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GET A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

The Diploma in Commercial Photography offers a robust foundation of knowledge and skills, equipping students for success in contemporary photography, business ventures, photographic theory and visual communication. The programme provides hands-on experience with industry-relevant equipment, ensuring practical expertise.


Beyond technical proficiency, this Diploma prepares students for life after university by integrating essential business acumen with creative skills. Emphasising a holistic approach, the curriculum fosters synergy between theoretical concepts and practical applications, giving graduates a comprehensive perspective on the photography industry.

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Professional photographer in various commercial fields 
• Sole proprietor of a photographic business
• Photographic printing
• Freelance photographer
• Curator or archivist 

• Professional photographer in various artistic fields
• Photographic assistant
• Professional photographic retoucher
• Media and advertising agencies or government services
• Forensic or medical photographer

FOR APPLICANTS WITH A SENIOR CERTIFICATE OBTAINED BEFORE 2008:

Admission requirement(s):
A Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification.


Selection criteria:
To be considered for this qualification, applicants must have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 22.

FOR APPLICANTS WITH A NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE OBTAINED IN OR AFTER 2008:

Admission requirement(s):
A National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor’s degree or a Diploma endorsement, or an equivalent qualification, with an achievement level of at least 3 for English (home language or first additional language).


Selection criteria:
To be considered for this qualification, applicants must have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 22 (excluding Life Orientation).

FOR APPLICANTS WITH A NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL) AT NQF LEVEL 4:

Admission requirement(s):
A National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4 with a Bachelor’s degree or a Diploma endorsement, with at least 50% for English (first additional language) and 40% for Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, 40% for Life
Orientation (excluded for APS calculation), and 50% for any other three compulsory vocational subjects.


Selection criteria:

To be considered for this qualification, applicants must have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 22 (excluding Life Orientation).

Assessment procedure(s):

Applicants who apply before the closing of the set departmental application date and who meet the minimum
criteria (as listed above) will be invited to submit a portfolio for evaluation and to complete a questionnaire.
The APS will contribute 20% to the final admission score, the questionnaire will contribute 30%, and the portfolio
will contribute 50%.

Aspects that are taken into consideration are:

(i) Potential to complete the programme successfully.
(ii) Successful completion of the admission requirements and questionnaire whereby the candidatewill be assessed
on their language proficiency and ability to answer questions with insight.
(iii) The photographic assignment will be assessed according to the following:
• Submission of all the photographs;
• Technical aspects (sharpness, tonalities, perspective and Presentation.

Acceptance is subject to available capacity according to the Student Enrolment Plan (SEP) and preference would
be given to first-time entering students. Once a programme is full, a waiting list will be created to provide an
opportunity for applicants to fill the places of those who did not register on time. Applicants will be informed of
their status per an official letter from the Office of the Registrar. Alternatively, they can check their application
status on the TUT website, www.tut.ac.za.

ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

You should please note that selection for programmes presented at the Faculty of Arts & Design will only be possible after the successful completion of the relevant evaluation process. Please apply well in advance. The closing date for applications is 31 July. Limited space available. First come, first served.

INTAKE FOR THE QUALIFICATION

January only.

PRESENTATION

Day classes.

MINIMUM DURATION

Three years.

CAREER PROFILE

You should have an interest in and understanding of the photographic and creative industries. You should be
able to produce creative work under pressure, work long hours, and keep up with tight schedules. A unique
photographic style and presence, with the ability to adapt to ever-changing trends, technologies and business
climates are essential.

FACILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINABLE

CONTACT DETAILS

Specialised studios, modern labs and lecturing rooms combined with a variety of industry-trending equipment.

Diploma

Advanced Diploma Postgraduate Diploma

Master of Art and Design Doctor of Art and Design

The Departmental Administrator

Tsholofelo Motsene
+27 12 382 6133
MotseneT@tut.ac.za

  • 2025 Academic Plan - Semester 1
  • Information for First-Year Enrolment
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  • Diploma
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  • Advanced Diploma
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  • Master’s Degree
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  • Doctoral Degree
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  • General Information
    STUDENTS' RULES AND REGULATIONS: STUDENT FEES - VIEW PROSPECTUS
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