Certificate in Digital Media + Design
The semester-long programme (18 weeks) concentrates on developing a digital portfolio for application to on-going tertiary study at Whitecliffe, elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas.
The Level 4 Certificate in Digital Media and Design is a semester-long programme that centers around the introduction to graphic design practice and digital media processes. The programme culminates in the development of a portfolio for application to continuing tertiary studies at Whitecliffe or elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas.
The emphasis of the Certificate in Digital Media and Design is on the understanding of critical thinking and processes as tools to solve for the design inquiry/brief; delivered through lectures, demonstrations, individual and peer discussions, and assignments of practical tasks and creative projects.

Key dates
July 2020 Intake 20 • 07 • 20 Feb 2021 Intake 19 • 02 • 21 July 2021 Intake 06 • 07 • 21
View full calendarDuration
18 weeks, full-time in Auckland + Manukau
Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media + Design (Level 4) 60 credits
Costs
2021 Domestic $3,486 + $150 Student Services Levy 2021 International $12,000 + $150 Student Services Levy Fees free applies All 2021 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval
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Certificate in Digital Media + Design Course Outline
The Certificate in Digital Media and Design introduces students to the fundamental principles of digital media and design, providing a foundation of understanding, evidenced in a comprehensive portfolio and appropriate to further study in any design/arts-related area.
The programme focuses on the development of theoretical knowledge and technical skills related to visual communication and drawing techniques and their application within the graphic design space. After completing the programme, students will have built on the foundation skills that they can further develop in Whitecliffe’s Bachelor of Fine Arts programme, with a focus on a specialised pathway of their selection; from Fine Arts, Photo Media, Graphic Design or Fashion Design.

Why choose Whitecliffe Pre-degree Certificates?
The Certificate in Digital Media + Design introduces students to the fundamental principles of Digital Media and Design, providing a foundation of understanding, evidenced in a comprehensive portfolio and appropriate to further study in any design/arts-related area.
The emphasis is on practical projects and a broad understanding of digital media and design issues but is supported by conceptual content and knowledge. This ensures that students develop appropriate thinking skills and can manage projects/briefs under broad guidance; and gain a broad base of art and design-related knowledge so they are equipped with the learning strategies, attitudes and skills for further tertiary study.
Graduates will produce a portfolio and gain a broad knowledge of digital media and design-related subjects to ensure they are equipped with the learning strategies, attitudes, and self-management skills for further tertiary study and/or entry-level vocations.
Graduates will gain skills and knowledge to fill junior assistant and/or support roles in creative and/or arts industries. Successful completion of the programme results in the award of the New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4).

Programme Overview
Design
Students receive an introduction to principles, elements, and processes of graphic design and typography, which are the building blocks of visual communication. The emphasis of this course is to provide students with an awareness of design thinking, compositional, and typographic strategies applicable to the broader creative processes related to graphic design. Industry-standard technical skills related to digital software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe After Effects developed within this course.
Drawing + Digital Media
Students receive an introduction to drawing and digital processes related to imaging, time-based media, and environmental design. The course content is designed to offer students an understanding of drawing practices as part of the graphic design workflow. Major projects for this course include digital photography and imaging, short film, environmental graphics, and illustration for comics. In parallel to developing an in-depth understanding of conceptualisation, sequence, and professional practice, industry-standard technical skills related to digital software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro are developed within this course.
Graphic Illustration
Students receive an introduction to graphic illustration processes and techniques with a focus on a specific audience. Students will select and experiment from a range of illustrative media and contemporary themes to develop technical skills related to rendering, both analogue and digital.
Publication Design
An introduction to principles and processes of publication design with a focus on a specific audience. Students will develop an understanding of functionality in graphic design and compositional strategies related to page layout.
Workshops
Visual Research Workshop
This is a one-week block course with an introduction to fundamental methods of visual recording, critical analysis, and experimental work-making. Students will explore and learn creative processes related to accessing and recording of information from various sources to build a bank of visual reference material as an integral part of their art-making process.
Contextual Studies Workshop
This is a one-week block course with an introduction to critical studies and collaborative work-making related to contextual themes. Students will have the opportunity to explore with the generation of creative concepts from a body of research that translates into a collaborative art and design project developed with their peers.
Portfolio Techniques Workshop
This is a one-week block course with an introduction to portfolio design and exhibition practices. The course aims to provide students with an opportunity to bring together all creative works outputted from the Certificate in Digital Media and Design programme collated into a conclusive showcase in the format of portfolio design and gallery exhibition.

Graduate Story: Israa Barghash
Israa Barghash, who was born and raised in Syria, enrolled in the Certificate in Digital Media & Design in July 2017 and is now a recent graduate, having completed the 18-week programme with high marks and a strong portfolio. She tells us about her background and her student learning experience at Whitecliffe.
Israa, whose home country is well-known for its architecture, food and the ancient cities of Palmyra and Mari says “I didn't integrate my culture with my studies at Whitecliffe. Instead, I took the opportunity to explore a lot of other cultures and social issues in my research and studies. For example, in the first workshop project, I explored the Tā moko tattoos of Māori. For another workshop about activism, I chose the topic of suicide and the effect it has on people and society.”
She chose the Certificate in Digital Design & Media because she wanted to learn new skills as well as digital design techniques - “Whitecliffe encouraged me to research and develop creative and interesting projects, to develop my critical-thinking and design practice, and to build my portfolio step-by-step.” She continues, “what I really enjoyed about the learning environment was how the students were interested in similar things and were all taught methods for thinking creatively and as individuals. The supportive environment gave us all the confidence to show our work.”
Whitecliffe “is an inspiring place, which gives students the resources to build on their own ideas and excel in their area of study. Completing the programme with this skill level has opened a lot of doors for me professionally already - I have been asked to design websites and design café menus. It is such a huge thing for me that gives me great pleasure and I am very grateful to Whitecliffe.”
As for the future, Israa will continue to practice and develop her skills and keep up with her research of designs and designers. She hopes to build her knowledge towards studying architecture.

Faculty

Eric Thompson
Head of School - Design InnovationEric has been a practicing designer for over 30 years. He holds a Master of Design from Massey University and has worked in tertiary education for 14 years in various roles.
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Clayton Elliot
LecturerClayton has a diploma in teaching majoring in Art and Physical Ed from the University of Canterbury.
Continue readingWhere could this programme take you?
Graduates will gain skills and knowledge to fill junior assistant and/or support roles in creative and/or arts industries.
Jobs related to this programme
Digital Designer
Publication Designer
Illustrator
Animator
Talk to our team

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