Bachelor of Creative Industries

The Bachelor of Creative Industries (BCI) degree is one of the Bay of Plenty's most well-regarded creative degrees.

More than an art course, it’s based on real-world outcomes so you'll graduate with skills that match what industry needs. In this degree you can choose to major in graphic design, visual art and fashion design. Sustainable, ethical and professional business practices are also included as part of this course. 

You’ll learn from some of New Zealand’s most talented artists, fashion designers and industry experts. Our 'learn by doing' approach means you'll enjoy modern facilities that support creativity and collaboration.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

• Bachelor of Creative Industries (Visual Art), or

• Bachelor of Creative Industries (Graphic Design), or

• Bachelor of Creative Industries (Fashion Design)

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can go onto higher level study or employment. Or they can start their own business as a self-employed freelancer, sole trader, designer or artist.

Visual Arts: Arts administration, gallery director, gallery curator, gallery front of house, arts educator, art dealing/hiring, arts consultancy, illustrator, arts events and festivals management/operations/administrator, co-op artist run space and community-based art projects/programming/organiser/developer.

Graphic Design: Branding, marketing and identity developer, web designer, illustrator, animator, typographer, photographer, product packaging designer, social media/film/3D/AR/VR technologies content creator.

Fashion Design (including textile design): Fashion designer, fashion technician, sample machinist, pattern engineer, production designer, buyer, retailer, costume design, quality control, supply chain administration.

There are two exit qualifications for the Bachelor of Creative Industries degree.

• Successful completion of 120 credits in the year 1 programme can be cross-credited to the New Zealand Diploma of Arts and Design (level 5)*

• Successful completion of 240 credits from year 1 and 2 programme can be cross-credited to the New Zealand Diploma of Arts and Design (level 6)*

*Special conditions apply. Students must complete all compulsory courses to gain an exit qualification.
 

Entry criteria

To gain entry into this course, you must meet the following criteria:

• a portfolio containing 10 pieces of work

• university Entrance or successful completion of the Certificate in Art and Design (Level 4) 

You are expected to have the literacy skills required to meet the academic needs of the degree. Evidence of this may be required.

Portfolio

You are required to submit a portfolio when you apply for the course. The portfolio will show 10 recent art and/or design works together with a statement discussing your ideas and intentions.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome