Programme Overview
Level 7 programme
Whitireia New Zealand has been at the leading edge of Visual Arts and Design for more than 20 years. Drawing on Pacific, Māori, and European traditions, combined with technical excellence, it has produced outstanding New Zealand artists Wi Taepa, Vaune Mason and Andrew Tau'afiafi. Tutors such as Owen Mapp, Peter Deckers, Chris White and Deb Donnelly bring artistic depth and international experience to the programme. Since Digital Design was introduced in 2000, it has extended the creative edge into the new media and provided a bridge between art and the design industry. Mid-year and end-of-year exhibitions are annual highlights, together with our intensive workshops where internationally renowned artists and designers teach their unique skills.
Visit the Whitireia Media Gallery to see examples of student work from the Visual Arts, Textiles, Digital Design and Jewellery streams of the Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Arts and Design). You can also view catalogues of past year exhibitions from Jewellery and Visual Arts and Design students.
The Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Arts and Design) is a three-year course.
In the first year, students explore a wide range of visual arts media, such as painting, print making, sculpture, and fibre arts or jewellery.
Alternatively, they study digital design media such as photography, digital illustration, publication design, motion graphics, 3D modelling and animation, and web interface design.
In the second year, students may specialise in a chosen media.
In the final year, students research and create a major body of work.
Programme Outline
What this programme covers
In each year, students complete both core and body of work modules.
Core or compulsory modules provide the cultural and historical context, and the practical business knowledge, that underpin all art and design studies.
In body of work modules, students explore a range of manual and digital media to add breadth and depth to their chosen specialisation. Intensive studio or computer lab work focuses on specific media - for example, contemporary jewellery, fibre and fashion, digital design media (print, package, web, motion, and 3D animation), and 2D or 3D visual arts media (painting, printmaking, sculpture and carving).
To achieve the Bachelor of Applied Arts students must complete all course work, including all core modules, to a minimum of 360 credits.
Students can exit with the following qualifications:
- Diploma in Jewellery Design (level 5)
- Diploma in Digital Design (level 5)
- Diploma in Digital Design and Multimedia (level 6)
- Diploma in Visual Art (level 6)
Module outlines
Click the link below for detailed information about the modules in this programme.
Hours
Year 1 (Level 5) - 20 hours per week class contact.
Years 2 and 3 (Levels 6 and 7) - dependent on modules. Classes are scheduled between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Students are expected to pursue self-directed study of approximately 20 hours per week.
Course costs
All students receive a small allowance for printing and photocopying. Materials and equipment are provided in studios and computer labs. Depending on the module chosen, there may be additional costs. Students will be advised of these costs when applying to enrol in the module.
Facilities
Facilities include extensive studios for jewellery, print, paint, carving, photography, video and music production and performing arts, and PC computer labs. There are exhibition spaces at the Whitireia campus in Porirua and at the Dixon street campus in Wellington.
Entry Requirements
Whitireia Degree Requirements
A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher made up of:
- 14 credits in an approved Level 3 or higher subject
- 14 credits in a second approved Level 3 or higher subject
- 14 credits in no more than two other approved Level 3 subjects or domains
PLUS
- 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or te reo Māori with at least 4 credits in reading and 4 credits in writing
- 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in mathematics/pāngarau
Discretionary Entrance for students under 20 years of age
Students under 20 who have NCEA credits at Level 2 or higher but who do not meet the undergraduate degree requirements may apply for discretionary entrance. Each application will be assessed on its merits and entrance granted at the Dean's discretion:
- A minimum of 56 NCEA credits at Level 2 from no more than four subjects, including 8 credits at Level 2 in English or te reo Māori (4 credits reading and 4 credits writing)
- 14 credits at Level 1 in mathematics/pāngarau
- Supporting recommendation from the applicant's school or workplace
Entry requirements for students 20 years of age and over
- Meet the academic undergraduate degree requirements or equivalent or provide evidence of success in recent tertiary level study at Level 4 or above
- Previous work and life experience will be taken into account for mature students
Portfolio Requirements
All applicants must submit at enrolment an indicative portfolio of work showing ability in visual art/design.
Portfolios should be one of the following:
- NCEA Level 3 portfolio or equivalent personal portfolio
- Arts/Digital Media certificate programme portfolio
- Portfolio of personal work or any other relevant practical work
The portfolio may include a selection of the following:
- Sketchbooks/workbooks showing the development of ideas
- Drawings, including both working drawings and finished works
- Photographs, slides or CD-ROM files relevant to the applicant's field of study
- Finished works in the medium in which the applicant wishes to study
Portfolios will be examined for evidence of the applicants potential to develop the following attributes:
- Technical skills in major studio speciality areas
- Drawing skills
- Design processes and concept development