Diploma in Design (Graphic) Level 6

Brochure

Two years, full-time
February
Windermere Campus

Graduates of this programme will be able to apply fundamental graphic design knowledge and skills required for employment in the industry or in preparation for further related study. You will take classes in core studio art & design, introduction to art & design theory, interdisciplinary studies, graphic design studies (including digital design technologies and web), pictorial studies, history/culture/context and photography and illustration.

See montage of Diploma students' project work: Graphic Design Diploma Project Work

Entry Criteria

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 Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Certificate in Computer Graphic Design Level 4
OR the National Certificate in Design (Technician) Level 4, or an equivalent qualification.

NCEA combinations of Art & Design, Practical Art, Graphics, Technology, English, Maori, History of Art, Computing and Mathematics all provide appropriate academic preparation.

Qualifications Gained

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Diploma in Design (Graphic) Level 6

Career Opportunities

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

Study Pathway

Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design - University of Waikato (enter into the third year)
Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design) - Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts) - Wintec

Pacific Coast Scholarship
This programme qualifies for a Pacific Coast Scholarship (Te Pūtea Awhina Akonga o te Moana a Toi). See our Scholarships page for more details.

Quinn O’Connell

Graduate - 2008 Diploma in Graphic Design Level 6
Free lance photographer - Quinn O’Connell Photography

After an eight year stint living and working in the financial realm of central London Quinn and his wife Kate returned to New Zealand where Quinn could folllow creative urge and pursue his photography career in a less claustrophobic environment. Both determined the Mount as the ideal place to live, where they could enjoy the famous Bay lifestyle – sun, sea and surf!

Quinn decided the Polytechnic’s Graphic Design programme would be ideal to hone his skills in other areas of design. He chose the programme primarily for its diversity of subjects, and soon discovered a special interest in life-drawing and screen printing.

"The Polytechnic was the perfect place for me to study. Having only just settled back into the Kiwi lifestyle we didn’t want to leave the Mount. We’d just had a baby and bought a new home.

"Studying elsewhere wasn’t even an option – why would it be when the Polytechnic programme was so comprehensive?!"

What also impressed Quinn was the skill levels of his tutors.

"They were all brilliant – knowledgeable and helpful. They taught me different ways of looking at projects, and nothing was ever a problem. Their willingness to share tips of the trade and go that extra mile was fantastic."

Profile written: 2009