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Bachelor of Design + Digital Media

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design, New Zealand
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Course Overview

The Bachelor of Design & Digital Media at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a dynamic and innovative course that prepares students for a career in the exciting field of digital media. This course offers a unique blend of design and technology, providing students with the skills and knowledge required to create engaging and interactive digital experiences. Students will learn about the principles of design, user experience (UX) design, web development, and multimedia production, as well as the latest trends and technologies in the industry. With a focus on practical applications and real-world projects, students will develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.

Additional Information

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is located in the heart of Auckland, providing students with access to a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The college has a strong reputation for producing creative and innovative graduates, and its state-of-the-art facilities offer the perfect environment for learning and growth. Students will benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals and potential employers.

Unlock Your Creative Potential at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is the perfect choice for students looking to pursue a career in digital media. With its commitment to creativity, innovation, and practical application, this course provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. The college's location in Auckland also offers access to a thriving arts and cultural scene, providing students with endless opportunities for inspiration and growth.

Why You Should Study This Course

The degree is anchored within the three pillars of design innovation to ensure graduates are equipped to enter employment, or entrepreneurial ventures, with a sound foundation in critically, creatively, and connectedness.

For any design solution to be both innovative and impactful for its intended audience, it must be Desirable, Feasible, and Viable. First, design solutions must meet the neds of the stakeholder, client, or customer, to be desirable. Secondly, the design must be assessed objectively for its branding, customer service, technological, financial, and collaborative capabilities to be feasible. Finally, the design solution must be viable and fit the client's business model. Of equal importance, the design solution should be sustainable and add value commercially, socio-economically, and culturally.

The three pillars of design innovation are mirrored in the courses over the three years of study.

General Eligibility

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including NCEA Level 3; 14 credits each in three approved subjects and UE Literacy (NCEA Level 2 or above; 10 credits with 5 credits each in reading and writing) and UE Numeracy (NCEA Level 1 or above; 10 credits
    OR

  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above and the equivalent of UE Literacy and Numeracy
    OR

  • New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
    OR

  • New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)
    OR

  • A New Zealand or overseas qualification assessed to be equivalent to the above by the Head of School
    OR

  • Passes in other certificate/diploma qualifications or courses as considered appropriate by the Head of School

  • Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be eligible for admission with approval from the Head of School*

  • *Under delegation, the HoS will consider qualifications, programmes, and courses, domestic and international by analysing:

    • the course learning outcomes, assessment, and content

    • the provider accreditation status

    • the applicants' grade report or transcript

    If deemed necessary, to ascertain suitability and capability the HoS will conduct an interview to gauge the applicants' commitment to pursue study and potential for a successful outcome.

International Student Entry Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • Passport copy

  • Minimum age: International students must be at least 18 years of age during their first semester of study.

  • IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent

  • University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including NCEA Level 3; 14 credits each in three approved subjects and UE Literacy (NCEA Level 2 or above; 10 credits with 5 credits each in reading and writing) and UE Numeracy (NCEA Level 1 or above; 10 credits

OR

  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above and the equivalent of UE Literacy and Numeracy

OR

  • New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

OR

  • New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)

OR

  • A New Zealand or overseas qualification assessed to be equivalent to the above by the Head of School

OR

  • Passes in other certificate/diploma qualifications or courses as considered appropriate by the Head of School

  • Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be eligible for admission with approval from the Head of School*

  • *Under delegation, the HoS will consider qualifications, programmes, and courses, domestic and international by analysing:

    • the course learning outcomes, assessment, and content

    • the provider accreditation status

    • the applicants' grade report or transcript

    If deemed necessary, to ascertain suitability and capability the HoS will conduct an interview to gauge the applicants' commitment to pursue study and potential for a successful outcome.

  • Full-time study: International students enrolled in a degree or higher-level programme, including low residence and/or online or blended learning delivery, will be required to enrol into 60 credits per semester and meet the attendance requirements of the programme.

What You'll Study

1 Year 1

Students are encouraged to explore Design Fundamentals examining typography, grids, layout, hierarchy of visual needs, print, and digital processes. Coupled with this is Design Context where students will research, analyse, and reflect on major historical eras of influence including historical socio-political movements. There is an introduction to Design Thinking as a strategic methodology and problem solving process.

Keeping in mind the ever-changing landscape of design in the digital age, students will learn in Coding Fundamentals the elements and what it means to write code and concepts, techniques, and strategies to produce media design artefacts. They will also look at Digital Technologies being able to develop knowledge, methods, and skills related to the processes of digital imaging, photography, and video production, as well as learn the fundamental knowledge and technical skills related to Motion Design production and distribution.

Also in Year One, students will be introduced to theories and principles of Interactive Design with a focus on user experience design. In Studio I students will gain design experience through research and creative exploration within a specific problem.

2 Year 2

Building on the knowledge learned in Year One, students continue with Design Context II where they explore and learn the theory and practice that sits behind brand development, creation, values, techniques, positioning, context, influence, and cultural significance. Design Thinking II will enable students to broaden their strategic perspective and find novel and interesting opportunities for innovation.

In Motion Design II students will further develop their knowledge and skills and take a step further into the world of 3D animation while Interaction Design II has students developing simple interactive pieces and progressively produce more complex assets using multiple assets using multiple design concepts and principles.

During Emerging and Future Design Technologies, students will learn to embrace everything from Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning to Hybrid Reality (AR/VR/MR) and the Internet of Things, using them as tools to improve design outcomes.

Studio II exposes students to the wider influence of design through the creative process to generate positive, meaningful, and lasting change, improve lives, and making our world a better place. It will enable them to become social change agents in the social, cultural, and community space through holistic approaches to design solutions.

3 Year 3

In response to industry feedback, students will also embrace Entrepreneurship I during which they will explore developing their own business by taking a creative idea and making it viable, relatable, and sustainable. An important part of this course is guidance to develop their own personal brand and reflect on where they think they will fit best and develop a portfolio that will focus on their insight into specific strengths and weaknesses, their self-promotional and communication skills, and awareness of how they could fit into the industry as professionals. With Entrepreneurship II students will design in the context of what is achievable business-wise and where design intersects with the business world and how it adds value and changes the world by solving big and wicked problems. This course will delve into enterprise-level technology and explore the ways in which businesses use disruptive technologies to support growth. Through a series of case studies and research, students will investigate what it means to provide entrepreneurial and innovative solutions, additional as to what is required to create a successful start-up.

This is the year where everything is pulled together to create a design that is the first research in Studio IIIA where they will document a proof of concept and the resulting research that will explore the viability, feasibility, and desirability of the project. Students will gain practical experience in the adoption of new concepts, processes, and techniques through the completion of a research project proposal and prototype. The proposal requires students to visualise and explain their development processes, personal design approaches, and ongoing implementation plan, which will inform how they will innovate in Studio IIIB, where the rubber hits the road.

The overarching goal of the Bachelor of Design + Digital Media is to ensure students are work-ready and employable within their chosen field.

Language Requirement

  • IELTS5.5
  • TOEFL59
  • PTE50
  • Duolingo69

IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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