The Diploma in Design T?tohu mo te Hoahoa at AUT is a Level 5 qualification designed for students passionate about design who want an alternative pathway into university-level design education. The programme helps students build foundational design knowledge, creative skills, academic confidence, and practical experience before progressing into higher-level study.

Students study the same first-year courses as Bachelor of Design students, which means successful graduates can transition directly into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi m? te Hoahoa.

The diploma is ideal for:

• Students preparing for degree-level design study
• Learners exploring different design disciplines
• Students who narrowly missed entry into a bachelor’s degree
• International students seeking a supportive introduction to university learning
• Creative learners wanting practical design experience 

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Strong pathway into the Bachelor of Design degree
• Study the same first-year courses as bachelor’s students
• Practical studio-based learning environment
• Access to industry-standard facilities and creative technologies
• Explore multiple design disciplines before specialising
• Small and supportive learning environment
• Strong portfolio-building opportunities
• Industry-connected and collaborative design culture
• Exposure to emerging technologies and creative practice

Programme Structure

The diploma includes foundational design courses and elective creative subjects.

Compulsory Courses

Students complete:

• DESN511 Introduction to Design Practice
• DESN512 Making and Media
• DIGD507 Mahitahi | Collaborative Practices

Major Design Practice Options

Students choose one of the following:

• Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design Practice
• Fashion Design Practice
• Communication Design Practice
• Interaction Design Practice
• Industrial Design Practice
• Spatial Design Practice

Elective Subjects / Topics Offered

Students also select additional electives from areas such as:

• Filmmaking
• Creative Business
• Social and Environmental Justice
• Digital Fabrication
• Drawing and Animation
• Extended Reality (XR)
• Experimental Surface Design
• Motion Capture
• Healthy Futures Design
• Image and Visual Practice
• Site-related Creative Practices

Disciplines / Specialisations Covered

The diploma introduces students to diverse creative disciplines including:

Design Areas

• Communication Design
• UX/UI and Interaction Design
• Fashion Design
• Industrial Design
• Animation and Game Design
• Spatial and Interior Design
• Digital Media
• Motion Capture
• Extended Reality
• Digital Fabrication

Pathway Opportunities

A major advantage of the diploma is direct progression into higher study.

Further Study Pathway

After successful completion, students can:

• Cross-credit diploma courses
• Progress directly into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Design

Highlights of the Programme

• Direct pathway into AUT’s Bachelor of Design
• Same first-year courses as bachelor’s students
• Practical and studio-based learning
• Flexible design discipline exploration
• Strong portfolio development opportunities
• Access to industry-standard facilities
• Emerging technology integration
• Supportive learning environment
• Collaborative creative culture

Career Outcomes

While the diploma mainly serves as a pathway qualification, students also develop practical and transferable creative skills.

Skills Developed

• Creative problem-solving
• Design thinking
• Communication skills
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Digital design capabilities
• Visual storytelling
• Technical studio skills

Future Career Pathways

After progressing into advanced design study, graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Graphic Designer
• UX/UI Designer
• Animator
• Fashion Designer
• Product Designer
• Spatial Designer
• Creative Technologist
• Digital Media Designer

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• Offer of Place from AUT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof

Latest Updates / Important Notes

Flexible Design Exploration

The diploma is designed for students who want time to explore different design disciplines before committing to a major specialisation.

Strong Studio & Facility Access

Students and graduates consistently mention AUT’s:

• Collaborative studio culture
• Excellent workshop facilities
• Practical assignments
• Portfolio-focused teaching

Some students specifically highlight access to:

• 3D printing
• Laser cutting
• Screen printing
• Bindery labs
• Motion capture studios

Emerging Technology Integration

AUT increasingly integrates:

• XR and immersive technologies
• Motion capture
• Digital fabrication
• Interactive media
• Creative technologies

Programme Highlights

• Level 5 creative design qualification
• Direct pathway into Bachelor of Design
• Practical studio-based learning
• Flexible discipline exploration
• Strong portfolio development
• Access to advanced creative facilities
• Industry-connected learning environment
• Emerging digital technology exposure
• Collaborative and supportive creative culture
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s major creative hub