Graphic Design

Year 1

Graphic Design Studies 1
This course provides you with an introduction to principles and practice of the graphic design process. You will acquire a foundational understanding of visual language skills.

History, Culture, Context 1
You’ll gain an overview of both theoretical and historical constructs relating to art and design practices.

Computing Software
This course enables you to operate software packages for the manipulation of visual images and text.

Illustration 1
Learn about visual literacy and visual intelligence through consideration of the pictorial image.

Graphic Design Studies 2
This course provides you with knowledge and skills in utilising methods and processes, with an emphasis on typography and the text/image relationship. You’ll also gain an  understanding of digital file formats, pre-press requirements and colour theory.

History, Culture, Context 2
Focusing on the development of a practical working relationship between theory and practice, you will be encouraged to develop informed and critical attitudes toward your work as  well as the work of other artists and designers, according to current theoretical contexts.

Web 1
This course will introduce web design with the outcome of publishing and presenting a basic website.

Introduction to Programming (Degree Elective)
This course introduces the concepts of programming through the programming environment, as a means of producing practical solutions to practical problems.

Business Skills for Creative Industries (Diploma Elective)
You’ll develop skills to manage a business in the creative industry in order to position yourself in the market. Note: this elective is for those students who intend to exit at the end of the diploma programme.

Year 2

Graphic Design Studies 3
You’ll learn about the methods, practices and skills inherent in commercial graphic design. You will be encouraged to think laterally and solve design briefs following current  professional practices.

Photography
You will gain a broad range of photographic experience, including researching and implementing traditional photographic practices which underpin the modern digital environment.

Illustration 2
This course provides you with an environment in which to investigate and explore a variety of illustrative genre using broad-based research methods in response to design briefs.

Web Design 2
You will focus on developing the creative and functional design aspects of creating a website, incorporating the appropriate software, code, page layout and technical skills required.

History, Culture, Context 3
This course extends and develops the ideas and issues presented in year one. It will engage you in critical dialogue with historical, cultural and contextual concerns relating to  contemporary graphic design.

Introduction to Multimedia (Degree Elective)
This course introduces the use of multimedia systems, covering topics such as design development and evaluation of multimedia applications.

Design Practice (Diploma Elective)
This course provides you with a working understanding of the business and graphic industry both in New Zealand and internationally. Note: this elective is for those students who  intend to exit at the end of the diploma programme.

Programme Handbook

• NCEA Level 2, 12 credits or more in each of 4 subjects (including at least 12 credits in graphics and/or practical art)

• or, successful completion of the Certificate in Computer Graphic Design Level 4

• or, National Certificate in Design (Technician) Level 4 or an equivalent qualification

Art and design, practical art, graphics, technology, English, Maori, computing and maths all provide appropriate academic preparation.

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio to demonstrate their creativity. Refer to the programme brochure for details.

English Language Requirements
If you are an overseas student or a new resident and English is not your first language, please note that study at tertiary level requires both written and oral participation.

You will be required to have an IELTS score of 6 or TOEFL score of 550.

• $5,788 Year 1, incl. course related costs
• $5,846 Year 2, incl. course related costs

The standard published fee is applicable for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only.

An international fee is payable for non New Zealand citizens/permanent residents.

• Diploma in Design (Graphic) Level 6

Graphic design, publishing and promotion, advertising, web multi-media design, design, retail, digital illustration or related self-employment

• Third year of the Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design - University of Waikato
• Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design) - Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
• Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts) - Wintec