Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Photography for your Postgraduate Diploma in Design at Massey
The Postgraduate Diploma in Design is an opportunity for you to upskill in creative practice, modern photographic skills, technology and theory.
Extend your design speciality or explore new horizons
Studying photography at Massey, you’ll be taught by phenomenal photographers and designers, and learn alongside other aspiring photographers in a challenging yet supportive environment.
Join the ranks of Massey photography graduates whose careers span the range from fine art to commercial, photojournalism to fashion photography.
Use state of the art digital suites and printers with technical support, and explore alternative and historical wet-based photographic processes.
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 it you can apply for a further postgraduate qualification such as the Master of Design.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Design in Photography is a good fit if you:
- studied photography at undergraduate level
- want to do a Master of Design or Master of Fine Arts but don’t have an honours degree
- want to develop your research and analysis skills.
Planning information
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.
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.
Courses you can enrol in
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.
Compulsory Courses
Course code: 221453 Photography Research and Development 30 credits
Research methods, practices and processes for Photographic Design and their application.
View full course detailsCourse code: 221454 Photography Research Project 45 credits
Application and development of research to an independent Photographic Design project.
View full course detailsEntry 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 2023.
Late applications may be accepted, subject to available space.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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.
- 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
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.
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.
Related study options
Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts – BMVA
Unique to Massey University, the Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts encompasses contemporary Māori art, Māori language, Māori culture, and tikanga.
Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts – GradDipSCA
Develop your technical skills and learn to think like a professional in the screen arts sector.
Master of Design – MDes
In the Master of Design, you’ll produce innovative and responsive design work that is thoroughly grounded in design research methodologies and expertly realised.
Master of Māori Visual Arts – MMVA
Challenge your own toi Māori practice, and learn from and be inspired by leading artists.
Photography – Bachelor of Design with Honours
Great photographers shake us, shift our perceptions and entice us to see things differently. Learn from leading photographers and develop your technical skills with our professional cameras and specialist studios and labs.
Photography – Graduate Diploma in Design
Develop your photography skills and learn to think like a designer.
Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts – PGDipMVA
Toioho ki Āpiti (the Māori visual arts programme at Massey) welcomes all indigenous and Pākehā artists.
Postgraduate Diploma in Screen Arts – PGDipScreenArts
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz