New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
Learn how to be creative using digital tools. Build the skills and portfolio you need to apply for a diploma or degree-level programme. If further study isn't your end goal, this qualification will prepare you for a junior role in a creative workplace. This is also a great qualification to test if the creative industry is right for you.
Domestic
About the programme
Learn how to be creative on a computer!
Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our:
- Level 5 video and photography programme (New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design Level 5)
- Bachelor of Design (Communication), or
- Bachelor of Visual Arts.
Or this programme will prepare you for a junior role in a creative workplace.
We have two pathway options - Communication Design or Game Design.
For the Communication Design pathway, you'll explore graphic design, digital photography, web design, digital illustration, animation and interactivity. And you'll complete a research project about symbols, motifs and markings and how they connect with cultural identity.
For the Game Design pathway, you'll explore world building, content creation and game design using Unreal Engine. You'll also learn about real time 3D art and design, lighting and atmospherics, interactive logic and narrative game design.
Next study steps
This certificate on its own provides a great pathway into our Level 5 video and photography programme.
By studying the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) before you do this programme, you'll gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study and both certificates together will provide a strong pathway into our Bachelor of Design (Communication) or Bachelor of Visual Arts.
Both Level 4 certificates will also give you the creative skills that you need to be able to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Product) and our Bachelor of Architectural Studies. These degrees need a different technical skillset from our other art and design programmes. You’ll need to achieve a very high level in both Level 4 certificates if you’re keen to apply for either degree – just so we can make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Studying over two years
If you can’t study full-time over 17 weeks, you can choose to do two of the four courses in this programme one year and two the following year. You would still study the two courses full-time between July-November (during what we call semester two).
Studying online
You can study this programme at our Dunedin Campus or fully online through Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga.
International
About the programme
Learn how to be creative on a computer!
Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our:
- Level 5 video and photography programme (New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design Level 5)
- Bachelor of Design (Communication), or
- Bachelor of Visual Arts.
Or this programme will prepare you for a junior role in a creative workplace.
We have two pathway options - Communication Design or Game Design.
For the Communication Design pathway, you'll explore graphic design, digital photography, web design, digital illustration, animation and interactivity. And you'll complete a research project about symbols, motifs and markings and how they connect with cultural identity.
For the Game Design pathway, you'll explore world building, content creation and game design using Unreal Engine. You'll also learn about real time 3D art and design, lighting and atmospherics, interactive logic and narrative game design.
Next study steps
This certificate on its own provides a great pathway into our Level 5 video and photography programme.
By studying the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) before you do this programme, you'll gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study and both certificates together will provide a strong pathway into our Bachelor of Design (Communication) or Bachelor of Visual Arts.
Both Level 4 certificates will also give you the creative skills that you need to be able to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Product) and our Bachelor of Architectural Studies. These degrees need a different technical skillset from our other art and design programmes. You’ll need to achieve a very high level in both Level 4 certificates if you’re keen to apply for either degree – just so we can make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Studying over two years
If you can’t study full-time over 17 weeks, you can choose to do two of the four courses in this programme one year and two the following year. You would still study the two courses full-time between July-November (during what we call semester two).
Studying online
You can study this programme at our Dunedin Campus or fully online with Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga.
What You Study
Courses
Communication Design pathway
- Creative Digital Skills (15 credits): Develop skills in digital design and photography with practical applications to print and screen solutions.
- Creative Online Design (15 credits): Developing an understanding of digital citizenship and how to develop an online practice. Managing and designing content for blogs, web design etc.
- Animation and Interactivity (15 credits): Learn basic skills for creating animations and moving image.
- Symbolism and Identity (15 credits): A research project whereby students learn about symbol motifs and markings and the connection to cultural identity with a particular focus on iwi Māori cultural practice.
Game Design pathway
- Creative Digital Skills (15 credits): Gain foundational skills that will allow you to create content in Unreal Engine.
- Creative Online Design (15 credits): Learn to create indoor and outdoor game environments with realistic lighting scenarios.
- Animation and Interactivity (15 credits): Create a short interactive narrative experience in an original environment.
