Hands-on digital design study in the creative capital
Wellington is full of studios, agencies, film, games and tech.
Now there’s a new way to break into that world.
The Certificate in Digital Media + Design (Wellington) is a practical, studio-style programme where you’ll start creating from day one — not sitting in huge lectures or waiting a year to touch the software.
If you’re ready to build real skills, a portfolio and a pathway into further design study, this is your starting point.
Why choose this programme in Wellington?
1. Hands-on from day one
You’ll spend your time designing, making and experimenting, not just listening. Expect:
- Practical briefs
- Real-world style projects
- Regular feedback on your work
You’ll leave with a body of work you can actually show employers, studios or use for degree entry.
2. Small classes, real support
Instead of being one face in a big lecture theatre, you’ll be part of a tight-knit creative cohort.
That means:
- Your faculty member knows your name (and your goals)
- More 1:1 guidance on your work
- Space to ask questions, try ideas and make mistakes (learn + grow)
Creativity grows faster when you’re not just a number.
3. Built for Wellington’s creative scene
This programme is designed around the kinds of skills Wellington’s creative and tech industries actually use:
- Digital content creation
- Graphic and screen-based design
- Intro to motion / animation tools
- Layout for web and social
- Basics of UX and interface thinking
You’ll be studying in a city known for film, games, design and storytelling — with a programme that speaks the same language.
4. A clear pathway into further study
The Certificate in Digital Media + Design is also a stepping stone into higher-level study at Whitecliffe, such as the Bachelor of Design + Digital Media.
If you want to test the waters before committing to a full degree, this gives you a focused, supportive first step.
What you’ll learn
By the end of the programme, you will have:
- Core digital design skills – working with industry-relevant software and tools
- Design foundations – composition, colour, typography and visual hierarchy
- Digital media practice – creating work for screen, web and social platforms
- Concept development – taking an idea from sketch to finished outcome
- Creative workflow skills – working to a brief, meeting deadlines, presenting your work
You’ll build a starter portfolio that shows how you think, design and solve problems visually.
Is this programme for you?
This certificate is a great fit if you:
- Are finishing school and want a creative option in Wellington
- Didn’t get UE, unsure about Year 13? You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need curiosity, commitment and a willingness to create.
- Are torn between different creative paths and want to try digital media first
- Prefer practical, hands-on learning over theory-heavy study
- Want smaller classes and closer support
- Are looking for a pathway into a design degree, or want work-ready creative skills for junior roles
Study in the heart of Wellington
Our campus is located on Lambton Quay, right in the centre of the city.
That means:
- Easy access by public transport
- Cafés, galleries and city life on your doorstep
- You’re studying digital media in the middle of a city that lives and breathes creativity
You’re not just learning about creative industries — you’re surrounded by them.
What your 18-week experience would look like
We intentionally support you through:
- Smaller classes instead of large lectures
- Practical briefs instead of mostly theory-based papers in your first year
- Close faculty access instead of feeling lost in the crowd
- Portfolio-building from day one, not after several semesters
For some students, that’s exactly what they need to actually thrive.
Your future after the certificate
After completing the Certificate in Digital Media + Design, you can:
- Apply for further study, such as a Bachelor of Design + Digital Media
- Use your new skills in entry-level creative roles (junior content creator, design assistant, digital marketing support, etc.)
- Combine your creative skills with other interests (e.g. comms, marketing, tech)
- Build on your portfolio for internships or freelance opportunities or explore your skills through other certificates
Whether you continue studying or step into work, you’ll move forward with more skills, more clarity and more confidence.
Entry requirements and how to apply
You’ll find current entry requirements, start dates and fees on our main programme page.
If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, talk to our team — we’re here to help you find a starting point. Click here.
Ready to start creating?
You don’t have to wait years to find out if design is for you.
You can start creating, testing your ideas and building your skills now.
Study the Certificate in Digital Media + Design at Whitecliffe Wellington and create your next chapter in the creative capital.
