About the programme
The New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) is an NZQF Level 6 programme of 120 credits at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) that, over one year of full-time study, strengthens technical and creative skills through independent studio work in a chosen field: photography, image, object or digital design.
It follows on from Level 5: where students previously sampled every discipline, they now focus on the one that inspires them most and build an independent body of work. Courses cover photography, image, digital art and design, object design, critical studies, professional practice and studio. Students draw on historical and contemporary movements, manage projects for complex briefs through discovery, concept, iteration, prototyping and presentation, and learn to review the quality of creative work critically.
In practice this means digital design, illustration and typography, manual camera work, printmaking (lino cut, monotype, screen printing), digital drawing, painting and clay, laser cutting, portfolio development and peer critique. Students apply for funding grants, write exhibition proposals and show work at the End of Year Showcase, Tā Ramaroa (Light Nelson) and the New Zealand Professional Photography Awards, with guest workshops and real-world projects along the way.
The diploma prepares graduates for work in the creative industries or for direct entry into the third year of the Bachelor of Arts and Media. Students need their own Windows laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud and a digital SLR camera.
Entry requirements
- The New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5), or equivalent knowledge and experience
- Direct entry through recognition of prior learning may be possible for applicants with the required skills
- A portfolio of creative work showing concept development and presentation
What you study
- Photography 2
- Image 2
- Digital Art and Design 2
- Object Design 2
- Critical Studies 1
- Professional Practice 3
- Studio 1 and Studio 2
Careers after graduation
- Intermediate production or design roles in arts, craft and design
- Arts administration in theatres, museums and galleries
- Advertising and creative agencies
- Freelance creative practice
- Entry into the third year of the Bachelor of Arts and Media
Post-study work visa
Short-term work visa (STGWV) up to 6 months, under the rules effective 16 November 2026
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 19/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the NMIT website