Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Design – PGDipDes
The Postgraduate Diploma in Design is an opportunity for you to upskill in creative practice, modern design technology and theory.
Extend your design speciality or explore new horizons. You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in fashion design, industrial design, photography, spatial design, textile design or visual communication design.
This qualification will give you an introduction to postgraduate research processes and contemporary design theory. You’ll push the boundaries of your design practice with a research-led independent project. You’ll also have elective courses and courses focused on creative entrepreneurship, exhibition or writing in the creative arts.
If you don’t have an honours degree this qualification can allow you to progress to postgraduate design study.
Get the full picture
Further study
This qualification is the same as the honours year of the Bachelor of Design with Honours. That means when you complete this qualification you can apply for a further postgraduate qualification such as the Master of Design.
A PGDipDes is a good fit if you:
- studied design at undergraduate level
- want to do a Master of Design but don’t have an honours degree
- want to develop your research and analysis skills.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
The Postgraduate Diploma in Design is a selected entry qualification. This means there are extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Design you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Design or equivalent, with an adequate grade point average
- submit a portfolio of design work
- take part in an interview if required.
Selection is based on your academic background, portfolio and interview (if required).
You must provide 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.
Late applications may be accepted, subject to available spaces.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- 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:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Design
The Postgraduate Diploma in Design has a focus on studio-based inquiry and the development of research skills.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Design is available without a specialisation.
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 course(s) from Schedule A – At least 15 credits
- Courses from Schedule B – 75 credits
- Elective course(s) from Schedule C – Up to 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 course selection (Choose at least 15 credits from)
Course code: 197465 Creative Leadership credits 15
In this course, students from a broad range of creative practices will work together to situate themselves within the spectrum of the creative industries. Serving their communities as creative leaders, students will apply research and innovation theories to business and social-enterprise practices in order to conceptualise, develop, and deliver a strategic offering for a defined audience.
View full course detailsCourse code: 213465 Exhibition credits 15
In this studio-based course students situate their creative practice through exhibition. Students work in a collaborative group to develop and realise an exhibition project. One of the key focus points for the course is students' growing understanding of the reality of public presentation of the creative output. This advanced programme of study will encourage discussion and critical reflection on diverse approaches to the exhibition of creative work and its relevance for a range of academic and/or professional contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 237465 Creative Exposition credits 15
In this course students will situate their creative practice through writing. They will extend and hone their critical, analytical and reflective skills through written exposition that focuses on projecting themselves and their practice externally. This advanced programme of study will encourage discussion on diverse approaches to creative research exposition and its relevance for a range of academic and/or professional contexts.
View full course detailsSchedule B
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.
Without Specialisation
Go beyond your bachelor’s degree and advance your design thinking with a Postgraduate Diploma in Design.
Schedule C: Elective courses
Course code: 197433 Designing Science Fiction credits 15
In this studio course students will, through a process of research-informed practice, investigate design issues particular to the science fiction genre. Students will explore and expand science fiction theory and practice in the development of an original production concept.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197434 Design Awards and Competitions credits 15
In this studio course you will develop a response to a top-level national or international design brief, award, or competition. You must apply for a specific offered module appropriate to your design specialisation or propose a competition brief to a supervising faculty member. All modules extend your skills in design research, conceptual development and advanced technical application, so that you can produce a high calibre award or competition entry.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197435 Design for Festivals and Events credits 15
This course focuses on developing creative work that responds to specific festival themes and locations. With a focus on practice and collaboration you will contextualise, define, develop and deliver creative outcomes for a specified festival or event.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197436 Play, Research and Design credits 15
Advanced design research informing the meaning and methodology of play within a social, cultural or technological context. This course focuses on the development of design strategies for the formation of original Play activities, games and experiences. Students will explore ways in which Play can engage users to participate in the experience of other perspectives and challenge their worldview through active participation in a multidisciplinary Play scenario.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197440 Contemporary Design Project 4A credits 15
Engagement with new thinking in contemporary design research through a specific lecturer-led project.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197441 Contemporary Design Project 4B credits 15
Engagement with new thinking in contemporary design research through a specific lecturer-led project.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197442 Contemporary Design Project 4C credits 15
Engagement with new thinking in contemporary design research through a specific lecturer-led project.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197443 Contemporary Design Project 4D credits 15
Engagement with new thinking in contemporary design research through a specific lecturer-led project.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197465 Creative Leadership credits 15
In this course, students from a broad range of creative practices will work together to situate themselves within the spectrum of the creative industries. Serving their communities as creative leaders, students will apply research and innovation theories to business and social-enterprise practices in order to conceptualise, develop, and deliver a strategic offering for a defined audience.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197470 Creative Ecologies credits 15
In this studio course students will investigate how understanding “ecology” can catalyse research that may transform a current social or environmental issue. This course will engage in practices that include behavioural change frameworks, transformation design and sustainable design. A student will self-select a topic that is independently researched and results in a speculative proposal.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197471 Social Interventions Through Design credits 15
In this studio course students will establish a critical position through theme based experimental projects exploring the intersection between diverse design practices. Students will work collaboratively and interdisciplinary to explore and combine unconventional communication design materials, methods and practices to creative interventions in public spaces.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197490 Design Special Topic A credits 15
Course code: 197495 Design Independent Study credits 15
Supervised independent student work on a negotiated design topic involving the setting of objectives, research and /or project work and the presentation of appropriate written and/or practical outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197499 Design Special Topic credits 30
Course code: 198463 Industrial Design Digital Representation credits 15
Digital design processes and their integration into design research.
