Collaborations and partnerships are at the heart of Otago Polytechnic’s philosophy for learning and growth. The School of Design has strong links with industry and the wider community through student projects, visiting speakers, field trips, work placements, internships and student exchanges.
We are active in forging strong links with the international design community and our staff and students benefit greatly from the networks and opportunities created through these connections. Degree students also have the opportunity to extend their networks and experience a different culture through international exchange programmes with prominent design institutions.
The Cumulus Association
We are an active member of the Cumulus Association, an international Association of universities and colleges of art, media and design, which provides a forum for partnership and transfer of knowledge and best practices.
The International Foundation of Fashion Technical Institutes (IFFTI)
We are also a member of the IFFTI, an international Association of leading higher education institutions dedicated to promoting excellence in teaching and learning in fashion.
The Designers Accord
The Designers Accord is a global coalition of designers, educators, and business leaders working together to create positive environmental and social impact.
iD Dunedin Fashion Week
Through partnership with iD Dunedin Fashion Week, the School of Design welcomes international and national emerging designers, as well as leading fashion icons from around the world.
Shanghai University of Engineering Science (SUES)
Fashion students from both institutions participated in a collaborative fashion communication project in 2012, resulting in reciprocal visits, photographic shoots and catwalk shows in both Shanghai and Dunedin. Further projects with SUES are planned.
Student exchange
The School of Design has exchange agreements with Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Milan, Italy, and with HKU, Utrecht School of Arts. View the Student exchange page for more information.
Mittelmoda Research Scholar Award
Mittelmoda is a renowned international fashion competition, held annually in Gorizia, Italy. The Otago Polytechnic Mittelmoda Research Scholar Award is an innovative prize awarded to a Mittelmoda entrant who displays innovative experimentation with materials and/or methods of design and production.
EPICentre
EPICentre is a dedicated resource to deliver practical research that solves real world problems. Our staff and student researchers cover diverse disciplines including art, design, information technology and engineering.
