Creative
Ready to unleash and grow your creativity? At UCOL, we don’t just teach art - we live it!
With a proud history of producing outstanding artists and designers, purpose-built creative spaces, world-class tools, and award-winning lecturers, UCOL is the ultimate place to grow your talent.
Whether your passion is art, design, photography, videography, or performance, you’ll learn in an inspiring environment that nurtures your skills and gives you real opportunities to shine. From certificates to diplomas and degrees, our programmes are designed to help you turn creativity into a career.
Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience and chances to showcase your work in the community.
Explore our creative programmes below and start your journey today.
Creative Industries
Ignite your creativity with our Arts & Design programmes. From visual arts and design media & textile to fashion design, our creative industry programmes enable you to gain a competitive edge in these exciting fields.
Master of Design
18 months, full-time
FY S1 & S2: 16 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
S3: 16 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Take your career in design to new heights!
Postgraduate Diploma of Design
1 year, full-time
Ready to transform your creative potential? Relish in an inspiring mix of independent exploration and expert guidance to truly master your craft and make your mark in the world of art and design!
Bachelor of Design and Arts
3 years, full-time, or part-time options are available
16 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 25 Jun 2027
Do you dream of becoming a successful artist and designer? With both collaborative and individual learning environments and majors in exciting fields you can make your dream a reality!
Bachelor of Creative Media
3 years, full-time, or part-time options are available
Gain the skills to thrive in today’s global creative sector!
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design
1 year full-time, or part time options are available
16 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 25 Jun 2027
Discover your artistic style and unleash your creativity!
New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)
19 weeks, full-time
Palmerston North
20 July 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Whanganui
20 July 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Want to develop your proficiency in the language of art and design? Select an area of study and discover your creative voice!
Certificate in Introduction to Video Creation
10 weeks part-time
Palmerston North
02 Mar 2026 - 22 May 2026
Whanganui
08 Jun 2026 - 28 Aug 2026
Discover the power of video as a creative storytelling tool!
U-Skills Academy Gamification (Design & Development)
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Tuesdays
Whanganui - Fridays
Like gaming and keen to that passion into a career? Your journey into game development starts here!
U-Skills STAR Te Ao Haka Performing Arts (Level 2)
1 day per week over 6 weeks
2026 dates TBC
Learn and demonstrate essential skills of haka!
Photography
Ignite your creativity with our Photography programmes. Whether you're a beginner looking to hone your skills or wanting to add more skills to your existing toolkit. Our programmes will prepare you to be industry-ready.
Certificate in Introductory Photography
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui
10 weeks, part-time
Palmerston North
2026 TBC
Whanganui
2026 TBC
Learn how to unlock the art behind the lens!
Certificate in Intermediate Photography
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui
10 Weeks, part-time
Palmerston North
2026 TBC
Whanganui
2026 TBC
Want to take photography skills to the next level? Learn how to master light and perfect your vision!
