Otago Polytechnic is a public tertiary institution in Dunedin, New Zealand, known for its industry-focused, hands-on learning and strong links with local, national and international professional communities. The School of Design encourages creativity, experimentation and real-world project work in supportive studio environments. Students collaborate with clients, participate in exhibitions and develop industry-standard portfolios.

 

Why Study This Programme?

The Graduate Diploma in Design (Specialty) is intended for students who already have an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in design or art-related fields. It helps you:

• Build specialised design expertise in your chosen creative discipline.
• Gain practical studio experience and industry-relevant project skills.
• Develop a high-quality design portfolio for employment or further study.
• Explore multiple creative areas such as communication, fashion or product design with electives in subjects like photography or web design.

 

Specialisation Areas

You choose ONE of these design streams:

• Communication Design – eg. graphic, media or interactive design
• Fashion Design – fashion concept, communication and design
• Product Design – objects, services and experiential design

 

What You Study

• You begin by taking first and second-year Bachelor of Design courses to reinforce foundational skills.

• You progress to third-year (Level 7) courses and major project work focused on your discipline.

• A minimum of 72 credits must be at Level 7 (third-year Bachelor level), with the remaining at Levels 5 and 6 to support your learning path.

Creative electives and interdisciplinary studio workshops may include topics like photography, metals/jewellery, illustration, digital animation, rapid prototyping and exhibition design, depending on availability and your chosen specialty.

 

Studio and Exhibition Culture

You’ll work in small studio groups and participate in talks, workshops and annual exhibitions such as the “Excite” exhibition, where students showcase their projects to the public and industry.

 

Highlights & Student Experience

• Studio-based learning: small classes, close mentor engagement.
• Industry links: networking through exhibitions, talks and collaborations.
• Portfolio development: major project and final showcase event.
• Interdisciplinary exposure: optional electives in allied creative practices.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue creative careers such as:

• Communication / Graphic Designer
• Fashion Designer / Fashion Communicator
• Product Designer / Industrial Designer
• Film or Media Creative (within design context)
• Design Consultant / Creative Strategist
• Freelance or studio-based designer

 

Further Study Pathways

Graduates of this Level 7 diploma can progress to postgraduate study such as a Bachelor of Design (Honours) or postgraduate diplomas and masters in design, art or creative research, broadening academic depth or specialization.

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

To study this programme full-time in New Zealand, you’ll need a Student Visa.

Typical requirements include:

• Official Offer of Place from Otago Polytechnic
• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
• English language evidence (as per entry criteria)
• Valid passport + health/medical insurance