Qualification

Postgraduate Diploma

30 Weeks - Weekend classes
NZQF Level 8 (120 Credits)

Start Dates
Course Fees (Year 1. See fees information.)
Domestic $10,500.00 NZD
International $33,500.00 NZD
Admission Requirements

A relevant degree qualification (or relevant professional experience specialising in creative technologies). Plus, provide evidence that can undertake self-directed investigation (provide portfolio/show-reel of creative/technical work or employer statements)

Portfolio Requirements

Advanced Portfolio

Study Options

Study on campus Study online

Overview

Create the impossible

The Media Design Graduate School empowers you to take steps that will change the world. Mix with the brightest, most passionate people. Develop systematical creative thinking and build design skills in an innovative fast-paced fun environment.

Work full time, and study on the weekends

This 30 week full-time programme only has weekend classes, and is for those with an undergraduate degree who wish to develop and update their strengths across the digital design spectrum. Develop analytical design thinking and build creative technological skills in an innovative environment.

postgraduate Diploma in Design

Course Outline

What you'll cover in this course

To complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Design, you must complete any four of the following components:

If you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Design at Media Design School, then the 60 credits that you have already completed will be applied to the Postgraduate Diploma of Design, which means that you will only be required to complete an additional two components.

Component Name Credits Toggle
Design Research: Connecting Texts, Deciphering Context
30
Interdisciplinary Design Project: Emerging Contexts
30
Contemporary Design Issue: Creative Futures
30
Special Topic Project: Creative Entrepreneurship
30
Special Topic Project: Design and Economies
30
Interdisciplinary Design Theories: Dialogues
30

Qualification Requirements

Qualifications you'll need for this course

To ensure optimal peer-to-peer learning, Media Design School determines each Postgraduate Design cohort by carefully managing the participant mix. Postgraduate Design participants typically have 6 plus years of professional experience, are recognised as having significant potential. Most applicants have a high degree of specific design knowledge. Others come from diverse backgrounds but have a strong interest in how Design can be applied to their specific field and interests.

We’re open to unusual applications and backgrounds!

 

Entry Requirements

In order to be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma in Design an applicant must have completed the following or equivalent:

  • A New Zealand Bachelor's degree that is of relevance to design (such as Design - Graphic,Industrial, Product, Fine Arts, Cognitive Science/Psychology, Software Engineering. Computer Science, Computer Engineering).
  • An appropriate international equivalent design or allied professional qualification requiring. at least three years full-time tertiary study at an appropriate level as approved by the Academic Board

In order to be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma in Design with advanced standing, an applicant must have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Design.

 

Application Materials

Media Design School requires the following items for an application to be considered:

  • Completed application form online
  • Statement of intent
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Digital Portfolio of relevant work from area(s) of expertise
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts and qualification certificate

Applicants are required to attend a selection interview (in person or via video call). Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.

 

Language Requirements

As an international student, you'll need to prove you have sufficient English language skills in order to complete this course. We'll be looking for Academic IELTS overall score of 6.5 (minimum) with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent test result.

We accept a range of internationally recognised English Language proficiency test. Find out more on the NZQA website or download the NZQA list HERE.

Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Requirements

Evidence of Creative Abilities

Applicants are required to submit creative portfolios in addition to their previous academic history.

The creative portfolio is a showcase of your previous design and creative works. It is very much like a visual resume. The aim of the portfolio is to showcase the breadth and depth of your skills, knowledge and experiences in design. It should highlight key projects you have worked on illustrating both the thinking and design processes and the final outcome.

Portfolios must show an applicant’s creative potential and ability. All applicants must submit a portfolio of representative samples even if they have not had formal training in art and design. A good portfolio may contain a variety of work; sketches, drawings, painting mixed media, multimedia, photography, design creations etc.

 

Portfolio Format:

In most cases the portfolio should be submitted as a single PDF file, with no more than 40 pages.  If applicants wish to submit multimedia, animations, games or movies, ideally these are listed on a websites for viewing. 

 

Please consider the following:

  • Only submit work done within the last three years.
  • Include an introductory slide with your name and contact details
  • Where possible, provide a description of each project and your response to the project brief.
  • Show your ability to meet technical and software skills relevant to your chosen discipline.
  • Send an electronic copy of your portfolio – no original submissions will be returned.

 

BYOD Requirements

BYOD Requirements

Before you begin your study with us, you will need to have a suitable device that has the functionality to run the programmes required for your course.

Follow this link to find course-specific requirements and recommendations, along with links to more information about hardware specifications. We have prepared these recommendations to help our students equip for flexible, blended learning.

Careers & Industry

Career Pathways

Possible career pathways for graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Design include both strategic and design positions within design studios, companies and consultancy agencies:

Design Project Manager; Systems Designer; Merchandising and Branding Developer or Strategist; Sustainability Designer; Interactive Designer; Mobile Technologies Designer; User Experience Designer; Design Analyst; Screen Designer; Digital Animator; Information Designer; Product Designer and Developer; Service Designer; Transmedia Designer; Packaging Designer; Secondary Design Teacher; Design Consultant; Design Manager.

Student Success Stories

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