Why Study "Bachelor of Creative Industries"

The Bachelor of Creative Industries at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a three-year degree designed for students who want to build careers in creative design, visual art, digital media, and related creative industries. The programme combines practical studio learning, design thinking, creative technologies, and industry experience to help students develop professional skills and a portfolio for future employment.

• Level of study: Bachelor's Degree (Level 7).

• Campus: Windermere Campus, Tauranga, New Zealand.

• Mode of learning: On-campus study.

• Duration: 3 years full-time, including holidays where applicable.

• Total credits: 360 credits.

• Intakes listed by the institute: 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.

• Study options: Full-time, with part-time study available.

• Award: Bachelor of Creative Industries (Visual Art) or Bachelor of Creative Industries (Graphic Design).

Key Benefits

The programme provides a combination of creative theory, practical design skills, and professional industry preparation. It is suitable for students who want to develop their artistic abilities while learning how creative work is developed for professional and commercial environments.

• Develop skills in graphic design, visual art, digital design, and creative technologies.

• Learn about UX/UI design, communication design, branding, and moving image practices.

• Build a professional portfolio to demonstrate creative and technical abilities.

• Gain practical industry exposure through internship and industry connection opportunities.

• Develop critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and professional communication skills.

• Explore opportunities to exhibit work and connect with creative businesses.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Creative Industries is structured over three years, with the first two years focused on developing creative, technical, and theoretical knowledge. The third year emphasises professional practice, industry experience, and portfolio development.

• Year 1: Product Design, Communication Design, Brand Design, Layout Design, Visual Forms and Technologies, Visual Image Technologies, Visual and Cultural Perspectives, and Indigenous and Global Contexts.

• Year 2: Experience Design, Hybrid Design, Campaign Design, UX/UI Design, Moving Image Practice, Spatial Practices, Critical Thought and Creative Ideologies, Critical Practice and Theory, and Studio Development.

• Year 3: Industry Portfolio, Industry Connections and Experience (Industry Internship), Studio Practice, and Industry Studio Practice.

Discipline / Specialisation

Students can complete the Bachelor of Creative Industries with an award in one of the following areas:

• Visual Art: Developing artistic practice, visual communication, and creative work for professional and exhibition-based opportunities.

• Graphic Design: Developing skills in branding, visual communication, digital design, and design projects for creative industries.

The programme also includes learning areas such as product design, experience design, UX/UI, hybrid design, spatial practices, and moving image technologies.

Programme Highlights

• A 360-credit bachelor's degree completed over three years.

• Practical learning across design, art, and creative technologies.

• Professional portfolio development during the final year.

• Industry internship and opportunities to connect with creative businesses.

• Opportunities to showcase work through exhibitions and industry events.

• Option to cross-credit completed study after Year 1 or Year 2 towards the New Zealand Diploma in Art and Design at Level 5 or Level 6, subject to the applicable credit requirements.

• Timetabled learning includes subjects such as Layout Design, Visual and Cultural Perspective, Product Design, and Visual Forms and Technologies.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may explore employment, freelance work, further study, or creative business opportunities across art, design, and related industries. Career options depend on the student's specialisation, portfolio, practical experience, and professional development.

• Graphic Designer

• Brand Designer

• Communication Designer

• UX/UI Designer

• Product Designer

• Motion Graphics Designer

• Illustrator

• Web Designer

• Animator

• Photographer or Videographer

• Creative Designer

• Design Researcher

• Arts Administrator

• Exhibition or Gallery Professional

• Freelance Artist or Designer

The degree's portfolio development and industry experience can help students prepare for creative employment in New Zealand or international markets.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students planning to study the Bachelor of Creative Industries in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa. Students must meet Immigration New Zealand's visa requirements, secure an offer of place from the institute, and demonstrate sufficient financial support for tuition fees and living expenses.

• Offer of place: Obtain an offer from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology for the Bachelor of Creative Industries.

• Tuition fees: Provide evidence of payment or the ability to pay the required tuition fees, according to visa instructions.

• Living expenses: For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of NZD 20,000 per year for living costs.

• Health and travel insurance: Students must have acceptable insurance for their study period, as required by their education provider and visa conditions.

• English language: Meet the course's English language requirements, with IELTS Academic 6.0 and no band below 5.5 listed by Toi Ohomai, or an accepted alternative.

• Genuine study intention: Applicants must meet the applicable health, character, and other visa requirements.

• Financial evidence: Bank statements, sponsorship, scholarships, or other accepted evidence may be used to demonstrate financial capacity.

• Visa conditions: Work rights, study requirements, and other conditions depend on the visa granted.

Visa requirements and financial thresholds may change, so students should confirm the applicable conditions before submitting their application.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The course page was last updated on 4 September 2026. The following information reflects the latest course listing identified during research.

• Next listed intakes: 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027 at Windermere Campus, Tauranga.

• Portfolio requirement: Applicants must submit 10 recent art and/or design works with a statement explaining their ideas and intentions.

• Academic entry: University Entrance or successful completion of the Certificate in Art and Design (Level 4).

• English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent.

• Information meeting: Applicants may be invited to an information meeting to discuss course content and suitability.

• Portfolio preparation: Students should prepare a range of creative work that demonstrates their artistic or design abilities and creative thinking.

• Fee confirmation: The institute's public course page lists domestic fees of NZD 8,207 per year, but notes that fees for 2027 intakes are yet to be confirmed. This is not an international tuition fee.

• International tuition fees: Third-party education listings provide indicative international fees, but the final amount should be confirmed directly with Toi Ohomai for the selected intake.

Fees and Funding

The Bachelor of Creative Industries has an indicative domestic tuition fee of NZD 8,207 per year on the course page. This amount is intended for domestic students and should not be used as the international student tuition fee.

• International tuition fees: Confirm the current fee with Toi Ohomai for the 2027 intake before preparing a financial plan.

• Additional expenses: Students should budget for accommodation, food, transport, health and travel insurance, learning resources, art materials, and personal living costs.

• Scholarships: Check Toi Ohomai's international scholarship opportunities and any applicable institutional funding. A course-specific scholarship amount was not confirmed in the available course information.

• Funding support: StudyLink assistance is listed on the course page; eligibility for domestic financial assistance does not automatically apply to international students.

• Financial planning: International students should prepare a budget that includes tuition fees for the duration of their degree and the funds required for their student visa.