen projects designed to emulate the real world
- Experience different crew models, such as working in small, tight teams, as well as in full industrial crews, as you would on a television or film set
- The real world of performing and screen arts: work collaboratively with acting, art department and costume students to gain practical, on set experience when working in the studio and on location
- Small class sizes in specialist areas allow for lecturers to mentor students
- Students interested in directing can take a mixture of lectures, screenings and workshops
- Specialist programmes designed to develop the necessary skills to succeed in the screen industry.
Programme Structure
Year One is structured around building a foundation, with a focus on core skills in directing, production, camera, sound, lighting, editing, and scriptwriting. Throughout the year, you will gain an overview of the entire filmmaking process, which will help you choose the specialisation you would like to focus on in Year Two. You will engage in assignments that require creative and critical thinking, and you will perform a crew role on a studio shoot under the guidance of a professional director. Year One is about discovering who you are as a screen practitioner and beginning to think about the area you would like to specialise in your career.
Year Two is when you deepen your knowledge and practice within a screen discipline of your choice. Within your specialist field, you will work on a variety of projects, including a student-directed studio shoot. Year Two will also be your first opportunity to shoot on location. Writing students will write short film scripts, which will then be directed by Directing students, crewed by students from Production and Camera / Sound, and edited by students who choose Editing as their specialisation. Year Two is when you begin to develop focused abilities within a specific area of film and television.
Year Three puts all learning into practice, with a range of master classes and projects, including short films, web-series, and more. Year three is the time that students really hone their skills as filmmakers and collaborators and engage in concentrated opportunities for industry training and professional practice. You will be armed with a range of skills, industry practices and relationships that will set you up to transition from your training to the wider world of the film industry.
Upcoming Events
In School of Creative Industries we have a wide range of shows and events, discover more from:
Industry Connections
- New Zealand Film Commission
- NZ On Air
- Film Auckland
- Film New Zealand
- Documentary NZ Trust
- Story Edge
- Transmedia New Zealand
- Ngā Aho Whakaari
- PIFT (Pacific Islanders in Film & Television)
- Asia New Zealand Film Foundation
- SPADA (Screen Production and Development Association)
- New Zealand Advertising Producers Guild
- WIFT (Women in Film and Television)
- New Zealand Writers Guild
- Screen Directors Guild
- Entertainment Technology NZ
- New Zealand Game Developers Association
- New Zealand Film and Video Technicians’ Guild
- New Zealand Cinematographers Society
- Screen Education Alliance New Zealand
- Creative Digital Content New Zealand
Interview
Admission requirements
For this programme, you will need the following:
1. 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)
2. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)
3. 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau
4. Interviews, submissions and/or auditions will be required - we'll notify you of what is required
5. Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have one or more of the following:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years
Don't have NCEA? We also accept:
- A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above or an equivalent qualification; or
- Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission.
For more information download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2022; please check back again soon.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Film & Television 1A (PASA5301) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to gain a practice-based understanding of fundamental theories, concepts and techniques associated with film & television technology and production. The course focuses on collaboration and establishing the habits and methods appropriate to production work in six key production areas. There is also a focus on health and safety in the workplace. |
| Screen Basics 1A (PASA5311) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to practically employ film and television technologies in the creative process of screen production work. This course focuses on working collaboratively across a range of discipline areas and establishing habits and methodologies appropriate to the profession. |
| Professional Development 1 (PASA5902) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To introduce students to the basic professional practices associated with the performing and screen arts industries and their own professional development. This course focuses on building capability for students in self-management, communication and presentation, as well as academic literacies such as text analysis and academic writing. |
| History of Cinema (PASA5961) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to examine and reflect upon the historical development of cinematic languages and theories in an interactive multi-disciplinary learning environment. This course focuses on placing selected movements and developments of production and performance in the context of the student?s specialist discipline. There is a focus on experiencing festival and world cinema through field trips and site visits. |
