Diploma in Commercial Photography at TUT – Requirements and Application Details

The Diploma in Commercial Photography at TUT is a dynamic program designed to equip students with the technical skills and creative insight necessary for a successful career in various photography sectors. This NQF Level 6 qualification spans 360 credits and delves into all aspects of photography including portraiture, advertising, fashion, press, editorial, industrial, architecture, and fine art. Offered at the Arts Campus, the course encourages a professional approach to the craft of photography, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Requirements to Study Diploma in Commercial Photography at TUT

For applicants with a National Senior Certificate obtained in or after 2008:

• Admission requirements: Must have a National Senior Certificate with a bachelor’s degree or diploma endorsement, with an achievement level of at least 3 for English (home language or first additional language).
• Selection criteria: An Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 22 (excluding Life Orientation) is required.

For applicants with a National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4:

• Admission requirements: Must have a National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4 with a bachelor’s degree or diploma endorsement, achieving at least 50% in English (home or first additional language), 40% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and 50% in three other compulsory vocational subjects.
• Selection criteria: An APS of at least 22 (excluding Life Orientation) is required.

Assessment Procedure:

• Applicants must submit a portfolio for evaluation and complete a questionnaire.
• The final admission score is composed of 20% from the APS, 30% from the questionnaire, and 50% from the portfolio evaluation, focusing on technical quality, content, and presentation.

How to Apply for Diploma in Commercial Photography

1. Ensure you meet the admission requirements and prepare your portfolio.
2. Apply online at the TUT Application Portal before the closing date on 31 July.
3. Submit all required documents including your portfolio and questionnaire.
4. Track your application status on the TUT website or wait for the official letter from the Registrar’s Office.

What Jobs Can I Do After Completing the Diploma in Commercial Photography at TUT?

After completing this diploma, graduates can pursue various photography careers such as:

• Portraiture Photographer: Capturing personal and meaningful moments.
• Advertising Photographer: Creating compelling images for marketing purposes.
• Fashion Photographer: Working with designers and magazines to style and shoot fashion items.
• Press Photographer: Covering news and events for media.
• Editorial Photographer: Producing images to accompany articles in publications.
• Industrial Photographer: Documenting processes, machinery, and products in industrial settings.
• Architectural Photographer: Specializing in capturing buildings and structures.
• Fine Art Photographer: Creating artistic photographs to exhibit and sell.

Further academic pursuits include Advanced Diplomas, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Master’s degrees in Art and Design, providing deeper knowledge and specialized skills.

This comprehensive guide helps prospective students understand the scope of the Commercial Photography program at TUT, ensuring they are well-informed about their educational and career paths.