Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Performing and Screen

The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Performing and Screen is a certificate program designed for individuals who are passionate about performing and screen arts. This program is ideal for those who want to pursue higher-level studies in performing and screen arts, or for those who are already employed in the industry and wish to improve their personal communication and professional presentation skills.

Programme Overview

This program exposes students to the basic principles of production, acting, dance, theatre technologies, and design, as well as collaborative project-based learning. The program is not equivalent to University Entrance, but successful completion will allow students to progress to higher-level programs.

Highlights

• Emphasis on practical skills and project-based learning
• Learn from lecturers with industry experience
• Access to Unitec's excellent performing arts facilities
• A mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, critique sessions, student seminars, discussions, presentations, and online learning
• Opportunity to take classes in Unitec's marae, exploring Mori oratorical traditions and the role of culture in communication

Choose Your Elective

Students can select from the following elective courses:

• Creativity happens through collaboration: Work in creative teams to bring artistic ideas to life
• Technical Production: Explore lighting, sound, stage management, and theatre design
• Screen Production: Learn to pitch, plan, shoot, and edit your own short film
• Acting: Explore acting techniques for stage and screen
• Dance: Develop dynamic dance styles, including Contemporary, Street Dance, and Improvisation
• Collaborative Production: Build communication, planning, and production skills essential for performing and technical arts careers

Career Options

• Entry into further study toward a career in media or performing and screen arts

Annual Tuition Fees

• Domestic/NZ students: $4140 (approximate, includes GST, excludes Compulsory Student Services Fee)
• International students: $13,207 (NZD, approximate, for 60 credits)

Semester Dates

• Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb 28 Jun
• Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul 22 Nov

Admission Requirements

Domestic Students

• Academic requirements: UE numeracy or equivalent, or a relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQCF
• General admission: 16 years old or older, or completion of an Early Release Exemption form
• Special admission: 20 years old or older, with evidence of work, life, or study experience
• Discretionary admission: Under 20, with a review of preparedness for study
• English language requirements: IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, or equivalent

International Students

• Academic requirements: UE numeracy or equivalent, or a relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQCF
• General admission: 16 years old or older, or completion of an Early Release Exemption form
• Special admission: 20 years old or older, with evidence of work, life, or study experience
• Discretionary admission: Under 20, with a review of preparedness for study
• English language requirements: IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, or equivalent

Courses and Timetables

• Compulsory course: Academic Skills for Architecture, Art and Screen (15 credits)
• Elective courses:
  • Visual Art Studio (15 credits)
  • Design Studio (15 credits)
  • Screen Production (15 credits)
  • Acting (15 credits)
  • Technical Production (15 credits)
  • Collaborative Project Creative (15 credits)
  • Applied Maths (15 credits)