Postgraduate Diploma of Design

Building on your Bachelor’s degree in art or design, this programme offers an exciting year of independent and facilitated study focusing on either time-based or print-based design, object design/visual arts, or fashion/textile design.

Based on both lecturer-facilitated and self-directed research projects that will broaden your understanding of either time-based or print-based design applications and expose you to current thinking and research methodologies, you’ll advance your skills in a chosen design media and produce a significant design portfolio, exhibition, or show.

Graduates will be equipped to work in a variety of roles within art and design-based industries such as galleries, fashion houses, graphic design studios, film and television, printing and publishing, web design, art studios, set design, and much more.

This programme consists of 120 credits.

COMPULSORY COURSES:

Advanced Methodologies for Design Research (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Establish and articulate a philosophical orientation for their research and propose a research design and methodology supported by a rationale for the design choice;

• Write and present a research proposal for approval;

• Identify, evaluate and respond to key ethical and cultural considerations within the field of study;

• Undertake a contextual review of the extant and seminal literature to identify or position a research question.

Development Studio (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Critically evaluate specific areas of interest for concept research and articulate objectives and ideas for future projects;

• Explore inter‐disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches;

• Undertake rigorous exploration of an extensive range of sources and technical applications and technologies relevant to their practice;

• Investigate and define the link between research practice and an appropriate industry/ community context;

• Demonstrate professional studio practice in the documentation of idea development and technical exploration.

Creative Thinking (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Initiate rigorous intellectual analysis and critical reflection of their own work and that of others;

• Articulate creative thinking methodologies appropriate to the context in which they work;

• Articulate a considered position in relation to their field of enquiry or professional practice, with a focus on both current and future practice;

• Apply creative thinking methodologies to developing unique solutions to industry challenges or opportunities;

• Critically evaluate and professionally document research relevant to their creative practice.

Studio Project (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Advance and refine concepts for research and art/design projects as appropriate for industry/ community, professional and academic outcomes;

• Undertake extended exploration of inter‐disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches to solve problems and achieve design solutions;

• Document the investigation and creative development process used to make specified project work;

• Compile and present a finished portfolio, exhibition or show.

UCOL is a New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) heritage award winning building located on Taupo Quay and features modern spacious studio suites with industry leading technology and equipment.

To be eligible for entry into the UCOL Postgraduate Diploma of Design applicants must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree, or similar qualification in art or design, or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge. Applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio of original, developmental, and finished work.

Selection criteria:

Applicants are selected in order of receipt of their completed enrolment application with all entry requirements having been met.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency

International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Graduates of the UCOL Postgraduate Diploma of Design will be suitably equipped to work in a variety of roles in design-based industries. Areas of employment and potential roles include:

• Advertising

• Consultancy

• Art/Design education

• Art/Design studios

• Fashion studios

• Galleries and museums

• Set design and styling

• Television and video production

• Printing, publishing and illustration

• Research and development

• Self-employment

• Graphic design

• Textile design

• Visual communications

• Website design

• Object and craft design

• Practicing artist

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Designers and Artists, and Photographers, visit tahatu.govt.nz

Education pathway

Master of Design

• UCOL is a Corporate Member of the Designers Institute of NZ (DINZ)

• UCOL students and graduates have taken out top prizes in the Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ) BEST Awards many times over the years.

• UCOL has an impressive range of industry stakeholders in the fields of animation, web, publication, video, game design and illustration.

• UCOL students undertake real-life industry projects in a wide-range of design industries each year through Internships.

• UCOL graduates work at Weta Digital, TVNZ, Digital Arts Network, Charactaz Animation, Saatchi and Saatchi and more.

Work experience/industry project

As part of your studies you will undertake industry oriented design or art projects that address the needs of the project client.

Timetable

Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of:

• 12 hours of lecturer supported learning in class

• 26 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent working to complete your assignments)

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the Postgraduate Diploma of Design as follows:

• 32 GB USB flash drive - Approximately $16.00 from Warehouse Stationery
• Allow up to $800.00 for specialist art and design supplies (dependend on personal preference)