Why Study / Key Benefits

The Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies (Graphic Design) is a one-year programme for graduates and experienced creative professionals seeking to specialise in graphic design or broaden their existing creative skills.

Key benefits include:

• Developing advanced graphic design skills through practical, project-based learning.

• Learning to respond to professional-style design briefs and solve visual communication problems.

• Applying design principles, typography, layout, colour, visual hierarchy and creative concept development.

• Developing technical skills in design-related software and digital creative workflows.

• Exploring branding, advertising, marketing communications, packaging, print design and digital content.

• Working in a studio-style learning environment with guidance from experienced lecturers.

• Completing an independent major project that reflects personal interests and professional ambitions.

• Building a portfolio that can support applications for employment, freelance projects or further study.

• Exploring interdisciplinary design through graphic, motion and interactive or user-experience design, depending on the intake.

• Using the qualification to enhance an existing design career or transition into a new creative role.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification requires at least 140 credits and culminates in an independent Graphic Design Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry. The programme page presents different example study plans for the February intake and the July/September intake.

February intake — Graphic Design pathway

This pathway is designed for applicants who already have strong design knowledge and want to apply their skills specifically to graphic design.

Published components include:

• Graphic Design Theory: exploring design disciplines, historical influences, theory, principles, critical thinking, creative ideation and problem-solving strategies.

• Graphic Design Studio: developing creative and technical responses to design briefs through directed and self-directed studio practice.

• Special Topic (Minor Project): conducting an independent specialist investigation or interdisciplinary project.

• Graphic Design Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry: undertaking an independent practice-based investigation and documenting a substantial body of work that demonstrates the student's development as an emerging professional designer.

Published components include:

• Interdisciplinary Design Foundation: creating a multi-part project that integrates graphic, motion and interactive or UX design. The project uses user-experience methodologies and combines technical, contextual and formal design theory with practical studio work.

• Professional and Academic Practice: developing project management, interpersonal communication, scholarly investigation, critical thinking and research skills.

• Creative Media Strategies: studying marketing communications, media channels, creative advertising, creative briefs and the development of ideas for integrated and transmedia communication.

• Special Topic Project: proposing and completing a self-directed specialist investigation or interdisciplinary project.

• Graphic Design Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry: completing an independent practice-based investigation and documenting a final body of work with guidance from lecturers.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The principal focus is graphic design, with opportunities to explore related creative disciplines.

• Graphic design: visual communication, layout, typography, branding and design concepts.

• Digital design: visual communication for websites and other digital platforms.

• Branding and identity: developing visual systems for organisations, products and services.

• Advertising and marketing communications: producing design responses to creative briefs and communication objectives.

• Print design and packaging: developing layouts and visual assets for printed materials and product packaging.

• Motion design: exploring moving visual content, depending on the chosen intake and project.

• Interactive design and UX: considering user needs, experience design and digital interaction.

• Creative strategy: using research, creative insights and communication planning to inform design decisions.

Programme Highlights

• One academic year of study at NZQF Level 7.

• A minimum of 140 credits.

• A specialist graphic design pathway with an independent capstone project.

• An alternative interdisciplinary pathway combining graphic, motion and interactive or UX design.

• Project-based learning built around practical design briefs.

• Development of creative problem-solving, research and project management skills.

• Opportunities to build a professional design portfolio.

• On-campus and online study options listed by MDS.

• An international scholarship worth NZD $6,000 toward tuition, subject to eligibility and award approval.

Career Outcomes

The qualification can help graduates advance an existing design career or transition into a related creative role.

Potential career pathways include:

• Graphic designer: developing visual concepts, layouts, brand identities and communication materials.

• Digital designer: creating visual content and experiences for digital platforms.

• Brand identity designer: developing logos, typography, colour systems and visual guidelines.

• Advertising designer: producing creative assets for campaigns and marketing communications.

• Packaging designer: creating visual designs for product packaging.

• Print designer: preparing layouts and artwork for printed materials.

• Junior UX/UI designer: contributing to user interfaces and digital experiences, particularly if the student develops relevant skills through interdisciplinary projects.

• Motion design assistant: working on moving visual content, where relevant skills have been developed.

• Freelance designer: providing creative services to businesses, agencies and individual clients.

• Design entrepreneur: establishing or expanding a creative business.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The following points should be checked before applying for a 2027 intake:

• The current programme page lists 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027 as start dates.

• The scholarship page lists a September 2027 deadline, but applicants should confirm whether September entry is offered for this specific programme.

• Applicants must submit a portfolio, letter of intent and CV or résumé, along with academic transcripts or evidence of relevant experience as applicable.

• The published experience-based admission route requires at least four years of relevant accumulated professional or educational experience.

• International applicants must meet MDS's English-language requirements.

• A suitable computer is required to run the software used in the course. Students should check MDS's current bring-your-own-device recommendations before purchasing equipment.

• MDS may apply enrolment quotas, so applicants should confirm availability before making non-refundable commitments.

• International students should check whether the qualification will be recognised in their home country if they intend to use it for further study or professional recognition.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students planning to study on campus in Auckland should review the official New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa requirements.

Offer of place

Applicants generally need an offer of place from an approved education provider. It should specify the programme, duration, study load and other required details. The provider must be satisfied that the course is appropriate and that the student has the academic and English-language ability to complete it.

Tuition fees

Applicants must show that they have paid the applicable tuition fees, can pay them or qualify for an accepted exemption. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence covering one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter. Eligible applicants applying from outside New Zealand may be able to request approval in principle before paying tuition, subject to the applicable conditions.

Living expenses

For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand specifies at least NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses. For study lasting less than a year, the published requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.

Living-cost funds are separate from tuition. Applicants must also show that they can pay for outward travel or hold an acceptable ticket or funding arrangement.

Financial evidence

Evidence may include bank statements, eligible fixed-term deposits, an education loan, scholarship documentation, or acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents. Immigration New Zealand may request further evidence of the source and availability of funds.

Health, character and insurance

Applicants must meet applicable health and character requirements. Depending on individual circumstances, medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates may be required. Students must also have medical and travel insurance acceptable to their education provider for the applicable period.

Passport and supporting documents

Applicants generally need a valid passport, an acceptable photograph, an offer of place, tuition and living-cost evidence, and any additional documents required for their case. Documents requiring translation must comply with Immigration New Zealand's translation rules.

Visa cost and processing time

Immigration New Zealand currently lists the Fee Paying Student Visa at a cost from NZD $850 and reports that 80% of applications are processed within seven weeks. These figures may change and do not guarantee an individual outcome. The authority advises applicants to apply at least three months before planned travel.

Work rights

Eligible student visas may permit part-time work for up to 25 hours per week and full-time work during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions of the individual visa. Students must check their own visa conditions before accepting employment.

Online study

MDS lists online study as an option, but online enrolment does not automatically establish eligibility for a New Zealand student visa. Applicants should confirm the delivery arrangement and their immigration pathway before paying tuition or making travel arrangements.