Why Study Arts and Design Level 6 at NMIT ?

This programme is particularly attractive for students who want to move beyond introductory art and design study and develop a professional creative portfolio.

NMIT highlights opportunities to:

• Develop advanced technical and creative skills;
• Work independently in a selected creative field;
• Develop a substantial body of creative work;
• Strengthen professional practice;
• Work on real-world projects;
• Participate in guest workshops;
• Exhibit creative work;
• Collaborate with industry professionals;
• Receive and give professional critique;
• Prepare for employment or further study. 

Creative Work / Portfolio Requirement

This is one of the most important special requirements for applicants.

NMIT requires applicants to provide examples of their creative work demonstrating:

• Concept development;
• Presentation;
• Technical ability;
• Design process;
• Creativity.

Examples can include:

• Drawings;
• Paintings;
• Photography;
• Digital design;
• Multimedia;
• Sketchbooks;
• Workbooks showing development of ideas;
• Finished works;
• Process pieces.

Counselling tip

An international student should prepare a well-organised digital portfolio rather than submitting only certificates.

Programme Structure

The current programme consists of compulsory courses in:

• Photography
• Image
• Professional Practice
• Critical Studies
• Digital Art and Design
• Object Design
• Studio.

Main Disciplines / Specialisations

The Level 6 programme gives students an opportunity to focus their creative direction after having explored a wider range of disciplines at Level 5.

Key creative areas include:

Photography

Manual camera operation, lens-based media and photographic practice.

Image

Drawing, painting, printmaking, illustration and other image-making approaches.

Digital Art and Design

Digital drawing, graphic design, typography, digital design and related creative technologies.

Object Design

Three-dimensional creative practice including product/object work, clay, sculpture and related processes.

Professional Practice

Industry standards, creative workflows, project management, presentation and professional development.

Critical Studies

Historical and contemporary art and design movements and critical analysis.

Studio

Independent creative development and production of a body of work.

What Students Learn

NMIT's current programme information highlights a broad mix of technical and conceptual practice.

Students can work with:

• Digital design;
• Illustration;
• Typography;
• Manual photography;
• Printmaking;
• Lino cuts;
• Monotype;
• Screen printing;
• Digital drawing;
• Graphic design;
• Painting;
• Clay;
• Laser cutting;
• Art and design history;
• Professional creative practices;
• Portfolio development;
• Exhibitions;
• Critique and feedback.

Independent Creative Practice

A major difference between Level 5 and Level 6 is the emphasis on independent creative practice.

NMIT describes the Level 6 programme as allowing students to:

• Refine their creative direction;
• Develop an independent body of work;
• Manage projects;
• Respond to complex briefs;
• Review and quality-assure their work;
• Apply professional business practices;
• Develop professional confidence. 

Professional Practice

Students are not only taught how to create artwork.

They also learn about:

• Industry standards;
• Professional workflows;
• Project management;
• Creative briefs;
• Concept development;
• Iteration;
• Prototyping;
• Presentation;
• Exhibition proposals;
• Funding applications;
• Professional communication.

Facilities / Technology

NMIT's Creative Industries programmes are delivered in a purpose-built creative environment on the Nelson Campus.

The Creative Industries area includes specialist training for:

• Digital design;
• Graphic design;
• Image-making;
• Lens-based media;
• Object design;
• Digital art and design;
• Animation;
• Brand design;
• Promotional artwork;
• Photography;
• Video production;
• Jewellery;
• Product design;
• Sewing;
• Sculpture.

Career Outcomes

NMIT states that graduates can be prepared for intermediate-level positions in:

• Arts;
• Craft;
• Design;
• Production;
• Design roles;
• Arts administration;
• Theatres;
• Museums;
• Art galleries;
• Advertising agencies;
• Creative agencies;
• Freelance creative practice.

Potential job titles can include roles such as:

• Graphic/design assistant;
• Junior/intermediate designer;
• Production designer;
• Photographer;
• Digital creative;
• Arts administrator;
• Gallery/theatre support roles;
• Freelance creative practitioner.

Special Requirements / Important Points for International Students

There are several requirements that should be highlighted to an applicant:

Creative portfolio

Examples of creative work are required.

Previous arts/design study

Level 5 Arts and Design or equivalent experience is normally expected.

RPL possibility

Students with equivalent skills/experience can discuss Recognition of Prior Learning with NMIT.

Windows laptop

NMIT requires a Windows-compatible device and states that Apple laptops are not sanctioned for this programme.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Required for Creative Industries study.

Digital SLR

Required for Lens-Based Media courses.

English

International Level 6 applicants should meet NMIT's current English-language benchmark of IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent.