Graduate Diploma in Design (Specialty)

About the programme

In addition to core classes in your specific area - Communication, Fashion or Product Design - you will also focus on two Bachelor of Design courses which are common to all specialties.

Electives will enable you to dip into areas such as Softgoods / Accessories, Photography, Storytelling, Enterprise and Web Design (and many others) for an experience outside your specialty. 

Professional pathways will help you get an understanding of the professional and strategic requirements of the industry, and to extend your professional research techniques. 

Start dates

The July intake is available for students in the following specialties (Communication or Fashion) - please contact [email protected] for more details.

Entry

Entry requirements

• You must hold a recognised undergraduate degree in a design- or art-related field, or degree-equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience.
• You must submit a portfolio explaining your interests and motivation. See more info in the Your Portfolio section below.
• International students must hold a recognised bachelor's degree in a design- or art-related field OR degree-equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience.

English Language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall IELTS 6.0 (academic, no band score lower than 6.0) achieved in one test completed in the last two years, OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Your portfolio

Your portfolio should demonstrate a working knowledge of design/art/creative disciplines and support your application for your specialty area, with evidence of a strong design process.

Find out what you need to include in your portfolio, what we're looking for, and how to submit it here. 

Selection process

Applicants will be interviewed by the Academic Leader of the specialty area in which they wish to study. This interview will include a review of the portfolio and a discussion of an appropriate path of study with the applicant. Should the number of applicants who meet the selection process requirements exceed the available places, the professional judgement of staff will be used to determine those who are given immediate entry and those placed on a waiting list. Applicants who do not meet the acceptance criteria will be directed to a more appropriate programme of study.