Program Overview

Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice has been designed for musicians, dramatists, performing and visual artists, designers, film makers, writers, directors, and other professional creatives who wish to take their first foray into postgraduate study. It will enable you to advance your creative practice and develop knowledge and specialist skills, beyond those gained through your undergraduate degree.

What will I study

As a student of this programme, you'll have the opportunity to use reflection on creative and critical theory to initiate and develop an area of interest into a supervised research project within a domain of practice. You'll also develop and apply advanced knowledge of theories and worldviews, including Te Ao Māori, in relation to a domain of research and creative practice.

Pathway

• Duration: FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
• Level: 8
• Credits: 120
• Type: Postgraduate
• Code: CH4078
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: Please enquire
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part time: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,085 - $8,995 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree followed by relevant work or professional experience, or a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant subject area, or a Bachelor Honours degree.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants are required to undertake course advisement with an Ara staff member and complete a for postgraduate study application form.

Alternative Requirements

• Applicants unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry requirements, but who can demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate work or professional experience, may be approved for alternative entry.

English Requirements

• Overall IELTS: 6.5 Academic
  • 6.0 Listening
  • 6.0 Reading
  • 6.0 Writing
  • 6.0 Speaking

Core courses

• Contemporary Theory: PGCP801, 30 credits
• Practice-Based Research Methods: PGCP802, 30 credits
• Research Project: PGCP803, 60 credits

Career opportunities

The creative careers supported by this qualification can lead to rewarding work in the fields of visual art, design, film making and animation, photography, fashion, broadcast media, music production, music performance, and theatre, among others.

Study pathways

Further study options include the Master of Creative Practice at Ara, a Master in Arts or Fine Arts, or a teacher education qualification.

COVID-19 vaccination information

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Documents

• Admission & Enrolment Form: PDF, 427 KB
• International Application Form: PDF, 358 KB

Area of Interest

• Art and Design
• Music
• Music Theatre (NASDA)