New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 5 |
|---|
About the course
Not running in 2025 This diploma aims to develop the technical and thinking skills needed to work in visual communication or graphic design at an introductory level. Core skills taught include creative idea generation, drawing, design strategies, graphics, branding and communication and photography. As part of this, you’ll be introduced to using Adobe Creative Suite software. As well as studio courses, you’ll complete a contextual studies course. This is the main academic subject, and includes communication skills, a background in the history and sociology of creative practices and insights into contemporary professional ethics and bi-cultural issues.
Entry requirements
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic 5.0 Listening 5.0 Reading 5.0 Writing 5.0 Speaking 5.0 Speaking What if English is not my first Language? If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.