New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

Learn how to be creative on the computer. Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our bachelor of design (communication) or prepare for a junior role in a creative digital workplace. 

This programme will also prepare you for the new zealand diploma in digital media and design (level 5). A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies or Bachelor of Visual Arts may also be possible.

Learn how to be creative on a computer! 
Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our:

• Bachelor of Design (Communication), or
• New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5) – our video and photography programme.
• A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Architectural Studies may also be possible. Please email us to learn more about the pathway option to Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
• Alternatively, this programme will prepare you for a junior role in a creative workplace. 

We have two pathway options:

Communication Design
Game Design

• For the Game Design pathway, you'll explore world building, content creation and game design using Unreal Engine. You'll also learn about real time 3D art and design, lighting and atmospherics, interactive logic and narrative game design. This pathway will provide you with the practical, relevant skills you need to enter the indie game development industry or you can pathway into the Bachelor of Design (Communication) and continue your game design focus.

Next study steps

• This Certificate on its own provides a great pathway into our New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5) – our video and photography programme.
• By studying the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) before you do this programme, you'll gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study and both certificates together will provide a strong pathway into our Bachelor of Design (Communication). 

Courses
Communication Design pathway

• Creative Digital Skills (15 credits): Develop skills in digital design and photography with practical applications to print and screen solutions.
• Creative Online Design (15 credits): Developing an understanding of digital citizenship and how to develop an online practice. Managing and designing content for blogs, web design etc. 
• Animation and Interactivity (15 credits): Learn basic skills for creating animations and moving image.
• Symbolism and Identity (15 credits): A research project whereby students learn about symbol motifs and markings and the connection to cultural identity with a particular focus on iwi Māori cultural practice.

Game Design pathway

• Creative Digital Skills (15 credits): Gain foundational skills that will allow you to create content in Unreal Engine.
• Creative Online Design (15 credits): Learn to create indoor and outdoor game environments with realistic lighting scenarios. 
• Animation and Interactivity (15 credits): Create a short interactive narrative experience in an original environment.
• Symbolism and Identity (15 credits): A research project where you'll learn about symbol motifs and markings and the connection to cultural identity with a particular focus on iwi Māori cultural practice.

Entry requirements
Open entry

• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they have an acceptable level of secondary school achievement.

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

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

• A portfolio or other evidence to demonstrate your creative work. We need to see this so we can make sure you’re ready for studying at Level 4.
• You might also need to attend an interview so we can make sure this programme is the right choice for you. 

Preparing your portfolio 

• We need to see some examples of your creative work so we can make sure you’re ready for studying at Level 4.

We call this a portfolio.

• We're keen to see examples of your work that shows us your design, graphic and/or art skills.

Please send us 10 to 12 examples of work that show a variety of techniques and interests, such as:

• Drawings/sketches
• Paintings and/or printmaking
• Photographs
• Images of original 3D objects that you have made
• Digital art/digital illustration
• Animations
• Whatever you feel is visually informative about yourself and your abilities.

Please note: If you’re an NCEA student and are thinking of submitting your NCEA portfolio, we’d recommend you take photographs of your creative works before you send it for external moderation. Sometimes portfolios aren’t returned on time and then you have nothing to submit to us.

How to send us your portfolio 
You can send us your portfolio digitally or in a physical format (we do prefer digital).

Digital Portfolio

• Please make sure you take quality photographs of your pieces of creative work if you are sending us a digital portfolio. Make sure the light is right and the images aren’t blurry. Please take photographs of individual artworks as well as your NCEA board as a whole. We want to be able to see your work at its best!  
• During the online application process, you'll be asked to upload your portfolio documents. These should preferably be uploaded as PDFs. 

How to apply 
To apply for this programme, just click the blue 'Apply now' button above. 

• Applications are preferred by 30 June.
• Late applications will be accepted if spaces are still available, after which waitlists will apply.

Choosing your focus

• You don't need to select the Communication Design or Game Design pathway when you apply. 
• Just select the start date that suits you best and whether you want to study full-time or part-time. 
• You'll then choose which pathway you want to do further through the process.

Why work with us

• Providing an environment where people can develop their lives and careers is at the heart of what we do. This is as true for our staff as our students. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining capable staff who are passionate, creative and future-focused.
• We foster the leadership and communication skills to develop and actualise innovative ideas. As a research-focused Polytechnic, we support our staff to collaborate and explore their areas of interest.
• Inclusivity is at the core of all that we do. We welcome everyone regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, religious or ethical beliefs or political opinions.
• We are always focused to create a positive environment for our staff. The benefits we provide help us look at our staff as we want to ensure our kaimahi are proud to work and be a part of this whānau.