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.

About the programme

Learn how to be creative on a computer! 

Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our:

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.

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.

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.