Digital Photography Micro-credential

Locations and dates

Online:

23 February 2026

20 July 2026
Study options

Online
Length

15 teaching weeks plus 2 weeks of study break
Total credits

20
Fees

2026: $630 plus $58 Student Services Fee

A Student Service Fee applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.

N.B. The 2026 SSF final fee is currently subject to consultation with learners.
National qualification code

5499

Develop your technical and creative skills in digital photography through NMIT’s flexible online micro-credential.

This micro-credential is ideal for learners looking to build skills in digital photography for work, further study, or personal projects. You’ll develop technical capabilities and creative approaches while gaining an understanding of professional practices, digital processes, and photographic contexts.

You’ll explore photography techniques, learn to research and develop ideas, and critically reflect on your own work. This flexible programme is delivered through blended or online study, allowing you to study from anywhere in New Zealand and fit learning around work, family, or other commitments.

Throughout the course, you’ll apply your knowledge to a single project-based assessment, culminating in a creative digital photography piece that demonstrates your technical skills, conceptual understanding, and professional standards.

What you will learn

On successful completion of the Digital Photography Micro-credential, you will be able to:

Apply digital photography processes and techniques to create professional-quality work.
Generate ideas informed by research, contextual understanding, and creative exploration.
Critically evaluate your own work and the work of others.
Apply professional practices relevant to digital photography in creative projects.

Career pathways

Graduates may consider entry-level roles in the creative industries, such as:

Assistant or practitioner on photography projects
Support roles in media or creative organisations
Opportunities to develop a personal or small business photography practice

You may also choose to continue your studies, progressing to:

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements:

NCEA Level 2, or
A qualification or examination recognised as equivalent

Alternative Entry:

Applicants (including those over 20 years) who do not meet academic requirements but can demonstrate skills gained through study, work, or life experience may be approved for entry by the Curriculum Area Manager (or delegate).

English Language Requirements:

IELTS 5.5 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)
Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance are exempt.

Additional Information:

Applicants may be invited to attend a virtual interview to assess suitability.
Learners must have access to a computing device, software, and a reliable internet connection.

Equipment Requirements

You will need:

Access to a digital camera (DSLR preferred) or smartphone capable of high-quality photography
Laptop/computer suitable for image editing
Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop and Bridge)
SD Card (32GB minimum, Class 10)

Optional: