Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop and refine an individual creative practice through studio-based learning.

• Build specialised technical and academic skills in visual arts.

• Learn from tutors who are active in New Zealand’s arts and creative industries.

• Combine practical art-making with research, professional practice and an internship.

• Develop skills in creative thinking, critical analysis, innovation, problem-solving and collaboration.

• Learn to present and promote creative work, prepare budgets and proposals, develop business plans and plan exhibitions or public displays.

• Explore the social, cultural and ethical context of creative practice in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, including the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga M?ori.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

WITT describes the programme as a three-stage pathway:

• Year 1 – New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5): foundational and developing practical and conceptual arts and design skills.

• Year 2 – New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6): further development of practical and theoretical knowledge, research, critical evaluation and the production of resolved creative work.

• Year 3 – Bachelor of Design and Arts (Level 7): specialised visual arts practice, advanced research, professional practice and internship.

At the Level 7 stage, the programme’s published learning areas and outcomes include:

• Advanced studio practice – producing a related body of art or design work in complex contexts.

• Contemporary arts practice – understanding current approaches to creative practice, exhibitions and industry.

• Research methods – applying research while considering social and ethical issues.

• Professional communication – presenting creative concepts, contextualising work and promoting it for employment or funding opportunities.

• Creative industry practice – preparing budgets, industry proposals, business plans and exhibition or public-show plans.

• Critical and creative thinking – applying innovation, analysis, problem-solving and collaboration to creative projects.

• Cultural and ethical context – understanding the social impact of art and design, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga M?ori.

• Occupational health and safety – applying safe working practices in arts and design environments.

• Internship and work experience – gaining relevant professional experience alongside studio learning.

Disciplines / Specialisations

• The listed major is Visual Arts.

• Students undertake independent work focused on their specialist creative area.

• The programme develops skills relevant to studio art, contemporary visual arts, creative projects, exhibitions and professional arts practice.

• The programme page does not list separate majors in graphic design, fashion design, animation or web design. These are potential career areas, not confirmed programme specialisations.

Programme Highlights

• Visual Arts major with a strong studio-based learning focus.

• Tutors with active involvement in New Zealand’s arts scene.

• Internship and professional practice integrated into the degree pathway.

• Independent creative work in a chosen specialist area.

• Research-informed exhibition, public show or other creative presentation.

• Development of business and professional skills, including budgeting, proposals and business planning.

• Collaborative learning with creative-industry staff and students from UCOL Whanganui.

Career Outcomes

WITT lists a range of possible career directions for graduates, including:

• Graphic designer.

• Practising artist.

• Fashion designer.

• Web designer.

• Gallery curator.

• Videographer.

• Animator.

• Marketing-related roles.

• Film and television industry roles.

• Product design.

• Costume design.

• Theatre and prop design.

• Arts or design administration and management.

• Secondary or tertiary teaching.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• WITT’s programme page was updated in October 2026 and currently lists the 22 February 2027 intake.

• The current programme is identified as a Visual Arts major.

• WITT’s stated pathway is three years through Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7 qualifications.

• Applicants seeking entry directly to the Level 7 stage need a Level 6 Arts and/or Design qualification or equivalent, and should expect an interview.

• The programme includes an internship; applicants should ask WITT about placement arrangements, timing, assessment and any associated costs.

• Students should budget for materials and exhibition-related expenses in addition to tuition.

• International fees may increase in subsequent academic years.

• WITT states that international graduates may be eligible for an open Post Study Work Visa. Eligibility depends on the qualification completed and Immigration New Zealand’s rules at the time of application; it is not guaranteed by enrolment alone.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this full-time programme in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand’s published requirements include:

• Offer of place: an offer from an approved education provider, such as WITT.

• Tuition fees: evidence that the required tuition fees have been paid, or that the student has an acceptable scholarship or other funding arrangement.

• Living expenses: for tertiary study lasting one year or longer, students generally need to show NZD 20,000 for each year of study, or have an acceptable sponsor.

• Outward travel: evidence of a ticket out of New Zealand or sufficient additional funds to purchase one. This must be separate from the required living funds.

• Insurance: acceptable medical and travel insurance from the start of the course until the visa expires. WITT lists its insurance charge separately from tuition.

• Health and character: applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements.

• Genuine study purpose: applicants must demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.

• Attendance and progress: students must attend their approved course and make satisfactory academic progress.

• Internship: where the internship is a compulsory part of the course, students should obtain written confirmation from WITT or the course documentation showing that it is a required component. Immigration New Zealand treats compulsory practical work experience as additional to permitted student employment hours.

• Work rights: eligible students may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their individual visa conditions.

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

Current published visa information:

• Application fee: from NZD 850.

• Processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.

• Maximum visa length: up to four years, although the actual visa duration normally reflects the period of study paid for, passport validity and individual circumstances.