New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) - Ceramics programme

Continue to explore ceramics.  

The Ceramics Studio at Otago Polytechnic is the largest in the country and the department has strong partnerships across the country. The programme is delivered on site in Dunedin and also by distance in; Auckland, Waiheke, Hamilton, Otaki, Hawkes Bay and Christchurch where distance students can undertake practical classes. 

Upon successful completion, progress into our Bachelor of Visual Arts to broaden your skill set and career opportunities. 

To discuss the programme, please email [email protected] 

Entry requirements 

• Level 5 qualification in the same or related field OR equivalent knowledge and skills demonstrated through a portfolio. 
• For those over 20, there are no minimum academic entry requirements. 
• For those under 20, special entry may be possible for those that supply evidence of ability to succeed in the programme. 
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (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.

Additional documentation 

You must supply certified copies of proof of identity, academic records, proof of residency (where appropriate) and curriculum vitae. 

Programme delivery  

Distance 
A distance option is offered, where suitable arrangements can be made, for you to study in your own area with supervision from an appropriate approved local ceramist. You are required to have access to an appropriate computer, as well as the operating skills to access our online services, as we monitor the course and deliver the Glaze Practical (Level 5), Art Craft History/Theory and Drawing from Otago Polytechnic.

Onsite location

• Dunedin School of Art - Phone: 03 477 3014 or 0800 762 786

Offsite locations

• Auckland Studio Potters - Phone: 09 634 3622 
• Waiheke Community Art Gallery - Phone: 09 372 9907
• The Busy Finch (Christchurch) - Phone: 021 805 330 
• Hawkes Bay Keirunga Potters - Phone: 06 877 5294
• Otaki Jailhouse Pots - Phone: 06 364 0688 
• Waikato Society of Potters  (Hamilton) - Phone: 07 838 1950 

Additional costs 

Material costs in addition to those provided vary according to individual projects. As an indication, you may borrow up to $1,000 in addition to your student allowance for programme-related costs (domestic students only). 

Course descriptions  

This programme is made up of four studio-specific courses and complimentary courses that add to the students understanding of the history and theory of art making, as well as drawing, specific technical glaze methods and research methods. A list of the courses offered are shown below. 

Studio Courses

Studio Methods 1 and Studio Methods 2: Be introduced to the core skills needed in the development of art work in this medium. Through a variety of studio techniques, you will learn how to transfer ideas into clay. Technical research and exploration of material in response to a given brief is key to this part of the course.

Ceramic Arts 1 and Ceramic Arts 2: Explore and extend your technical skills and knowledge about Ceramics practice. Make objects and artifacts that develop a personal concept of the medium in both functional and non-functional applications.

Complimentary Studio Courses

Visual Language 1: Become familiar with the language of art and design. Formal art/design elements will be considered alongside key theoretical ideas which inform contemporary practices of visual and oral culture. You will be required to evaluate and critique visual culture, research theoretical texts and apply your research to write an academic essay and craft an oral presentation.

Drawing 1: Gain the technical skills and a variety of media which are vital to the production of works in Drawing and Design while broadening your understanding of the visual arts. You will be introduced to analytical aspects of observational drawing and, under direction, you will develop and complete a series of specific technical drawing exercises.

Art/Craft Theory and History 1: Enjoy being introduced to a variety of ways of thinking and writing about the visual arts in a historical context. This course also tracks the significance of art throughout history in relation to different cultural and social structures, including local indigenous culture.  

Glaze Practical 1: Through online learning and studio technical research, you will be introduced to the specifics of Glaze formula and recipe. You will make, test and evaluate glaze finishing methods in studio outcomes.

Full-time programme structure 

Part-time programme structure 

Your workload

A full-time programme entails five full working days, or equivalent. Where you are working at a contracted provider, the rules of the local area facility will apply. 

A part-time programme entails two and a half working days, or equivalent. 

Student loans/allowances

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

Recognition of prior learning

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.