New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) - Ceramics

About the programme

Study ceramics with New Zealand's only specialised tertiary programme in Ceramic Arts.

The Ceramics Studio at Otago Polytechnic is the largest in the country and the department has strong partnerships across Aotearoa. The programme is delivered on site in Dunedin and also by distance in:

• Whangārei
• Auckland
• Waiheke Island
• Hamilton
• Ōtaki
• Hawke's Bay
• Christchurch.

This programme has an emphasis on exploration and experimentation. You will develop individual projects which study ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history, within a broader context of fine arts and crafts.  

Successful completion of this programme could lead to you becoming a successful practicing artist, with the ability to understand and use your creativity to contribute significantly to your community.

The transferable skills you gain during this programme will also be highly valued in a variety of fields in the art, education and design sectors.

Entry

Entry requirements

• You must have at least one of the following:

• A Level 3 qualification in a related field, or

• NCEA Level 3 including:

  • 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
  • 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
  • 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
    • specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
    • package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required, or

• Equivalent academic achievement.

• Special entry may be possible for those that do not meet the entry requirements but supply evidence of ability to succeed on the programme.

English Language requirements

• 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 5.0 (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.

Please note

• If the number of applicants exceed the number of places, we'll need to use selection criteria. You'll need to submit a portfolio, supporting documents and a letter of motivation. Please see the section below for more information about the portfolio requirements.

Your portfolio

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, we'll need to use selection criteria. You'll need to submit a portfolio, supporting documents and a letter of motivation. Find out how to do this below. 

What to include in your portfolio

• We require examples of your artwork and the ways that you develop your ideas. Your examples need to show us your working processes and your ability to use a range of materials.
• If you have been working in the NCEA system, please send us twelve (12) examples of your finished works and of your working processes from your folders.
• If you have not been working in the NCEA system, please send us six (6) examples of finished work and six (6) pages of sketches or workbook pages.
• Please submit your portfolio digitally if you can (2MB file size limit if you are applying online). Please do not submit originals as we do not return application folders.
• If you have trouble submitting your portfolio digitally when you are applying online, please email [email protected]

If you need to send us your portfolio in an A4 folder, please send it to: 

Dunedin School of Art
Otago Polytechnic
Riego Street
Private Bag 9010, Dunedin

Again, please don't send us originals. 

Thank you. We are looking forward to seeing your artwork.

Writing requirement

Please also include a double-spaced letter of not more than one page (300 words) explaining why you want to come to art school and what your experiences of art may have been to date. This may include all or some of the following:

> why art is important to you, the community and the wider world
> your expectations for your own future after your studies
> art galleries you may be familiar with
> artists whose work you may know
> art skills you may have already gained.

If you have any questions regarding your portfolio, or need any advice, please contact [email protected]

Cross credits

If you have studied art at tertiary level previously you may be able to cross credit some subjects. Please email [email protected] for more information. 

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email [email protected] or call 0800 762 786.