Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design was established in 1982 and is New Zealand’s leading private Arts and Design Tertiary Institution. All qualifications conferred by Whitecliffe are New Zealand Qualification Authority approved. The spacious, secure and modern campus is located in Parnell, which is a few minutes walk from Central Auckland.
Whitecliffe is a dedicated Arts and Design tertiary institution
with a roll of 450 students in both postgraduate and undergraduate
studies who thrive in the supportive and encouraging environment. Of
this number, currently 7% are international students.
The Faculty at Whitecliffe are experienced lecturers and tutors who are artists and designers in their own right. Whitecliffe graduates are acknowledged for their innovation, individuality of design and for their creative thinking skills. One of the most important things to know about Whitecliffe is that although all required technical skills are included in the programmes students are also expected to have a unique point of view and to produce and design individual work.
Whitecliffe is recognised for its support of all students and in particular, international student welfare is overseen by the International Student Coordinator.
International students are integrated into the main student body, however Whitecliffe Faculty and International student support staff are aware of the particular issues faced by students who are studying away from home. Whitecliffe provides social opportunities for International students to meet and to get to know the staff who oversee their welfare.
Venturing into tertiary study at a new institution can feel rather daunting at times. Whitecliffe provides facilities, services, support and advice to help you adjust and to provide you with a positive and successful learning experience. One of the strengths of Whitecliffe is that we have a small and supportive community. It does not take very long for students to find their way around the campus and get to know staff and fellow students by name.
Whitecliffe is a degree conferring institution
Whitecliffe is the only New Zealand owned, degree conferring private arts and design tertiary institution in New Zealand. Exit qualifications are available at each level of the Foundation and BFA degree. Whitecliffe also offers a postgraduate programme
Supporting International students
Whitecliffe has an established record of supporting International students for whom English is a second language. Academic writing and research support is available at every level of the programme. One on one tutoring and mentoring can be negotiated with specialised, dedicated Whitecliffe faculty employed to oversee student progress.
All qualifications conferred are internationally recognised.
As with other highly respected private arts and design institutions around the world such as the Royal College of Arts in London, the Art Institute in Chicago, Pratt Institute and Parsons in New York City, The Otis School of Art and Design in Los Angeles, and the Rhode Island School of Design all qualifications conferred are internationally recognised.
Whitecliffe is a member of ITI
Whitecliffe is one of a small group of select members of the New Zealand organisation ITI (Independent Tertiary Institutions) Membership of ITI is exclusively restricted to tertiary institutions that have built a reputation of excellence in academic and education communities. ITI institutions are required to have consistently high course completion and pass rates.
90% success rate with job placement
Whitecliffe course completion and pass rates average 80% which is the highest for any arts and design programme in New Zealand. Whitecliffe has a 90% success rate with job placement for design students who graduate with an advanced qualification (Bachelor of Fine Arts)
Dedicated arts and design institution
As Whitecliffe is a dedicated arts and design institution, funding for art and design is given priority unlike other Institutions and Universities where departments are required to contest for funding.
Respected international reputation
Whitecliffe has a respected international reputation for both its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has established pathway arrangements to Higher Education with a number of notable universities overseas. These universities include Otis College of Arts and Design, Los Angeles, Pennsylvania State University, Montclair State University – New Jersey, The University of Michigan, The University of North Dakota, Texas Christian University – Fort Worth and Valdosta State University – South Georgia.
Master of Arts in Arts Therapy
Whitecliffe is the only institution in New Zealand that offers a Master of Arts in Arts Therapy, and a Master of Arts in Arts Therapy (Clinical). As with the Whitecliffe undergraduate BFA programme, the postgraduate degrees, including the Master of Fine Arts and the Master of Arts in Arts Management are respected by industry professionals and recognised internationally.
Specifically targeted to support students studying arts and design
The Whitecliffe library and research resources are specifically targeted to support students studying arts and design.
Diverse cultural backgrounds
Whitecliffe faculty and staff are drawn from diverse cultural backgrounds, such as Japan, China, India, United Kingdom, Pacific Islands, South Africa and Europe.