New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) - Ceramics
This programme has an emphasis on exploration and experimentation. You will develop individual projects which study ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history, within a broader context of fine arts and crafts.
Domestic
On campus
Dunedin
About the programme
Study ceramics with New Zealand's only specialised tertiary programme in Ceramic Arts.
The Ceramics Studio at Otago Polytechnic is the largest in the country and the department has strong partnerships across Aotearoa. The programme is delivered on site in Dunedin and also by distance in:
- Whangārei
- Auckland
- Waiheke Island
- Hamilton
- Ōtaki
- Hawke's Bay
- Christchurch.
This programme has an emphasis on exploration and experimentation. You will develop individual projects which study ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history, within a broader context of fine arts and crafts.
Successful completion of this programme could lead to you becoming a successful practicing artist, with the ability to understand and use your creativity to contribute significantly to your community.
The transferable skills you gain during this programme will also be highly valued in a variety of fields in the art, education and design sectors.
International
On campus
Dunedin
About the programme
Study ceramics with New Zealand's only specialised tertiary programme in Ceramic Arts.
The Ceramics Studio at Otago Polytechnic is the largest in the country and the department has strong partnerships across Aotearoa. The programme is delivered on site in Dunedin and also by distance in:
- Whangārei
- Auckland
- Waiheke Island
- Hamilton
- Ōtaki
- Hawke's Bay
- Christchurch.
This programme has an emphasis on exploration and experimentation. You will develop individual projects which study ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history, within a broader context of fine arts and crafts.
Successful completion of this programme could lead to you becoming a successful practicing artist, with the ability to understand and use your creativity to contribute significantly to your community.
The transferable skills you gain during this programme will also be highly valued in a variety of fields in the art, education and design sectors.
What You Study
Courses
This programme is made up of four studio-specific courses and complementary courses that add to the students understanding of the history and theory of art making, as well as drawing, specific technical glaze methods and research methods.
Studio Courses
Studio Methods 1 and Studio Methods 2
Be introduced to the core skills needed in the development of art work in this medium. Through a variety of studio techniques, you will learn how to transfer ideas into clay. Technical research and exploration of material in response to a given brief is key to this part of the course.
Ceramic Arts 1 and Ceramic Arts 2
Explore and extend your technical skills and knowledge about ceramics practice. Make objects and artefacts that develop a personal concept of the medium in both functional and non-functional applications.
Complimentary Studio Courses
Visual Language 1
Become familiar with the language of art and design. Formal art/design elements will be considered alongside key theoretical ideas which inform contemporary practices of visual and oral culture. You will be required to evaluate and critique visual culture, research theoretical texts and apply your research to write an academic essay and craft an oral presentation.
Drawing 1
Gain the technical skills and a variety of media which are vital to the production of works in drawing and design while broadening your understanding of the visual arts. You will be introduced to analytical aspects of observational drawing and, under direction, you will develop and complete a series of specific technical drawing exercises.
Art/Craft Theory and History 1
Enjoy being introduced to a variety of ways of thinking and writing about the visual arts in a historical context. This course also tracks the significance of art throughout history in relation to different cultural and social structures, including local indigenous culture.
Glaze Practical 1
Through online learning and studio technical research, you will be introduced to the specifics of glaze formula and recipe. You will make, test and evaluate glaze finishing methods in studio outcomes.
Full-time programme structure
|
Course name |
Level |
Credit |
|---|---|---|
|
Visual Language 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Drawing 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Art/Craft Theory and History 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Glaze Practical 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Studio Methods 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Studio Methods 2 |
5 |
15 |
|
Ceramic Arts 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Ceramic Arts 2 |
5 |
15 |
|
Year One total |
|
120 |
Part-time programme structure
|
Course name |
Level |
Credit |
|---|---|---|
|
YEAR ONE |
|
|
|
Drawing 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Visual Language 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Studio Methods 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Ceramic Arts 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Year One total |
|
60 |
|
YEAR TWO |
|
|
|
Art/Craft Theory and History 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Glaze Practical 1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Studio Methods 2 |
5 |
15 |
|
Ceramic Arts 2 |
5 |
15 |
|
Year Two total |
|
60 |
|
Total |
|
120 |
Further study options
We also offer the New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) which Level 5 graduates may wish to transition into to complete further study. The successful completion of the Level 6 programme can then be a step towards our Bachelor of Visual Arts degree.