View full course detailsCourse code: 198490 Industrial Design Special Topic C credits 15
Course code: 198495 Industrial Design Independent Study credits 15
Supervised independent student work on a negotiated industrial design topic involving the setting of objectives, research and /or project work and the presentation of relevant written and/or practical outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 212403 Apparel Production Research credits 15
In this studio course students will apply a research informed investigation of advanced apparel production processes. Students will expand their advanced technical knowledge through design exploration, sampling and prototyping.
View full course detailsCourse code: 212495 Fashion Design Independent Study credits 15
Supervised independent student work on a negotiated topic related to fashion or apparel involving the setting of objectives, research and /or project work and the presentation of appropriate written and/or practical outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 213411 Fine Arts Special Topic IV credits 15
Course code: 213464 Art in Context credits 15
The course will discuss, critique and apply a range of exhibition, dissemination and publication conventions and practices within the context of contemporary art including art galleries, social practice, temporary and permanent artworks, public art, publishing, screenings and events
View full course detailsCourse code: 213465 Exhibition credits 15
In this studio-based course students situate their creative practice through exhibition. Students work in a collaborative group to develop and realise an exhibition project. One of the key focus points for the course is students' growing understanding of the reality of public presentation of the creative output. This advanced programme of study will encourage discussion and critical reflection on diverse approaches to the exhibition of creative work and its relevance for a range of academic and/or professional contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 221456 Photography and the Archive credits 15
A studio-based course that examines photography's engagement with the 'archive' as a cultural repository. Students will investigate the social, political and historical uses of archives through photography.
View full course detailsCourse code: 221457 Photography and Visuality credits 15
A studio-based course that examines photography’s historical and contemporary relationships with vision and visuality. Students will discuss the impact of visual representations on contemporary life and they will develop this discussion through verbal presentations, written work and in the execution of a body of experimental photographic images.
View full course detailsCourse code: 221495 Photography Independent Study credits 15
Supervised independent student work on a negotiated topic related to photography involving the setting of objectives, research and/or project work and the presentation of appropriate written and/or practical outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 222408 Experiential Information Design credits 15
This course explores ways in which complex information can be interpreted and translated into sophisticated visual language through analytical and practical design enquiry.
View full course detailsCourse code: 222409 Contemporary Letterpress credits 15
In this studio course students will apply a visual research process of typography with historical and contemporary printing methods. Students will explore aesthetic and theoretical implications of hand presses, metal type, wood type and digital technologies in the creation of new hybrid visual communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 222417 Image and Identity credits 15
In this course students will explore how designers lead and manage the branding process for organisations by communicating with images and words. How an organisation presents itself can be called its identity. How different audiences perceive this is can be called its image. Students research, explore, and develop a flexible design system for an organisation by creating a dynamic brand experience that can adapt to visual, interactive, and sensory modes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 222425 Illustration Studio Practice credits 15
Advanced exploration and application of illustrative processes, methods and strategies to a range of complex issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 222449 Spatial Type credits 15
In this studio course students will apply a research-informed investigation of typography in spatial environments. Students will explore two and three dimensional typographic solutions that may include interpretive, navigational or informational typography.
View full course detailsCourse code: 222490 Visual Communication Design Special Topic D credits 15
Course code: 222491 Visual Communication Design Special Topic E credits 15
Course code: 222496 Visual Communication Design Special Topic F credits 15
Course code: 222499 Independent Visual Communication Design Study credits 15
Independent student work is undertaken on an approved course of study involving research and/or project work in visual communication design.
View full course detailsCourse code: 223411 Embroidered Textiles credits 15
Students will explore embroidery and advanced technologies for the production of innovative fashion textiles.
View full course detailsCourse code: 223412 Sustainable Colouration credits 15
Students will explore contemporary design concepts using sustainable dye processing and advanced technology to colour and pattern textiles.
View full course detailsCourse code: 223490 Textile Design Special Topic C credits 15
Course code: 223495 Textile Design Independent Study credits 15
Supervised independent student work on a negotiated topic related to textile design involving the setting of objectives, research and/or project work and the presentation of appropriate written and/or practical outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 224490 Spatial Design Special Topic C credits 15
The course focuses on particular aspects of advanced Spatial Design. Offerings change from year to year or may not be offered in a particular year.
View full course detailsCourse code: 224495 Spatial Design Independent Study credits 15
Supervised independent student work on a negotiated topic related to spatial design involving the setting of objectives, research and/or project work and the presentation of appropriate written and/or practical outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 237417 Māori Art and Design Studio IV - Toi Atea credits 30
An advanced course to focus and refine visual language and personal tikanga through negotiated projects that explore topics of direct reference to Māori people and their communities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 237465 Creative Exposition credits 15
In this course students will situate their creative practice through writing. They will extend and hone their critical, analytical and reflective skills through written exposition that focuses on projecting themselves and their practice externally. This advanced programme of study will encourage discussion on diverse approaches to creative research exposition and its relevance for a range of academic and/or professional contexts.
View full course detailsFees 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.
- 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
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees 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.
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.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz