Why Study / Key Benefits

• Builds on foundational knowledge and skills in arts, crafts and design, allowing students to develop a selected area of specialisation.

• Develops specialised technical skills and creative technologies for producing and presenting professional creative work.

• Encourages research-led creative practice, critical evaluation and analysis of historical and contemporary art and design movements.

• Develops professional business practices, including project discovery, conceptualisation, prototyping, review, iteration and presentation.

• Provides opportunities to develop an individual body of creative work and position it in a real-world context.

• Supports progression towards intermediate-level roles in creative industries and cultural organisations.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The diploma contains eight core papers:

1. DAD6.101 – Toi Rangahau Creative Research

• Producing and presenting creative research and art work in response to project briefs.

• Investigating the history and development of art and design.

• Understanding the relationship between creative practice and wider cultural contexts.

2. DAD6.102 – Creative Technologies 2

• Developing investigative tools and specialised skills in a selected creative area.

• Using research findings to analyse and support creative ideas.

• Positioning creative work within relevant conventions and contexts.

3. DAD6.103 – Body of Work

• Demonstrating specialised technical skills and creative technologies.

• Developing concepts through research and critical review.

• Producing a coherent body of creative work.

• Presenting completed work in a real-world context.

4. DAD6.104 – Printmaking 2

• Developing specialised skills and knowledge in print media.

• Producing creative work using printmaking and/or digital skills.

• Applying research, analysis, leadership and professional practice to project work.

5. DAD6.105 – Drawing 2

• Developing specialised drawing skills and theoretical knowledge.

• Exploring tools and creative processes.

• Producing and presenting resolved drawing work in a real-world context.

6. DAD6.106 – Expanded Practice

• Building on practical and theoretical knowledge from Level 5 Studio Practice.

• Developing technical skills in two-dimensional and three-dimensional media.

• Creating personal concepts and art and design outcomes.

• Applying critical analysis to contemporary art practice.

7. DAD6.107 – Painting 2

• Investigating painting methods, tools and technologies.

• Analysing research findings to develop creative ideas.

• Managing projects and developing professional practice in preparation for a selected career.

8. DAD6.108 – Design 2

• Exploring contemporary approaches to creative activity in new media.

• Generating ideas and projects through research-based practice.

• Producing and presenting resolved creative work.

 

Disciplines / Specialisations

The diploma allows students to develop specialised creative practice in a selected area of arts, crafts or design.

Subject areas include:

• Creative research and studio practice.

• Creative technologies.

• Printmaking and digital print media.

• Drawing.

• Painting.

• Two-dimensional and three-dimensional creative practice.

• New media and contemporary design.

• Creative project development and presentation.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 6 diploma.

• 120-credit qualification.

• One year of full-time study.

• Part-time equivalent study option.

• Eight core papers.

• Specialised creative and technical skills development.

• Research-led art and design practice.

• Development of a body of creative work.

• Practical learning across printmaking, drawing, painting, design and creative technologies.

• Professional project management, prototyping, review and presentation.

• An automatic NZD $1,500 international scholarship is listed for eligible new students commencing in 2027.

 

Career Outcomes

WITT identifies the following career options:

• Artist or designer.

• Artist assistant.

• Gallery assistant.

• Museum worker.

• Arts administrator.

• Production and design roles in arts and design industries.

• Sales and advertising roles.

• Roles in cultural organisations.

• Self-employment and independent creative practice.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• WITT's programme brochure was last updated on 20 October 2026.

• The currently published 2027 intake is 22 February 2027 at New Plymouth.

• Students are expected to build on prior Level 5 arts and design knowledge.

• Students complete practical project work and develop a body of creative work.

• A phone with a camera is recommended.

• WITT encourages students to use digital formats wherever possible.

• Students should budget for art materials, printmaking supplies, tools, workbooks and exhibition or submission costs.

• The entry requirement wording is inconsistent: the programme description refers to the Level 5 Diploma, while the formal entry bullet refers to the Level 5 Certificate. Written confirmation from WITT is important before accepting an offer.

Post-study work consideration:

• WITT's Post Study Work Visa eligibility page specifically lists the New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) as eligible for the new 6-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa (open work visa).

• This is not the same as a three-year Post Study Work Visa.

• Eligibility remains subject to the current Immigration New Zealand rules and the student's individual circumstances.

• Students should check the visa rules in force when they graduate, as immigration settings can change.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this full-time Level 6 diploma in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Main requirements published by Immigration New Zealand include:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.

• Evidence of payment of tuition fees, ability to pay, or an applicable scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Evidence of good health and good character.

• Genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand.

• Compliance with attendance and academic progress requirements.

Living-cost funds:

• For tertiary study lasting one year or longer: NZD $20,000 per year.

• This is separate from tuition fees, insurance, CSSF and outward travel costs.

• Prepaid accommodation may be deducted in accordance with Immigration New Zealand's rules.

• Evidence may include bank statements, an acceptable education loan, a scholarship award letter or an acceptable sponsor or guarantor.

• Applicants from India applying from South Asia should note that Immigration New Zealand restricts who may sponsor them or provide a financial undertaking: only immediate family members are accepted under the South Asia rule.

Visa cost and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa cost: from NZD $850.

• Immigration New Zealand states that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks.

• The visa can be granted for up to 4 years, but the actual duration normally reflects the period of study paid for and the applicant's circumstances.

• Immigration New Zealand advises applying at least 3 months before intended travel.

Work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays may be permitted if the student's visa conditions allow it.

• Work permission is not automatic; students must check the conditions printed on their eVisa.

• Immigration New Zealand requires information about the course and scheduled holidays for full-time holiday work rights.

Post-study work visa:

• WITT's published eligibility table lists this Level 6 diploma as eligible for a 6-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa (open work visa).

• This should not be represented as an automatic three-year Post Study Work Visa.

• Students must meet the applicable Immigration New Zealand eligibility requirements at the time of application, including completing the qualification and satisfying any other relevant conditions.

• Confirm the latest visa category, application window and conditions directly with Immigration New Zealand before making a study decision.

Insurance:

• WITT lists travel and medical insurance at NZD $800 per year through UniCare NZ.

• International students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance for their period of study and stay.

• Any alternative insurance policy must be assessed and accepted by WITT.

• Immigration New Zealand requires insurance to be acceptable to the education provider.