New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design
Course details
About the course
This diploma aims to develop the technical and thinking skills needed to work as art practitioner or designer at an introductory level. You'll gain core skills in areas such as creative idea generation, drawing, printmaking and sculpture in a range of materials. You'll also become familiar with using computers for creative work 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, insights into contemporary professional ethics and bi-cultural issues.
This programme is primarily designed to develop your skills and provide a pathway to a personal art practice. Upon successful completion of the diploma, you may choose to engage in further study, or spend time developing your own visual art.
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.