Name: Digital Creativity Foundation Programme
Price: 10550 NZD

Qualification

One Academic Year

Level 4 (120 Credits)

Start Dates

14 July 2025

Course Fees (Year 1. See fees information.)

Domestic $10,550.00 NZD

International $26,500.00 NZD

Admission Requirements

All applicants need to provide: NCEA Level 2 (or International equivalent); Candidates without NCEA Level 2 (or international equivalent) will be assessed by the Programme Co-ordinator

Study On Campus or Online

Portfolio Requirements

None

NZCDMD
NZCAD

Study on campus Study online Study at NGEN Room, Whangarei

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The first step toward your creative career

Embark on a journey to explore and define your path in the dynamic field of creative technology with our specialised programme. Designed for those passionate about creative tech careers but uncertain about their direction, this programme offers a unique opportunity to delve into various industries, including graphic design and game design. Immerse yourself in a studio-based environment, featuring intimate classes with a maximum of 24 students. Benefit from personalised one-on-one sessions with experienced lecturers and build connections with fellow enthusiasts, fostering a supportive network for your creative aspirations.

What does the course cover?

In the Digital Creativity Foundation Programme you’ll:

Learn different kinds of design: Graphic, Digital and Media
Learn Character design and creation in 2D and 3D
Learn how to create your own game from scratch
Polish a professional portfolio to take you to the next level

What you'll cover in this course

The Digital Creativity Foundation programme of study comprises of two certificates: the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design and the New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design. Each certificate is worth 60 credits and contributes to the completion of the overall programme.

Topics covered during the Digital Creativity Foundation programme include:

Fundamentals of Visual Communication
Digital Design and Media Design (including digital video production, web and motion graphic design)
Concept Art
3D Design
An introduction to Game Design.

Component Name	Credits	Toggle
Concept Art	15
This component introduces the foundations of concept art by combining traditional drawing techniques with digital tools. You’ll start by sketching ideas by hand, then develop and refine your concepts using software like Photoshop or Procreate. This process supports expressive, textured visual development - ideal for early exploration of characters, environments, and storytelling in games, animation, and film. Learning Outcomes: 1. Gain understanding of arts and design processes and drawing skills with a range of media including digital. 2. Apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills in response to an arts and design brief. Level 4 NZ2627 AD100

3D Design	15
Explore the basics of 3D design using Blender. In this component, you’ll learn how to model, rig, and render 3D assets and scenes. Through creative challenges and hands-on practice, you’ll develop both technical confidence and the ability to visualise ideas in three dimensions - laying the groundwork for animation, game environments, or product design. Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate understanding of legal responsibilities, including copyright and intellectual property best practices. 2. Demonstrate competency in using appropriate industry-standard tools to respond to an arts and design brief. Level 4 NZ2627 AD200

Game Design	15
This component introduces 2D game design using GameMaker. You'll explore key concepts such as player interaction, level design, and basic coding with GameMaker Language (GML). From prototyping to playtesting, you’ll apply creative and technical thinking to design and build your own playable game. Learning Outcomes: 1. Apply industry-standard practices and processes in response to an arts and design brief. 2. Demonstrate understanding of the elements and principles of arts and design through practical application. Level 4 NZ2627 AD300

Animation	15
Building on your 3D design skills, this component focuses on bringing your creations to life through animation. Using Blender, you’ll learn fundamental animation techniques such as keyframing and timing. You'll explore how motion enhances storytelling by animating characters, objects, and environments. Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate professionalism in the production and presentation of an arts and design solution in response to a brief. 2. Demonstrate understanding of the elements and principles of arts and design in a practical context. Level 4 NZ2627 AD400

Component Name	Credits	Toggle
Visual Communication Design	15
Gain knowledge in a range of industry standard applications, visual research skills, design literacy skills, Elements and Principles of Design, industry practice standards and technical skills in a range of software applications. Level 4 DM100-1

Digital Design	15
Gain fundamental knowledge in front-end web design practices, including markup languages, HTML and CSS, W3C standards including accessibility standards. Level 4 DM200-1

Multimedia Design	15
Gain knowledge and skills to design and produce content for multimedia outputs, with consideration to effects, composition, quality content and audio. Level 4 DM300-1

Portfolio Design	15
Gain knowledge and skills to analyse, collate, create and present a portfolio. Level 4 DM400-1

Entry Requirements for this course

Domestic and International

Domestic students must be at least 16 years of age.

All applicants need to provide:

NCEA Level 2 (or International equivalent)

Candidates without NCEA Level 2 (or international equivalent) will be assessed by the Programme Co-ordinator.

International Students

International students must be at least 18 years of age.

To apply for this foundation programme, you'll need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or CIE (University of Cambridge International Examination) or IB (International Baccalaureate) or equivalent overseas secondary school qualification or have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution.

Please Note: Entry requirement may vary based on your country of citizenship. Please refer to our International Page for entry requirements at mediadesignschool.com/international-students. If you country is not on the list, please email international@mediadesignschool.com for further information.

Discretionary Entrance

International applicants without secondary school qualification (or NCEA Level 2 or international equivalent) will be assessed by the Programme Co-ordinator. Applicants will be required to provide a letter of intent and an art/design portfolio for assessment.

All international students must be 18 years of age when the programme commences (on- campus or online). International applicants can start their application before they turn 18 years of age.

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 5.5 (minimum) with no band less than 5.0, 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.

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.

Industry Insights

Want a taste of what it will be like working in the fields of creative and digital technologies? Our Digital Creativity Foundation programme offers exactly the introduction you'll need. You'll be working in a studio-like environment and will become accustomed to deadlines, managing and collaborating on projects, and presenting your ideas.

Whether you aspire to work in game art and development, post production and visual effects for film, animation, or the fields of graphic, motion, or web and mobile design, the Digital Creativity Foundation programme of study aims to prepare school leavers or adult learners who can demonstrate introductory skills and experience in design for Media Design School’s Bachelor degree programmes.

Student Success Stories

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Lita Tu’ilalotonga Vatuvei 

Māori and Pasifika Success Coach

Media Design School

As a Pacific student, I felt encouraged to explore my identity in my work.. It wasn’t always easy - I didn’t always know how to express my culture visually - but that challenge helped me grow. It made me dig deeper, reconnect with my family, and build a stronger sense of who I am.

Digital Creativity Foundation Programme

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Digital Creativity Foundation Programme

What is the Digital Creativity Foundation?

The first step toward your creative career

What does the course cover?