Workload
Your workload
A full-time programme entails five full working days, or equivalent. Where you are working at a contracted provider, the rules of the local area facility will apply.
A part-time programme entails 2.5 working days, or equivalent.
Study locations
On campus location
Online study with workshops - locations
For this programme delivery option, you'll study theory classes online and then do practical classes at any of the following locations:
- Auckland Studio Potters, Onehunga - Phone: 09 634 3622
- Waiheke Community Art Gallery - Phone: 09 372 9907
- The Busy Finch, Christchurch - Phone: 021 805 330
- Taradale Pottery Club, Hawkes Bay - taradalepotteryclub.com
- Otaki Jailhouse Pots - Phone: 06 364 0688
- Waikato Society of Potters, Hamilton - Phone: 07 838 1950
- Quarry Arts Centre, Whangārei - Phone: 09 438 1215
Distance
A distance option is offered, where suitable arrangements can be made, for you to study in your own area with supervision from an appropriate approved local ceramist. You are required to have access to an appropriate computer, as well as the operating skills to access our online services, as we monitor the course and deliver the Glaze Practical (Level 5), Art Craft History/Theory and Drawing from our Dunedin campus.
Entry
Entry requirements
- You must have at least one of the following:
- A Level 3 qualification in a related field, or
- NCEA Level 3 including:
- 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
- package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required, or
- Equivalent academic achievement.
- Special entry may be possible for those that do not meet the entry requirements but supply evidence of ability to succeed on the programme.
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.
Please note
- If the number of applicants exceed the number of places, we'll need to use selection criteria. You'll need to submit a portfolio, supporting documents and a letter of motivation. Please see the section below for more information about the portfolio requirements.
Your portfolio
If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, we'll need to use selection criteria. You'll need to submit a portfolio, supporting documents and a letter of motivation. Find out how to do this below.
What to include in your portfolio
- We require examples of your artwork and the ways that you develop your ideas. Your examples need to show us your working processes and your ability to use a range of materials.
- If you have been working in the NCEA system, please send us twelve (12) examples of your finished works and of your working processes from your folders.
- If you have not been working in the NCEA system, please send us six (6) examples of finished work and six (6) pages of sketches or workbook pages.
- Please submit your portfolio digitally if you can (2MB file size limit if you are applying online). Please do not submit originals as we do not return application folders.
- If you have trouble submitting your portfolio digitally when you are applying online, please email student.administration@op.ac.nz
If you need to send us your portfolio in an A4 folder, please send it to:
Dunedin School of Art
Otago Polytechnic
Riego Street
Private Bag 9010, Dunedin
Again, please don't send us originals.
Thank you. We are looking forward to seeing your artwork.
Writing requirement
Please also include a double-spaced letter of not more than one page (300 words) explaining why you want to come to art school and what your experiences of art may have been to date. This may include all or some of the following:
> why art is important to you, the community and the wider world
> your expectations for your own future after your studies
> art galleries you may be familiar with
> artists whose work you may know
> art skills you may have already gained.
If you have any questions regarding your portfolio, or need any advice, please contact artoffice@op.ac.nz
Cross credits
If you have studied art at tertiary level previously you may be able to cross credit some subjects. Please email artoffice@op.ac.nz for more information.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
Material costs in addition to those provided vary according to individual projects. As an indication, you may borrow up to $1,000 in addition to your student allowance for programme-related costs (domestic students only).
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
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.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
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.
