Programme overview
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.
Industry Connections
- New Zealand Film Commission
- NZ On Air
- Film Auckland
- Ngā Aho Whakaari
- SPADA (Screen Production and Development Association)
- WIFT (Women in Film and Television)
- New Zealand Writers Guild
- New Zealand Film and Video Technicians’ Guild
- New Zealand Cinematographers Society
- Metro Films
- Professional Lighting Services
- Hyundai
Interview
Apply now to secure your interview.
Interviews
Dates will be arranged on a case-by-case basis with applicants.
Please note: Shortly after receiving your application, a team member will contact you directly to schedule a 20 minute interview at a convenient time. You’ll also be given information on how to upload digital files or provide links to examples of your work.
You can either:
1. Submit a select sample of their creative work (please be selective of the work you provide, choose 1-2 strong examples), such as:
- A short film you’ve contributed to
- Creative writing
- Photography
- Script
- Artwork
OR
2. Write a concise 500 word personal statement discussing some of the following:
- Why do you want to study film?
- What films have inspired you as a filmmaker?
- What do you think makes a great film?
- What genre of films most interests you?
- Are there any particular stories you’d like to tell through film?
If you're not sure that you're ready to apply for this highly competitive programme, please look at the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Performing and Screen as a way ready yourself for the Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts.
Out students' work
Watch our award winning films our students make as part of our programme at the Unitec Film. Our students train both technically and creatively on projects that cinematically capture amazing performances and moving stories.
Facilities
Train like a pro with cutting-edge gear and purpose-built spaces designed for high-level filmmaking.
Cameras & cinematography
Shoot with the best—ARRI Alexa, Panasonic EVA-1, and Blackmagic cameras, used on real productions worldwide. Master high-end workflows and camera setups for everything from cinema to documentary.
Lighting & studio
Work with professional-grade lighting (tungsten, LED, kino-flo) in a fully equipped soundstage with a controllable grid, scissor lift access, and top-tier grip gear, including dollies and jib arms.
Post-production & sound
Edit like the industry’s best with AVID Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, and Premiere Pro on dedicated suites powered by a professional Nexus Server. Craft immersive soundscapes in our ProTools audio post suite.
Production & writing spaces
Students get access to a dedicated production office, while screenwriters hone their craft in a Writers’ Room designed to replicate a real TV writers' hub.
Cinema classroom
See your work as it’s meant to be—on the big screen, with cinema quality projection and 5.1 surround sound.
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the country-specific admission requirement;
And meet English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
- University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
Non-academic requirements
- Complete a medical declaration form.
- Interviews, submissions, and/or auditions will be required - we'll notify you of what is required.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 731 KB)
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 2026; please check back again soon.
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| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Film & Television 1B(PASA5302) | 30.0 credits (0.250 EFTS) | To enable students to acquire a wide range of basic skills, knowledge and practices in the development, production and technologies of screen works. The course focuses on developing professional self-management approaches for production work through practice in a specialist role as well as developing the student’s ability to identify personal areas of their own creative development. |
| Screen Technologies and Techniques(PASA5303) | 30.0 credits (0.250 EFTS) | To enable students to gain a practice-based understanding of fundamental methods, procedures, techniques, concepts, and a range of technical skills associated with screen production and technologies. |
| Screen Basics 1B(PASA5312) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to employ fundamental theories, concepts and techniques in practice-based settings to develop their creativity and artistic growth through experiential exploration of film and television technologies and processes. This course continues to work collaboratively across a range of discipline areas and focusses on establishing habits and methodologies appropriate to the profession. |
| Professional Development 1(PASA5902) | 15.0 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. |
| Contextual Studies 1(PASA5903) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will develop a broad understanding of the history, contexts, language and relevant theoretical frameworks of performing arts and screen arts. Students will acquire skills in critical and analytical literacy through engaging in research and project work focused on performing and screen arts practices in Aotearoa and beyond. |
| History of Cinema(PASA5961) | 15.0 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. |
