Our Wellington and Manawatū campuses are open, Auckland remains closed at AL3. More information.
Overview
Develop your technical skills and learn to think like a designer.
Level
- Graduate, NZQF Level 7
Campus
- Wellington
Credits
- 120
Duration
- 1 year(s) full-time. Available. part-time.
International
- Available for international students studying in NZ
Other
- Selected entry programme
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:
- 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.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
This programme is a selected entry programme. 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
- verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
Application closing date
If you are a new-to-Massey student, applications for this programme close on 30 November 2021.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
- English Language Proficiency
- Foundation Certificate in Academic English
- Foundation Certificate in Advanced Academic English
- Full Foundation - Certificate in Foundation Studies
Summer School
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
120 credits
- Part A compulsory courses – 30 credits
- Part B courses from one endorsement – 60 credits
- Part C electives from the Part C Schedule – 30 credits
Ensure you have at least 75 credits from one endorsement (course prefix)
Courses for this programme
Part A: Core courses
| 30 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 197388 | Creative Communities | 15 |
| 237330 | Creative Cultures & Ideas | 15 |
| 237331 | Creative Cultures & Display | 15 |
Part B: Core Endorsement courses
| 60 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 198357 | Design Studio IIIA (Industrial) | 30 |
| 198358 | Design Studio IIIB (Industrial) | 30 |
| 212357 | Design Studio IIIA (Fashion) | 30 |
| 212358 | Design Studio IIIB (Fashion) | 30 |
| 221357 | Design Studio IIIA (Photography) | 30 |
| 221358 | Design Studio IIIB (Photography) | 30 |
| 222357 | Design Studio IIIA (Visual Communication) | 30 |
| 222358 | Design Studio IIIB (Visual Communication) | 30 |
| 223357 | Design Studio IIIA (Textiles) | 30 |
| 223358 | Design Studio IIIB (Textiles) | 30 |
| 224357 | Design Studio IIIA (Spatial) | 30 |
| 224358 | Design Studio IIIB (Spatial) | 30 |
Part C: Elective courses
| 30 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 197211 | Rapid Ideation | 15 |
| 197228 | Contemporary Design Project A | 15 |
| 197229 | Contemporary Design Project 2A | 15 |
| 197238 | Interaction and Interface I | 15 |
| 197270 | Creative Ecologies I | 15 |
| 197291 | Art and Design: Special Topic II | 15 |
| 197331 | Contemporary Design Project B | 15 |
| 197332 | Contemporary Design Project C | 15 |
| 197338 | Interaction and Interface II | 15 |
| 197370 | Creative Ecologies II | 15 |
| 197379 | Service and Experience Design | 15 |
| 197383 | Internship | 15 |
| 198212 | Product Design Visualisation | 15 |
| 198213 | Furniture Design | 15 |
| 198308 | Industrial Design Special Topic A | 15 |
| 198315 | Product Development | 15 |
| 198320 | Open Design & Digital Fabrication | 15 |
| 212200 | Garment Block Pattern Drafting and Grading | 15 |
| 212226 | Fashion Communication | 15 |
| 212228 | Fashion Special Topic A | 15 |
| 212304 | Drape for Design | 15 |
| 212309 | Contoured and Knit Apparel | 15 |
| 212321 | Digital Applications for Fashion Production | 15 |
| 212328 | Fashion Special Topic B | 15 |
| 213211 | Fine Arts Special Topic II | 15 |
| 213254 | Drawing in Practice | 15 |
| 213255 | Drawing the Body II | 15 |
| 213256 | Contemporary Art Projects A | 15 |
| 213257 | Contemporary Art Projects B | 15 |
| 213258 | Contemporary Art Projects C | 15 |
| 213259 | Contemporary Art Projects D | 15 |
| 213260 | Fine Arts Special Topic IIB | 30 |
| 213261 | Contemporary Art Projects F | 15 |
| 213262 | Contemporary Art Projects G | 15 |
| 213263 | Contemporary Art Projects H | 15 |
| 213264 | Contemporary Art Projects I | 15 |
| 213265 | Contemporary Art Projects J | 15 |
| 213311 | Fine Arts Special Topic III | 15 |
| 213356 | Contemporary Art Projects E | 15 |
| 213358 | Fine Arts Internship | 15 |
| 213359 | Contemporary Art Projects K | 15 |
| 213360 | Fine Arts Special Topic IIIB | 30 |
| 221220 | Photography and the Studio | 15 |
| 221221 | Photography and Digital Practices I | 15 |
| 221222 | Photography and the Darkroom | 15 |
| 221291 | Photography Special Topic A | 15 |
| 221320 | Photography and the Body | 15 |
| 221321 | Photography and Digital Practices II | 15 |
| 221391 | Photography Special Topic B | 15 |
| 222208 | Letterpress | 15 |
| 222215 | Brand Communication | 15 |
| 222225 | Narrative Illustration | 15 |
| 222232 | Illustrated Characters | 15 |
| 222248 | Typographic Systems | 15 |
| 222312 | Art Direction | 15 |
| 222313 | Copywriting | 15 |
| 222326 | Sequential Art | 15 |
| 222333 | Concept Design for Imaginary Worlds | 15 |
| 222347 | Editorial Design | 15 |
| 222348 | Narrative Information Design | 15 |
| 222390 | Visual Communication Design Special Topic A | 15 |
| 223207 | Materials Lab | 15 |
| 223211 | Fashion Textiles | 15 |
| 223301 | Contemporary Wallcoverings | 15 |
| 223312 | Textile Print Project | 15 |
| 223328 | Textile Design Special Topic B | 15 |
| 224204 | Design for Performance | 15 |
| 224205 | Design for Display | 15 |
| 224302 | Spatial Design Special Topic A | 15 |
| 224306 | Game Space | 15 |
| 237211 | Māori Visual and Material Culture - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237217 | Māori Art and Design Studio IIA - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237218 | Māori Art and Design Studio IIB - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237230 | Creative Cultures & Contexts I | 15 |
| 237231 | Creative Cultures & Contexts II | 15 |
| 237317 | Māori Art and Design Studio IIIA - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237318 | Māori Art and Design Studio IIIB - Toi Atea | 15 |
Planning your programme
Planning overview
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Endorsements available for the Graduate Diploma in Design are:
- fashion design
- industrial design
- photography
- spatial design
- textile design
- visual communication design
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this programme 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 programme.
More information
- Read the regulations for this programme thoroughly
- Contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
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.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Accreditations and rankings
Massey University's College of Creative Arts is ranked as one of the Top 100 art and design schools in the world by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds).
The Wellington School of Design is ranked Number 3 in Asia–Pacific for design concept by Red Dot—the only Australasian university in the top ten.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
Undergraduate programmes
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
Enrolling in courses
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study.
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
About electives
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
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 programme 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 programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Scholarships and awards
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.