- Symbolism and Identity (15 credits): A research project where you'll learn about symbol motifs and markings and the connection to cultural identity with a particular focus on iwi Māori cultural practice.
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry
- International students will be individually assessed to ensure they have an acceptable level of secondary school achievement.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- 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.
Other requirements
- A portfolio or other evidence to demonstrate your creative work. We need to see this so we can make sure you’re ready for studying at Level 4.
- You might also need to attend an interview so we can make sure this programme is the right choice for you.
Preparing your portfolio
We need to see some examples of your creative work so we can make sure you’re ready for studying at Level 4.
We call this a portfolio.
We're keen to see examples of your work that shows us your design, graphic and/or art skills.
Please send us 10 to 12 examples of work that show a variety of techniques and interests, such as:
- drawings/sketches
- paintings and/or printmaking
- photographs
- images of original 3D objects that you have made
- digital art/digital illustration
- animations
- whatever you feel is visually informative about yourself and your abilities.
Please note: If you’re an NCEA student and are thinking of submitting your NCEA portfolio, we’d recommend you take photographs of your creative works before you send it for external moderation. Sometimes portfolios aren’t returned on time and then you have nothing to submit to us.
How to send us your portfolio
You can send us your portfolio digitally or in a physical format (we do prefer digital).
Digital Portfolio
Please make sure you take quality photographs of your pieces of creative work if you are sending us a digital portfolio. Make sure the light is right and the images aren’t blurry. Please take photographs of individual artworks as well as your NCEA board as a whole. We want to be able to see your work at its best!
During the online application process, you'll be asked to upload your portfolio documents. These should preferably be uploaded as PDFs.
Alternatively you can:
- send it to us on a USB (using the address below)
- email it to us at ebsDES@op.ac.nz, or
- provide a link to your website or online platform in the 'Portfolio website link’ section of our online application form.
You will also be asked to provide two statements during the online application process:
1. Why have you decided to study this programme? (60-100 words)
You’ll be asked why you've decided to study this programme.
It’s a good idea to prepare something to add into the online form before you begin the application process.
Think about what makes you drawn towards art and design? Are you curious about what creative career might be best for you? Tell us about it.
2. What skills and experience do you have? (60-100 words)
You’ll then be asked about your skills and experience. Again, it’s a good idea to prepare this before you start applying.
Think about how you create visual art and design projects. What materials do you use and how do you use them? For example, if you use paint, describe how you apply it, layer it or mix colours as you create your pieces.
Physical Portfolio
Firstly, complete the online application process. During this, you’ll be asked to provide the two statements outlined above.
Then pull together your portfolio ready to post to us.
Please include photographs or colour photocopies of your work in an A4/A3 clear file folder and clearly label with your name. Please don’t send any original pieces of work.
Remember, please make sure you take quality photographs of your pieces of creative work. Please take photographs of individual artworks as well as your NCEA boards as a whole. Make sure the light is right and the images aren’t blurry. We want to be able to see your work at its best!
When you’re ready to send us your portfolio, send it to the address below (or drop it off in person at Customer Services):
Attn: Student Administrator for Design
Customer Services
Otago Polytechnic
F Block, Forth Street
Dunedin 9016
Please remember to enclose a self-addressed, postage-paid courier package so that we can return your portfolio to you.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
You will receive a list of basic requirements to be purchased during the first week (some class materials are supplied).
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.
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 for domestic learners
If this is your first time doing tertiary study, or your first tertiary study was covered by the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship (TTAF) initiative, you may be able to get up to $12,000 of your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ training.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access Fees Free by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
Application
How to apply
To apply for this programme, just click the blue 'Apply now' button above.
Applications are preferred by 30 June.
Late applications will be accepted if spaces are still available, after which waitlists will apply.
Choosing your focus
You don't need to select the Communication Design or Game Design pathway when you apply.
Just select the start date that suits you best and whether you want to study full-time or part-time.
You'll then choose which pathway you want to do further through the process.
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
We are part of Te Pūkenga
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
