Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop practical and conceptual skills in arts, crafts and design.

• Build technical confidence through eight core papers and practical project-based learning.

• Learn to use research to inform creative decisions, critique work and present completed creative projects.

• Develop skills in traditional and contemporary art and design practices.

• Gain experience with creative technologies, printmaking, drawing, painting, 3D design and new media.

• Learn professional business practices and creative project management, including conceptualisation, prototyping, review and presentation.

• Prepare for entry-level roles in the creative industries and cultural sector.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The diploma contains eight core papers:

1. DAD5.001 – Studio Practice 1

• Managing studio practice.

• Completing project work.

• Developing awareness of professional practice and the contextual requirements of the arts and design sector.

2. DAD5.002 – Creative Technologies 1

• Introduction to creative technologies.

• Investigative tools and creative processes.

• Developing responses to project briefs and solving creative problems using technology.

3. DAD5.003 – Printmaking 1

• Screen printing.

• Etching.

• Woodcut.

• Digital illustration and design.

4. DAD5.004 – The Body 1

• Investigation of the human body and other bodies.

• Life drawing, including work involving a live model.

• Multidisciplinary approaches to creative practice.

5. DAD5.005 – Design 1

• Introduction to 3D practice.

• New media practice.

• Contemporary approaches to creative projects.

6. DAD5.006 – Studio Practice 2

• Further development of individual art and design practice.

• Use of related technologies.

• Managing project ideas in consultation with a tutor or working from selected project briefs.

7. DAD5.007 – Drawing 1

• Exploration of drawing methods and ideas.

• Project work reflecting arts and design contexts.

8. DAD5.008 – Painting 1

• Exploration of painting projects.

• Developing knowledge and application of art and design contexts.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme covers several creative disciplines:

• Studio art and creative practice.

• Printmaking.

• Screen printing, etching and woodcut.

• Digital illustration and design.

• Drawing and life drawing.

• Painting.

• 3D design.

• New media and creative technologies.

• Art and design research.

• Creative project development and presentation.

Programme Highlights

• Level 5 New Zealand Diploma.

• 120-credit qualification.

• One year of full-time study.

• Eight core papers.

• Practical and project-based learning.

• Development of technical and conceptual creative skills.

• Studio practice and creative project management.

• Exposure to printmaking, drawing, painting, digital design, 3D and new media.

• Portfolio development and presentation of creative work.

• A 2027 international scholarship of NZD $1,500 is listed for eligible new international students.

Career Outcomes

WITT identifies potential entry-level opportunities in production and design roles within arts and design industries.

Possible career options include:

• Designer.

• Arts or design technician.

• Machinist.

• Arts and design salesperson.

• Artist.

• Artist assistant.

• Gallery assistant.

• Gallery or retail worker.

• Museum worker.

• Roles within cultural organisations.

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.

• Applicants must attend an interview and submit a creative portfolio.

• Students should be prepared for practical studio activities and project-based assessment.

• A phone with a camera is recommended.

• WITT encourages students to use digital formats wherever possible.

• Students should expect to purchase materials and supplies for their creative projects.

• The international fee may increase in a new academic year. Any fee increase must be paid before enrolment and attendance.

• WITT's programme page states that international graduates may be eligible for an open Post Study Work Visa. However, this is not a guarantee that this particular Level 5 diploma qualifies under Immigration New Zealand's current eligible-qualification rules. Students should check the qualification against the official immigration list before relying on a post-study work pathway.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this full-time 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.

• Immigration New Zealand may accept evidence such as bank statements, education loans, scholarships, prepaid accommodation or an acceptable sponsor.

• If applying from India, only immediate family members can sponsor the student or provide a financial undertaking under Immigration New Zealand's South Asia rules. Immediate family includes a partner, parents, siblings, grandparents and parents-in-law.

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, although 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.

• For full-time work during scheduled holidays, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of the course's credit value and the scheduled holiday dates.

Post-study work visa consideration:

• WITT's programme page says international graduates may be eligible for an open Post Study Work Visa.

• Immigration New Zealand's current rules for non-degree Level 4–7 qualifications require the qualification to be included on its eligible-qualification list, and the graduate must work in a job related to the qualification.

• The published list does not identify the New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design Level 5 by name.

• Therefore, students should not assume that completing this diploma automatically provides Post Study Work Visa eligibility. They should obtain confirmation from WITT and Immigration New Zealand for their exact qualification and study circumstances.

Insurance:

• WITT requires international students to hold travel and medical insurance for the period of their visa.

• WITT's published programme information lists NZD $800 per year for insurance through UniCare NZ.

• Students wishing to use their own insurance must submit the policy, translated into English, for WITT to assess whether the cover is acceptable.

• Immigration New Zealand also requires student visa holders to maintain insurance acceptable to their education provider.