Postgraduate Diploma of Design Level 8

at Universal College of Learning

This programme consist of 120 credits. The courses includes;

COMPULSORY COURSES:

Advanced Methodologies for Design Research (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Establish and articulate a philosophical orientation for their research and propose a research design and methodology supported by a rationale for the design choice;
• Write and present a research proposal for approval;
• Identify, evaluate and respond to key ethical and cultural considerations within the field of study;
• Undertake a contextual review of the extant and seminal literature to identify or position a research question.

Development Studio (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate specific areas of interest for concept research and articulate objectives and ideas for future projects;
• Explore inter‐disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches;
• Undertake rigorous exploration of an extensive range of sources and technical applications and technologies relevant to their practice;
• Investigate and define the link between research practice and an appropriate industry/ community context;
• Demonstrate professional studio practice in the documentation of idea development and technical exploration.

Creative Thinking (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Initiate rigorous intellectual analysis and critical reflection of their own work and that of others;
• Articulate creative thinking methodologies appropriate to the context in which they work;
• Articulate a considered position in relation to their field of enquiry or professional practice, with a focus on both current and future practice;
• Apply creative thinking methodologies to developing unique solutions to industry challenges or opportunities;
• Critically evaluate and professionally document research relevant to their creative practice.

Studio Project (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Advance and refine concepts for research and art/design projects as appropriate for industry/ community, professional and academic outcomes;
• Undertake extended exploration of inter‐disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches to solve problems and achieve design solutions;
• Document the investigation and creative development process used to make specified project work;
• Compile and present a finished portfolio, exhibition or show. 

Domestic Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry into UCOL's Postgraduate Diploma of Design applicants must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree, or a similar qualification in art or design, or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge.

Applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio of original, developmental and finished work.

Selection criteria:

Applicants are selected in order of receipt of their completed enrolment application and all entry requirements having been met.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5 with no band score less than 6 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency

International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Domestic Fees: *
$8451.00

International Fees:*
$25,000.00

Graduates of UCOL's Postgraduate Diploma of Design will be suitably equipped to work in a variety of roles in the design based industries. Areas of employment and potential roles include:

• Advertising
• Consultancy
• Art/Design education
• Art/Design studios
• Fashion studios
• Galleries and museums
• Set design and styling
• Television and video production
• Printing, publishing and illustration
• Research and development
• Self-employment
• Graphic design
• Textile design
• Visual communications
• Website design
• Object and craft design
• Practicing artist