Why Study/Key Benefits

• Pre-degree preparation: the NZ Certificate in Arts and Design is designed to help students explore creative subjects before committing to a bachelor’s degree.

• Broad creative exposure: students are introduced to concept art, 3D design, game design and animation.

• Practical learning: the programme uses creative briefs, digital tools, prototyping and project-based work.

• Small studio-style environment: Media Design School describes lecturer guidance and regular individual support as features of the learning experience.

• Progression options: the certificate can prepare students for further creative study, including Game Art and 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) pathways.

• No portfolio requirement is listed for this certificate on the current programme page.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme consists of four components, each worth 15 credits.

Concept Art — 15 credits

• Develop foundational drawing and visual development skills.

• Explore traditional drawing alongside digital tools such as Photoshop or Procreate.

• Create and refine concepts for characters, environments and storytelling.

• Practise responding to creative briefs using problem-solving and critical thinking.

3D Design — 15 credits

• Learn basic 3D design using Blender.

• Explore modelling, rigging and rendering of 3D assets and scenes.

• Develop an understanding of three-dimensional visualisation.

• Learn about copyright, intellectual property and responsible use of creative work.

Game Design — 15 credits

• Explore the fundamentals of 2D game design using GameMaker.

• Learn about player interaction, level design and basic coding using GameMaker Language (GML).

• Develop a playable game through prototyping and playtesting.

• Apply design principles and industry practices to a project brief.

Animation — 15 credits

• Build on foundational 3D design skills.

• Learn animation principles such as keyframing and timing using Blender.

• Animate characters, objects and environments.

• Present an arts and design outcome in response to a creative brief.

Learning outcomes

By completing the certificate, students are expected to develop the ability to:

• Apply creative processes such as discovery, conceptualisation, iteration, prototyping and presentation.

• Use technical tools and methods to design, produce and present digital creative content.

• Apply design elements and principles to review and refine their work.

Disciplines/Specialisations

This is a foundation programme rather than a specialised bachelor’s degree. Students explore several areas before choosing a more focused pathway.

The main disciplines are:

• Concept art and visual development.

• 3D design and modelling.

• Game design and prototyping.

• Digital animation.

MDS identifies the following potential progression routes:

• Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art).

• Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and Visual Effects).

Programme Highlights

• A Level 4, 60-credit certificate designed as a pre-degree pathway.

• Eighteen weeks of full-time study or 39 weeks part-time.

• Four practical components, each worth 15 credits.

• Exposure to creative tools, digital production and project-based learning.

• Study options listed as on-campus and online.

• No portfolio requirement for admission to this certificate.

• Potential progression towards Game Art or 3D Animation and VFX bachelor’s study, subject to the next programme’s entry criteria.

• Current published 2027 start dates in February and July.

Career Outcomes

This certificate is intended primarily to prepare students for further creative study rather than to provide a specialised professional qualification on its own.

Skills developed may provide a foundation for further training in areas such as:

• Concept art and visual development.

• 3D modelling and digital asset creation.

• Game design and prototyping.

• Animation and visual storytelling.

• Creative digital production.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The official programme page currently lists February and July 2027 start dates.

• The current published international course fee is NZD 14,386.20.

• The programme is listed as Level 4 with 60 credits.

• International applicants must be at least 18 years old when the programme begins.

• The published English requirement is IELTS Academic 5.5 overall, with no band below 5.0, or an accepted equivalent.

• The programme offers online and on-campus study options, but international applicants should verify which mode is available for their chosen intake.

• A suitable device is required for the digital tools used in the course. MDS provides course-specific hardware recommendations and requirements.

• The school’s scholarship page does not list a scholarship specifically for international students taking this certificate.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this certificate in New Zealand will generally need to meet the requirements of Immigration New Zealand’s Fee Paying Student Visa, unless another visa category is appropriate to their circumstances.

Main requirements

• Offer of place: an offer from an approved education provider such as MDS, with course details and study dates.

• Tuition: evidence that the required tuition fees have been paid, or that the applicant can pay them or is exempt.

• Living funds: evidence of sufficient money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.

• Insurance: acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.

• Health and character: applicants must meet the relevant requirements.

• Genuine study purpose: evidence that the applicant intends to study and comply with visa conditions.

• Departure arrangements: evidence that the applicant can leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.

Living-funds requirement

For tertiary or other non-compulsory study, Immigration New Zealand currently requires:

• NZD 20,000 for each year if the study lasts one year or longer; or

• NZD 1,667 per month if the study lasts less than one year.

Visa cost and processing

Immigration New Zealand currently lists the Fee Paying Student Visa at a cost from NZD 850, with 80% of applications processed within seven weeks. It recommends applying at least three months before intended travel. These figures can change and are not a guarantee of processing time or approval.

Work rights

The 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 granted. Work rights are not automatic for every student, so applicants must check their own visa conditions.