Applying to study at the School of Design
2. Write your cover letter and proposal
UNDERGRADUATE
Bachelor of Design (Specialty) and Bachelor of Architectural Studies - see specific portfolio requirements below
Your portfolio should show us your current design achievements, potential and commitment.
We are looking for evidence that you are original, versatile and enterprising, and that you are committed to creative study in your chosen field.
Show us work that best represents your creativity and demonstrates your knowledge and passion for design or architecture, and that tells us the most about you and your abilities.
What to include in your portfolio:
Doing NCEA?
If you’re still at school, the work in your portfolio can be anything you’ve completed over the past year and work you’re developing for NCEA Level 3 portfolios. We don't need your finished NCEA board, but you can include development work for these if you like. We want to see work you've done in class and work you’ve done for yourself.
PORTFOLIO PRE-APPROVAL
- you can show 'work in progress' to a staff member from the School of Design by making contact with the school, at open days or at careers events throughout the year.
- If your portfolio already meets the selection criteria, you will receive a portfolio pre-approval letter. You can then upload that letter with your online application and you won't need to submit a final portfolio.
AUTOMATIC ENTRY (Bachelor of Design)
- if you are still at secondary school and have achieved NCEA Level 2 with Excellence overall, or have left secondary school with NCEA Level 3 with Excellence overall, and have an excellence endorsement in an approved art, design or technology subject, you will not need to submit a portfolio. Send us your NCEA results to confirm.
If you want to talk to us about portfolio pre-approval or automatic entry, please email Pam Hodgkinson, pam.hodgkinson@op.ac.nz
POSTGRADUATE
What to include in your portfolio:
For all postgraduate programmes you need to provide a portfolio that consists of current and recent examples of your work that demonstrate your creative process and ability and depth of engagement in your proposed field of research. Please annotate each item with a brief summary/description of the context or provide a written overview of your portfolio content.
Digital format is preferred i.e. by using a portfolio hosting site, a USB stick, uploaded with your application (2MB size limit) or via email to ebsDES@op.ac.nz
2. WRITE YOUR COVER LETTER AND PROPOSAL
Cover letter (all programmes)
Tell us why you want to do this programme, what interests you about it and what you have done to give yourself the best chance being accepted.
We want to know your career goals and anything else you think is relevant to your application.
Include your curriculum vitae
Master of Design and Master of Design Enterprise applications should also include the names and contact details for two referees.
Research proposal (postgraduate programmes only)
3. COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
Apply online (preferred for all programmes)
Fill in the application form and upload your cover letter, proposal (for postgraduate applicants only) and a PDF of your portfolio.
Note: There is a 2MB file limit when you upload your portfolio. If the file is too big to upload, you can send it to us on a USB, using the address below or send us a link to your website or online platform or email it to us at EBSdes@op.ac.nz.
Apply with a paper form (optional)
Download and print the application form.
Send your completed application form, your cover letter and your portfolio to:
|
Attn: Student Administrator for Design |
Note: Remember to enclose a self-addressed, postage-paid courier package so that we can return your portfolio to you.
Got any questions?
Email student.administration@op.ac.nz if you have any questions about your application or portfolio.