New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Design (Product), or to prepare for junior level roles in the creative industries. A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies may also be possible. This programme is a great option for learners who complete the six-month New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) which begins in February and wish to pursue further creative study in art and design starting in July.
Domestic
About the programme
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Design (Product), or to prepare for junior level roles in the creative industries.
A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies may also be possible. Please email us to learn more about this option.
Across a series of hands-on projects, you’ll build your creative skills and identify your strengths and the areas that you most enjoy. Courses will include jewellery, textiles, and product design, and you’ll enjoy working in our purpose-built studios.
Whilst this programme can be used as a pathway into our other design degrees, the preferred pathway for the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) is the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4), and for the Bachelor of Design (Communication), it’s the New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4).
This programme is a great option for learners who complete the six-month New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) which begins in February and wish to pursue further creative study in art and design starting in July.
International
About the programme
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Design (Product), or to prepare for junior level roles in the creative industries.
A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies may also be possible. Please email us to learn more about this option.
Across a series of hands-on projects, you’ll build your creative skills and identify your strengths and the areas that you most enjoy. Courses will include jewellery, textiles, and product design, and you’ll enjoy working in our purpose-built studios.
Whilst this programme can be used as a pathway into our other design degrees, the preferred pathway for the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) is the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4), and for the Bachelor of Design (Communication), it’s the New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4).
This programme is a great option for learners who complete the six-month New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) which begins in February and wish to pursue further creative study in art and design starting in July.
What You Study
Courses
1. Pathways in Creative Thinking (15 credits)
Explore new ways of thinking, visualising and communicating.
You’ll learn how to:
- Apply creative thinking strategies to develop and generate original ideas.
- Gather information, document and communicate a range of creative outcomes.
- Investigate a variety of media to support a broad range of creative processes.
- Develop and apply ideas.
Assessment type for this course:
- Workbook (70%)
- Portfolio (30%)
2. Creative Innovations Investigation (15 credits)
Investigate and analyse the influence of creative thinkers.
You’ll learn how to:
- Investigate and present examples of creative movements, trends or key people who have changed history.
- Apply findings from investigations and use creative strategies to inform personal practice.
- Prepare and present information to peers.
Assessment type for this course:
- Workbook (40%)
- Written presentation (40%)
- Class presentation (20%)
3. Apply Creative Practice (15 credits)
Develop personal approaches to creativity and explore methods of presentation.
You’ll learn how to:
- Apply creative processes and pathways in personal projects.
- Investigate areas of personal interest and create personal styles and motifs.
- Explore inventive uses of media to communicate creative outcomes.
- Edit, present and communicate final ideas.
Assessment type for this course:
- Workbook (50%)
- Presentation (50%)
4. Group Project-Creative Solutions (15 credits)
Collaborate with group members to examine the role of creativity to change or improve outcomes.
You’ll learn how to:
- Investigate real world problems and examine creative solutions/opportunities.
- Collaborate with others to research and develop innovative solutions which challenge conventions.
- Present creative processes and solutions to solve real world problems.
- Assess own and peer ideas and provide constructive feedback.
Assessment type for this course:
- Portfolio (40%)
- Presentation (50%)
- Self and peer assessment (10%)
Workload
Your workload
This programme is offered on campus. Classes will be delivered in our studio with learning supported by online resources. Classes will run Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 3.00pm.
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- 10 NCEA Level 1 Literacy credits.
- If you do not meet the entry requirements but can demonstrate the necessary skills for tertiary study (gained through study, work and/or life experience), you may be approved for alternative entry.
English Language requirements
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Fees pending
The fees are currently pending for this programme. We'll update this page with the information as soon as possible.
As a general guide, our art and design certificates are usually between $3,500 - $4,500 for domestic students and $12,500 for international students.
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.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get 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.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
