New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)
Visual Arts
A course by
UCOL
A studio-based hands-on certificate in arts and design providing foundation skills in visual arts, graphic design, fashion/textiles, and digital media, preparing students for further study or entry-level creative industry roles.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 19 weeks
This course requires 36 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Art and Design Foundation
Build foundational skills in art and design, including methods, tools, and basic principles across creative media.
Cultural Sector Awareness
Develop strong understanding of the creative and cultural sector in Aotearoa New Zealand and its contribution to the arts.
Creative Studio Practices
Produce creative works in a studio-based environment, reflecting professional art, craft, and design conventions.
What You're Signing Up For
The UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) is an inspiring, hands-on programme providing a solid grounding across visual arts, design, and related media. With studio-based creative practice, students gain practical and conceptual skills in a range of art, fashion/textiles, photography, digital media, and graphic design. The programme offers both compulsory and elective courses, emphasizing portfolio development, art/design history, and professional studio conventions. Graduates are equipped for higher study in art, craft, or design, or to embark on entry-level roles in the creative industries.
Course Content
- Art/Design History: Introduction to national and international art/design practice, historical principles, contexts, conventions.
- Creative Methodology: Develop technical and conceptual creative skills through tools, techniques, processes aligned to art/design briefs.
- Visual Arts Studio (elective): Two- and three-dimensional forms, visual arts mediums, conceptual/physical space exploration.
- Fashion Design (elective): Garment construction, fashion design principles, digital illustration, studio health and safety.
- Graphic Design (elective): Design software usage, graphic design principles, visual communication in design context.
- Photography (elective): Photography software, techniques, tools, visual communication, image production for various projects.
- Digital Media (elective): Digital media software and principles, visual communication in digital environments, image production and problem-solving.
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 (including Literacy 10 credits at Level 1 and Numeracy 10 Credits at Level 1) OR equivalent academic achievement OR case-by-case approval by Executive Dean
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Arts
Craft and Design
Visual Arts
Digital Design
Fashion and Textiles
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level roles in arts and creative industries
Junior or assistant positions in arts, craft, or design studios
Portfolio development for freelance or commission-based work