Description

* First Academic Year:

The course is modeled on the working environments of top creative agencies. Students prepare for situations they will encounter in their careers, building confidence and an industry perspective that cannot be taught in a typical class setting.

In the process of working with industry based briefs the students become skilled in working with the software. They receive an introduction to hardware and the primary software packages used by industry practitioners: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign and Acrobat Professional.

Colour theory, design principles, marketing and problem solving skills are all components covered at great length throughout the first year of the course. Print production techniques prepare students for commercial printing and correct file management.

The first year recognises the broarder abilities required by top level design creatives, by incorporating the study of art history and photography. Students are also required to conceptualise with the use of visual and contextual diaries.

* Second Academic Year:

Preparing students for life in the industry is the primary focus of the second year. The second year builds on the skills and theory learned in the first year but the emphasis moves from the technology and design foundation skills to advanced design, problem solving and more complex technical expertise. Students work closely, one-on-one with tutors in the development of major projects and explore conceptualising and problem solving methods.

The second year is structured to include a comprehensive range of industry wide based briefs to encourage the students to be flexible in their responses.

One-on-one tutoring is focused on responding to individual needs while giving a high quality critique to further develop critical thinking. Practical skills will be promoted through in-class tutorials based around relevant software programmes. This plus the tutorial based teaching will address individual learning needs while building a technical knowledge base.

The course includes more advanced use of software and skills as well as drawing, marketing and consumer profiling, photography, art history, pre-press production and file management - the technical preparation of files for print production.

Students are expected to demonstrate highly developed practical skills in the production of multi-page documents, campaign driven brand development, 'live' industry briefs, corporate identity, illustration, packaging and logo development.

Following the Diploma of Communication Arts and Design, students can go on to Diploma of Art (Advanced) and then apply to enter the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree through Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design.

Career Opportunities:

Graphic designers - advertising agencies, design studios, in-house company design departments, print companies, publishing, newspaper, industry. Freelance designer / illustrator.

Academic Pathways:

Graduates have gone on to study: Washington School of Design, USA (Masters of Design); Wanganui

School of Design (Bachelor of Design); Massey University (Bachelor of Design); Christchurch Polytechnic

Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Design); Whitecliffe College of Art and Design (Bachelor of Fine Arts).

Entry Requirements:

Portfolio and interview. NCEA Level 2 (High School Year 12) or equivalent. English language entry requirements, IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.

Highlights

Individual Course Components:

First Academic Year - computer practical, basic design, colour theory, typography, drawing, production, graphic design, design history, photography.

Second Academic Year - computer practical, graphic design, typography, drawing, production, business studies, design history, photography, portfolio development, internship.

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

approx 12,929.4

Program Fees Include:

1 academic year of tuition fee

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Year Founded

1983