This qualification is designed for learners who wish to further develop their practical and conceptual skills and knowledge in arts, crafts and/or design. The creative industries and cultural sector in Aotearoa New Zealand will benefit from graduates who can use research to inform, critique and present resolved work in simulated contexts. Graduates will be able to independently select and apply a range of processes in arts, craft and/or design contexts.
You will learn how to:
- Apply a broad range of technical skills and technologies to produce and present creative work in a selected area of arts, craft or design.
- Apply knowledge of historical and contemporary arts, craft or design conventions to inform creative practice in a selected area of arts, craft or design.
- Apply professional business practices and creative processes of discovery, conceptualisation, review, iteration, prototyping and presentation to independently manage projects in a selected area of arts, craft or design practice to a broad range of project briefs.
- Apply knowledge of the elements and principles of a selected area of arts, craft or design practice to evaluate and quality assure creative work.
Programme specific information
This one-year diploma caters to those learners who want to develop their art and design skills. Offering eight core papers, learners build technical confidence and expand ideas using practical-based methods. The diploma is ideal for learners who have completed NCEA Year 12 or 13 and wish to develop a career in art and design and/or those learners who have completed the New Zealand certificate in Arts & Design (Level 4).
Entry Requirements
- New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4); or
- Equivalent knowledge, skills, work experience or study.
- All applicants will be required to attend an interview and submit a portfolio that demonstrates evidence of creative expression at an appropriate level.
Career Options
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge for entry-level positions in production and/or design roles within arts and design industries such as designers, technicians, machinists, or salespeople, gallery, retail, artist, artist assistant, gallery assistant, museum worker, cultural organisations.
Additional Course Related Costs
New students - Expenses will vary depending on existing materials and project needs.
- Transitioning students expand on existing materials ($200-$400):
- A4 Workbooks (1 per course) $60-$80
- Toolbox / Storage case $20-$35
- Padlock (for Personal Locker) $15-$40
- Stationary $25-$60
- Printmaking Materials $80-$150
- Tools / Construction Materials $60-$120
- Studio / Submission costs $200-$600
- Drawing & Painting supplies $60-$120
- Miscellaneous project materials ($50-$100
- Printing Photocopy Costs* $50+
- Phone with camera is recommended
* Where possible we encourage students to use digital formats

From a young age right through my school years art has been my way of expressing myself. WITT was the best option for me because it gives me that freedom to express myself and challenge myself to take on bigger and better things.
There are amazing, passionate and like-minded people to meet and I know the support from everyone here at WITT will help me excel in anything I choose to do.
Aliyha Kensington
Diploma in Arts & Design (Level 5)
Changes for new learners
WITT and this programme are part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology .