Graduate Diploma in Design – GDipDes

Develop your technical skills and learn to think like a designer.

Type of qualification

Graduate diploma

Level of study

Graduate study

Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.

More about study levels

NZQF level 7

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

1 year full-time (120 credits)
Part-time available

Where you can study

Wellington campus

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Note: Selected entry programme

Study a Graduate Diploma in Design – GDipDes

The Graduate Diploma in Design is an opportunity for people who have already completed a degree to add an additional subject area to their learning.

You’ll be studying with other design students in courses at 200, 300 and 400 level across these majors offered in the Bachelor of Design with Honours. These are:

  • concept design
  • fashion design
  • industrial design
  • photography
  • spatial design
  • textile design
  • visual communication design.

In studio classes you’ll be immersed in hands-on doing and making as well as discussion and debate. You’ll hone your creative problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. You’ll also develop specialist design capabilities at an advanced level.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.   

To enter the Graduate Diploma in Design you will:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent
  • demonstrated equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience.

You will also need to provide the following:

  • a portfolio of work to show you are at the standard necessary to undertake work up to 300-level and beyond
  • copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

Application closing date

Applications close on 30 November for study commencing the following year.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

If you complete this qualification within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.

Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this qualification.

More information

  • Read the regulations for this qualification thoroughly
  • Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

 

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations or this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Design

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

The Graduate Diploma in Design does not include specialisations, but you can include courses from:

  • concept design
  • fashion design
  • industrial design
  • photography
  • spatial design
  • textile design
  • visual communication design.

Courses and specialisations

Key terms

Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit summary

120 credits

  • Core courses – 30 credits
  • Part B courses – 60 credits
  • Courses from the Schedule – 30 credits

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Schedule A: Core courses (Choose 30 credits from)

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 197339 Transformation: Discourse in Design 15 credits

From the design of serving communities, to processes, to the necessity of embracing the health of our planet, this course encourages students to independently explore and appraise a range of ideas that critically examine how contemporary design is shaped by cultural, ethical, moral, commercial, ecological and technological complexity.

Prerequisites: 197239 OR 289200 OR 237231 OR 133257 OR 150206 Restrictions: 237330

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Course code: 197388 Creative Communities 15 credits

Students from a broad range of creative practices will work together to explore conceptual and strategic dimensions of professional practice through engagement with experts from the creative sector. Students will develop an understanding of their position as creative citizens within a broader community.

Prerequisites: 75 Credits at 200 Level Restrictions: 198481, 212425, 221382, 222382, 223425, 224382

View full course details
Course code: 197390 Professional Cultures in Design 3 15 credits

Develop skills and knowledge for a future career in design. Students will be supported in developing professionalism within the context of designer-client relationships.

Prerequisites: One of: 213270 298260 289250 197290 133280 Restrictions: 289350 298360 133380 213370

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Course code: 237331 Critical Understandings of Contemporary Art 15 credits

This course examines and appraises ideas that contribute to a critical understanding of contemporary art. Students will evaluate a range of content in relation to their own creative practice as well as the wider contemporary art world. The relation between artists and their processes and approaches will be explored through topics such as race, gender, intersectionality, decolonisation, popular culture, politics, social justice, and others.

Prerequisites: 15 credits from 237231, 289200, 150206, 133257, 197239

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Course code: 298330 Cosmological Narratives within Māori Creative Expression 15 credits

This advanced-level course delves into the intricate relationship between Māori cosmological narratives and their dynamic manifestation within contemporary Māori creative expression. Through an interdisciplinary exploration that encompasses art, design, music, theatre, and dance, students will analyse the evolving role of cosmological narratives, connecting traditional wisdom to modern artistic innovation.

Prerequisites: 1 of 150206; 237230; 237231; 133257; 289200

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Course code: 298360 Mātauranga Toi Māori 3: Creative Innovation and Community Leadership 15 credits

This course propels students into the realm of Māori Arts Innovation and Community Leadership. By synthesizing foundational knowledge with advanced theoretical frameworks, innovative artistic projects, and community leadership principles, students will refine their skills as Māori Arts Practitioners and actively contribute to the evolution of Māori arts practices within a contemporary context.

Prerequisites: one of: 213270 or 298260 or 289250 or 197290 or 133280 Restrictions: 289350 133380 197390 213370

View full course details

Schedule B: Core Studio Selection (Choose 60 credits from)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 198357 Design Studio IIIA (Industrial) 30 credits

In this studio course students will establish a critical position through individual or collaborative creative exploration and articulation. With opportunities for varied contextual applications, students will consolidate and expand industrial design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.

Prerequisites: 198258 Restrictions: 198354

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Course code: 198358 Product and Industrial Design 3.3: Definitive Design Practice 30 credits

In this studio students develop and realise a complex project to demonstrate proficiency in Product and Industrial Design. Students work within a defined thematic using appropriate practice methods to advance and resolve complex design challenges to produce high-quality tangible outputs. In this milestone project students gain independence, demonstrate multifaceted problem solving skills and showcase their design skill set and practice.

Prerequisites: 15 credits from 198367 or 198368 Restrictions: 198355

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Course code: 212357 Design Studio IIIA (Fashion) 30 credits

In this studio course students will establish a critical position through individual or collaborative creative exploration and articulation. With opportunities for varied contextual applications, students will consolidate and expand fashion design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.

Prerequisites: 212258 Restrictions: 212317

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Course code: 212358 Fashion Design 3.3: Creative Fashion Exploration and Refinement 30 credits

Students will establish their critical position as a designer and identify a context that informs the development of their fashion design outcome, using a variety of materials which may include high stretch knit, woven and non-woven fabrics.

Prerequisites: 212367 or 212368 Restrictions: 212310

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Course code: 221357 Design Studio IIIA (Photography) 30 credits

In this studio course students will establish a critical position through individual creative exploration and articulation. With opportunities for varied contextual applications, students will consolidate and expand photographic concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.

Prerequisites: 221258 Restrictions: 221370

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Course code: 221358 Photography Studio 3.3: Extended Photographic Practice 30 credits

Negotiating a critical position through an individual creative project, you will apply your specialist skills to a selected photographic context. In addition to extending photographic concepts, skills and processes in the production of personal creative work, you will develop and apply transferable skills relevant to creative environments. Content includes collaborative practices and output strategies relevant to future pathways. addition to advancing photographic concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work, students will develop and apply transferable skills relevant to professional environments.

Prerequisites: 221367 OR 221368

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Course code: 222357 Design Studio IIIA (Visual Communication) 30 credits

In this studio course students will establish a critical position through individual or collaborative creative exploration and articulation. With opportunities for varied contextual applications, students will consolidate and expand visual communication design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.

Prerequisites: 222258 Restrictions: 222301, 222303, 222310, 222320, 222330, 222340, 222355, 222370

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Course code: 222358 Visual Communication Design 3.5: Design for Social Change 30 credits

In this course, students will develop a deep understanding of human-centered design processes that respond to the needs, preferences, and behaviours of the target audience. Students will create an innovative design strategy to address a societal issue. This course has broad appeal, offering students a high level of creative independence and an opportunity to focus on their specific area of design interest. Students are also encouraged to consider their role as a designer and how they can contribute to society in a meaningful way.

Prerequisites: 15 credits from 222367, 222368, 222369, 222372 Restrictions: 222302, 222303, 222311, 222321, 222331, 222341, 222356, 222371

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Course code: 223357 Design Studio IIIA (Textiles) 30 credits

In this studio course students will establish a critical position through individual or collaborative creative exploration and articulation. With opportunities for varied contextual applications, students will consolidate and expand textile design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.

Prerequisites: 223258 Restrictions: 223320, 223403

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Course code: 223358 Textile Design 3.3: Studio Collections 30 credits

In this studio students will design a collection to connect with a specific audience. With opportunities for varied contextual applications, students will consolidate and expand textile design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.

Prerequisites: 223367 OR 223368 Restrictions: 223303

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Course code: 224357 Design Studio IIIA (Spatial) 30 credits

In this studio course students will establish a critical position through individual or collaborative creative exploration and articulation. With opportunities for varied contextual applications, students will consolidate and expand spatial design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.

Prerequisites: 224258 Restrictions: 224351, 224361

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Course code: 224358 Spatial Design 3.3: Advanced Spatial Practices 30 credits

In this studio course students will further develop their understanding of spatial ecologies. Students will consolidate and apply their individual spatial practice towards the design of a comprehensive spatial design proposition. In addition to advancing theoretical and practical approaches, techniques and skills in the production of their creative work, students will attain transferable skills relevant to professional environments.

Prerequisites: 224367 or 224368 Restrictions: 224352, 224371

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Course code: 296357 Design Studio IIIA (Concept) 30 credits

In this studio course students will establish a critical position through individual or collaborative creative exploration and articulation. With opportunities for varied contextual applications, students will consolidate and expand concept design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.

Prerequisites: 296258

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Course code: 296358 Concept Design 3.3: Developing Imaginary Worlds 30 credits

Students will use worldbuilding and storytelling techniques to generate an original entertainment property that examines a contemporary wicked problem through a Science Fiction or Fantasy lens. Through the development and realisation of an advanced concept design project students will develop an understanding of the culture, ecosystem, technology and inhabitants of their world.

Prerequisites: 296367 or 296368

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Course code: 298367 Toi Atea 3 15 credits

Developing visual responses to the exploration of issues (social, political, environmental, global) significant to Māori people and their communities.

Prerequisites: 298263

View full course details

Schedule C: Elective courses (Choose 30 credits from)

Any 200- or 300-level courses from the College of Creative Arts (Prefixes: 133, 197, 198, 212, 213, 221, 222, 223, 224, 237, 289, 296, 298)

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Accreditations and rankings

QS Ranking - Art & Design

College of Creative Arts – Toi Rauwhārangi ranks in the global top 150 for art and design by QS World University Rankings.

Learn more

Red Dot Design ranking

Ranked 3rd in Asia-Pacific by International Red Dot Design Awards, the only design school to be ranked in New Zealand and Australia. This significant achievement recognises the high calibre of our teaching staff and the exceptional quality of our students' design concept work.

Learn more

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