Graduate Diploma in Design (Specialty)
Add a specialist area (Communication, Fashion or Product Design) to your existing degree, or if you are a professional designer or practitioner, develop practical skills and studio project experience to build your existing knowledge.
Domestic
July
About the programme
In addition to core classes in your specific area - Communication, Fashion or Product Design - you will also focus on two Bachelor of Design courses which are common to all specialties.
Electives will enable you to dip into areas such as Softgoods / Accessories, Photography, Storytelling, Enterprise and Web Design (and many others) for an experience outside your specialty.
Professional pathways will help you get an understanding of the professional and strategic requirements of the industry, and to extend your professional research techniques.
Start dates
The July intake is available for students in the following specialties (Communication or Fashion) - please contact pamh@op.ac.nz for more details.
International
July
About the programme
Within your specific area - Communication, Fashion or Product Design - you will first focus on three Bachelor of Design courses.
Studio workshops will enable you to dip into areas such as Metals/Jewellery, Photography, Storyboarding and Illustration, and Exhibition Design (and many others).
Strategic Design will help you get an understanding of the professional and strategic requirements of the industry, and to extend your professional research techniques.
And out Interdisciplinary Studio will let you explore design perspectives and approaches. The skills you develop will then be applied to your selected area-specific courses and showcased in your final project.
Start dates
The July intake is available for students in the following specialties (Communication or Fashion) - please contact pamh@op.ac.nz for more details.
What You Study
Overview
Offering small class sizes in year group studio environments, the School of Design provides you with numerous chances to showcase your creative talent. You will be frequently involved in talks, exhibitions and events, with the year culminating in the 'Excite' exhibition, a highlight on the Otago Polytechnic calendar. Benefit from our excellent workshop facilities, discipline-related studio and production areas and up-to-date CAD suites.
The School of Design also enjoys strong and frequent links to the local, national and international design community. You will benefit from ongoing networks and opportunities through these associations which will allow you to form contacts within the industry, while at the same time earning credits towards your degree. No matter what your discipline, we offer you the chance to work with 'real' clients, creating design-based solutions and services.
Courses
You will enrol into the Graduate Diploma in Design (Specialty) within one of the following specialities - Communication, Fashion or Product.
All of the courses you select need to come from your specific discipline area within the Bachelor of Design programme - you cannot mix and match across specialties.
You will select courses with your Head of Programme that best suit what you need. For example, within the Communication specialty, you may choose to pursue a graphic design focus or a filmmaking focus.
You will choose first and second-year Bachelor of Design courses to develop your skills and will then use these skills in your final projects within your selected third-year courses.
You'll need to study at least 72 out of 120 credits at Level 7 (third year of a degree). The remaining credits can be drawn from Level 5 (first year of a degree) and Level 6 (second year of a degree) courses to support Level 7 learning.
Programme specific risks
Prior to enrolment, you will be advised of the programme specific risks in the workplace, workshops and CAD rooms and of the requirements to undertake significant health and safety training (refer to the student handbook). This information is provided by way of discussion at the interview and written notification with acceptance and you will be required to undertake training before independent use of many types of equipment in workshops and studios. In some disciplines, you will be required to attend training sessions in first aid and computer health and safety.
Workload
Your workload
It is expected that you will have strong independent learning skills and work habits for this qualification. Individual workloads will vary depending on your chosen study pathway.
Entry
Entry requirements
- You must hold a recognised undergraduate degree in a design- or art-related field, or degree-equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience.
- You must submit a portfolio explaining your interests and motivation. See more info in the Your Portfolio section below.
- International students must hold a recognised bachelor's degree in a design- or art-related field OR degree-equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall IELTS 6.0 (academic, no band score lower than 6.0) achieved in one test completed in the last two years, OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Your portfolio
Your portfolio should demonstrate a working knowledge of design/art/creative disciplines and support your application for your specialty area, with evidence of a strong design process.
Selection process
Applicants will be interviewed by the Academic Leader of the specialty area in which they wish to study. This interview will include a review of the portfolio and a discussion of an appropriate path of study with the applicant. Should the number of applicants who meet the selection process requirements exceed the available places, the professional judgement of staff will be used to determine those who are given immediate entry and those placed on a waiting list. Applicants who do not meet the acceptance criteria will be directed to a more appropriate programme of study.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
Individual costs will vary depending on the nature of your study pathway. You will be advised of any equipment you may need upon commencement of the programme.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to access Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
If you started studying before 2025, you may be able to continue to use your remaining first-year entitlement in 2025.
Visit our Fees and Funding page to learn more about the Fees Free programme Fees and Funding
Application
How to apply
To apply for this programme just click the blue 'Apply now' button above.
Applications are preferred by 30 June for a July start, and 30 November for a February start.
Late applications will be accepted if spaces are still available, after which waitlists will apply.
You'll need to submit a portfolio when you apply for this programme.
Find out what you need to include in your portfolio, what we're looking for, and how to submit it.
