

- Location
Dunedin
- Duration
- One semester full-time; one year part-time
- Delivery
Blended; directed study, work-based learning, and self-directed study
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- 8
- Start
- February and July 2022
- Apply
- By 31 January and 10 June 2022
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LocationIntakeStudy breaks
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Dunedin22 February 2021
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Dunedin21 February 202218 April 2022 - 29 April 2022
This qualification introduces you to postgraduate study in a guided learning environment, and is perfect for people who are returning to study after a long break or who desire more personalised guidance and support.
During this programme you will extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding of design research methods and the professional design environment. You will also develop capabilities in design, creativity, sustainability and problem-solving through an applied design project. This project can be individual or team-based and can explore ideas and issues relevant to your design discipline.
Graduates of this qualification will be well-prepared for further postgraduate study such as our Postgraduate Diploma in Design or Master of Design Enterprise qualifications, or for employment in a wide range of creative or design management roles.
More information about this programme
This programme is taught in a multi-disciplinary environment which means that your design projects may be more discipline focused e.g. fashion, communication, visual arts, product, spatial design, or explore projects than span and connect disciplines such as interaction design, fashion communication, accessories, food design, multimedia projects, event and experience design to name a few.
A preliminary project proposal helps us to understand what motivates and inspires you to study at postgraduate level. It also allows us to determine if your area fits within our areas of expertise.
Why should you study with us?
- Employers love our design graduates as they are industry-ready, innovative and hard working.
- We offer a boutique learning environment; small classes mean your lecturers know you by name and can support you to develop your own ‘design identity’.
- You will benefit from the expertise of award-winning staff and leading industry researchers.
- You will have access to exhibitions and international competitions to showcase your creativity.
- Local, national and international collaboration and partnerships are at the heart of our learning philosophy.
- We have extensive industry connections and strong links with international design networks including the Cumulus Association and The Designers Accord.
- Our acclaimed programmes are full of individual, team and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
- You will enjoy studio-based learning with access to specialised equipment and spaces.
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements are:
- The Bachelor of Design (discipline endorsed) Level 7 OR an equivalent qualification at bachelor level or above. Please send us certified copies of your undergraduate degree transcript and other relevant qualifications.
- A physical or digital portfolio which demonstrates a depth of engagement with creative work relevant to your field. Please see below for more information.
- International applicants must demonstrate that they have equivalent experience/qualifications as domestic applicants. Click here for your country’s equivalent academic entry requirements.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (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
- We may decide that you need to undertake an interview and/or entry task. We'll contact you if this is necessary.
Your portfolio
Selection procedure
An interview panel consisting of the Postgraduate Coordinator and relevant postgraduate supervisors will interview and select applicants. Where there are more applicants than places, candidates will be prioritised on the basis of:
- strength of academic record
- breadth and depth of their portfolio
- an entry task that validates existing skills and knowledge.
Applicants who do not meet the entry or selection criteria will be directed to a path of study to help prepare them for application in the future.
Additional costs
You will be expected to meet the cost of project materials.
You will study
This one semester, full-time programme is comprised of two 30 credit courses at Level 8. These are:
Professional Design Practice (30 credits)
Develop an understanding of professional design practices, conventions, and professional and legislative frameworks applicable to specific design disciplines and examine what it means to be a sustainable design practitioner from multiple perspectives - cultural, social, environmental and economic.
Applied Design Project 1 (30 credits)
This project, either individual or team-based, employs relevant skills and techniques and explores ideas and issues applicable to your design discipline. You will research and analyse information from a range of sources, and incorporate critique and iteration to arrive at a resolved final design outcome. Sustainability will be addressed throughout the applied research process from cultural, social, environmental and/or economic perspectives.
Your workload
You will be expected to spend around 16 hours per week in directed study and work-based learning, and a further 22 hours a week in self-managed study.
Further study options
Successful completion of this qualification will prepare you for further postgraduate study in our Postgraduate Diploma in Design or Master of Design Enterprise qualifications (or equivalent), or for employment in a wide range of creative or design management roles.
Student loans and allowances
Full-time domestic students of this programme are eligible for student loans and allowances (dependent on age and financial circumstances.) Please contact Studylink for additional information. Phone 0800 88 99 00 or visit: www.studylink.govt.nz
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning including Cross Credit or Credit Transfer is offered for up to 30 credits in this programme.
Advanced Standing is not available for this programme.
Please note: Applied Design Project 1 is not eligible for credit recognition.