Course details

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Art and Design
NZQF Level 4

About the course

This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in art and design. It starts with a base in Identity and Communication, then starts to build your art and design knowledge, in both individual work and collaborative projects. While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.

Entry requirements


Domestic students

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Academic requirements
  • General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
  • English language requirements
  • You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the Art & Design Pathway, you must meet one of the following:

  • UE numeracy or equivalent
  • A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four approved subjects, including:
  • 12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher; Or
  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge); Or
  • The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), or an equivalent qualification.

General Admission

  • You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts.
  • If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form. For more information on this process please see The Ministry of Education’s website here.

Special Admission

  • You’ll be 20 years old or older when the programme starts
  • Show evidence of your work, life, or study experience (e.g., a previous qualification or job history)
  • You will complete a pre-entry Skills review

Discretionary Admission

  • You’re under 20 and don’t meet the general admission requirements
  • Your level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed and you will undertake a Skills Review.

English language requirements

You must meet one of the following:

For more information download the programme regulations.


International Student

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Academic requirements
  • General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
  • English language requirements
  • You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the Art & Design Pathway, you must meet one of the following:

  • UE numeracy or equivalent
  • A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four approved subjects, including:
  • 12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher; Or
  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge); Or
  • The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), or an equivalent qualification.

General Admission

  • You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts.
  • If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form. For more information on this process please see The Ministry of Education’s website here.

Special Admission

  • You’ll be 20 years old or older when the programme starts
  • Show evidence of your work, life, or study experience (e.g., a previous qualification or job history)
  • You will complete a pre-entry Skills review

Discretionary Admission

  • You’re under 20 and don’t meet the general admission requirements
  • Your level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed and you will undertake a Skills Review.

English language requirements for international students

You must meet one of the following:

For more information download the programme regulations.

About the provider

Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.

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