Why Study/Key Benefits

The Postgraduate Certificate in Design is a postgraduate-level qualification offered by Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) in Auckland, New Zealand. It is intended for students who already have relevant academic or professional experience and want to deepen their design knowledge, explore advanced creative practice or prepare for further postgraduate study.

Potential benefits include:

• Build on existing design or creative-industry knowledge through postgraduate-level study.

• Develop stronger research, critical analysis and design problem-solving skills.

• Explore design practice in relation to contemporary creative and professional contexts.

• Strengthen the ability to communicate design ideas and justify creative decisions.

• Use the qualification as a possible stepping stone to further postgraduate study, subject to the entry and credit-recognition rules of the next programme.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Students must complete any two of the following components, each worth 30 credits, to achieve the 60-credit certificate. MDS describes the programme as running over 15 weeks.

• Design Research: Connecting Texts, Deciphering Context — 30 credits. This component examines different forms of “texts”, including visual and designed artefacts, and how they communicate meaning in particular social, cultural and professional contexts. The component is listed for Trimester 1.

• Contemporary Design Issue: Creative Futures — 30 credits. Students work with a live brief to explore how design interventions affect people, environments, behaviour and attitudes. The component draws on contemporary technology philosophies and theories of practice, encouraging consideration of sustainable and socially responsible design. It is listed for Trimester 2.

• Special Topic Project: Creative Entrepreneurship — 30 credits. Students work across disciplinary boundaries on a real-world project that calls for a new solution. The focus is on applying creative thinking and design approaches to practical challenges.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The certificate does not advertise formal majors or a fixed set of specialisations. Its three component options allow students to develop interests in areas such as:

• Design research and critical interpretation.

• Contemporary design issues and future-oriented design practice.

• Sustainable and socially responsible design.

• Design strategy and real-world problem-solving.

• Creative entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary projects.

Programme Highlights

• A 15-week postgraduate certificate with weekend classes.

• NZQF Level 8 qualification worth 60 credits.

• Designed for established professionals and relevant graduates who want to develop advanced design knowledge.

• Three possible 30-credit components, with students completing two.

• Live briefs and real-world projects are part of the published course options.

• Portfolio, CV, statement of intent and interview are important parts of the selection process.

• Online and on-campus study options are listed by MDS.

• The certificate may provide an academic foundation for further postgraduate study, subject to the entry and credit rules of the next qualification.

• MDS notes that programme delivery is subject to demand and available spaces.

Career Outcomes

This certificate is intended to extend design knowledge and professional practice, rather than train beginners for a single entry-level job.

Depending on prior experience and the component choices, it may support further development in roles or work involving:

• Design strategy and design research.

• Creative direction and design development.

• User-centred or service-oriented design.

• Innovation and interdisciplinary project work.

• Creative entrepreneurship and consultancy.

• Design leadership or advanced professional practice.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The next published intake is 20 February 2027, followed by 1 May, 17 July and 25 September 2027.

• The published international tuition fee is NZD 18,056.

• The course is 15 weeks, delivered through weekend classes.

• Applicants need either a relevant bachelor’s degree, an accepted international equivalent or approximately six or more years of relevant professional experience approved by the Academic Board.

• A digital portfolio, CV, statement of intent, references and selection interview are required.

• International English-language requirements are IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, LANGUAGECERT Academic 70 overall with no skill below 65, or an accepted equivalent.

• The qualification is Level 8 and worth 60 credits.

• MDS’s postgraduate-design overview says programme delivery may be subject to demand and spaces available. Confirm that the intended intake is running.

• IPU’s website was not verified as the authoritative source for the programme-specific fee, entry criteria or curriculum in this research. The report therefore uses MDS’s official programme information and does not assume an IPU partnership or endorsement.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students planning to attend classes in New Zealand will generally need to consider the Fee Paying Student Visa, depending on their circumstances and Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.

• Offer of place: You must have an offer from an approved education provider. It should state the course name, duration, study mode and other required information.

• Tuition fees: You must show that you have paid, can pay, or are exempt from paying the required tuition fees. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.

• Living funds: For tertiary study lasting less than one year, the published requirement is NZD 1,667 per month. For this 15-week programme, Immigration New Zealand will assess the relevant study period and financial evidence. Tuition fees and outward travel must be accounted for separately.

• Evidence of funds: Acceptable evidence may include bank statements, eligible education-loan documents, scholarship letters, fixed-term deposits or acceptable sponsorship/financial-undertaking arrangements. Immigration New Zealand may request evidence showing the source of the funds.

• Insurance: You must have acceptable medical and travel insurance for the relevant period of stay. MDS states that international students must maintain appropriate insurance throughout their planned study period and identifies Southern Cross as its preferred insurance provider. Confirm the current premium and policy terms with MDS.

• Health and character: You must meet the applicable immigration health and character requirements. Depending on your circumstances, medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates may be required.

• Genuine study intentions: You must show that you genuinely intend to study and comply with your visa conditions.

• Outward travel: You need a ticket out of New Zealand or acceptable evidence that you can pay for one. This money must be additional to your living funds.

• Visa cost and processing: Immigration New Zealand currently lists the Fee Paying Student Visa from NZD 850, with 80% of applications processed within seven weeks. Fees and processing times can change and are not guarantees.

• Work rights: A student visa may allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions actually granted. Check the visa conditions before undertaking employment.

• Application timing: Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

• Visa duration: A student visa can be issued for up to four years, but the actual duration depends on the study period paid for, passport validity and the applicant’s circumstances.

• Post-study work: Do not assume this certificate automatically qualifies a graduate for a Post-Study Work Visa. Immigration New Zealand’s general rules for qualifications at Level 8 or below depend on the qualification, length and mode of study, and the applicable eligibility rules. Confirm eligibility directly with Immigration New Zealand before relying on any post-study work pathway.

• Online study: If you remain outside New Zealand and complete the programme online, confirm your arrangements with MDS. A New Zealand student visa is generally relevant to study undertaken in New Zealand rather than remote study from overseas.