Program Overview

Diploma in Design Tītohu mō te Hoahoa

The Diploma in Design Tītohu mō te Hoahoa is a one-year program that provides an alternative pathway into Auckland University of Technology (AUT). This diploma is designed for individuals who are passionate about design but may not be entirely sure what to expect from university studies or have missed out on getting into their desired degree program.

Program Overview

The Diploma in Design Tītohu mō te Hoahoa allows students to become familiar with different areas of design and prepares them for further study. Students take the same courses as first-year bachelor's degree students and study in a supportive environment. Upon completion of the diploma, students can cross-credit their courses and transfer to the second year of the Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa, enabling them to complete their chosen bachelor's degree in three years.

Quick Facts

• Programme code: AK3640
• Level: 5
• Points: 120
• Duration: 1 year full-time / part-time available
• Campus: City Campus
• Start date: 22 February 2027

Fees

• Domestic: $9,411.60 (for 120 points), comprising $8,190 tuition fees and $1,221.60 student services levy
• International: $43,521.60 (for 120 points), comprising $42,300 tuition fees and $1,221.60 student services levy
  • Fees are subject to change year to year.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition, while domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion being funded by the New Zealand Government.
  • Fees-free study may be available for domestic students.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

• For New Zealand Qualifications:
  • University Entrance OR
  • 42 NCEA credits at Level 3, including UE literacy and numeracy, with:
    • 10 credits in each of 3 approved subjects, OR
    • 12 credits in each of 2 approved subjects and 14 credits across 2 further subjects.
• For Qualifications from Another Country:
  • See entry requirements for students from other countries.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and a minimum of 5 in other bands, or equivalent.

What You Study

Students become familiar with different design methods and processes, and the history and theories of design. They also build academic writing, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to give them confidence for further study.

Courses

• Compulsory Courses:
  • DESN511 Introduction to Design Practice (30 points)
  • DESN512 Making and Media (15 points)
  • DIGD507 Mahitahi | Collaborative Practices (15 points)
• Elective Courses:
  • Choose one of:
    • DIGD511 Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design Practice I (30 points)
    • FASD511 Fashion Design Practice I (30 points)
    • GRAD511 Communication Design Practice I (30 points)
    • INRD511 Interaction Design Practice I (30 points)
    • PRDD511 Industrial Design Practice I (30 points)
    • SPAD511 Spatial Design Practice I (30 points)
  • Choose two from:
    • ARDN501 The Fundamentals of Filmmaking (15 points)
    • ARDN502 Introduction to Creative Business (15 points)
    • ARDN504 Introduction to Social and Environmental Justice (15 points)
    • ARDN505 Digital Fabrication I: 2D to 3D (15 points)
    • ARDN511 The Traveller: Site-Related Practices (15 points)
    • ARDN514 Pattern Systems (15 points)
    • ARDN516 The Image (15 points)
    • ARDN517 Experimental Surface Design I (15 points)
    • ARDN540 Introduction to Drawing, Motion and Animation (15 points)
    • ARDN541 Introduction to Extended Reality (15 points)
    • ARDN542 Finding Your Own Voice (15 points)
    • DESN513 Healthy Futures - Good Health Design (15 points)
    • DIGD506 Motion Capture I (15 points)
    • LSKL500 Uni101 (15 points)

Related Programs

• Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa: Because students study the same first-year courses as bachelor's degree students, they can move into the second year of the Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa once they've completed this diploma.

Student Testimonials

Jess MacDonald, a freelance designer and alumni of the Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design, shares her experience of being a creative person and how the program helped her achieve her goals.