Study a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Art and Design | Courses

Programme overview

This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in art and design. It starts with a base in Identity and Communication, then starts to build your art and design knowledge, in both individual work and collaborative projects. While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.

Highlights

Emphasis on practical skills and studio-based learning: you will be creating your art and design in a studio environment and participate in group critiques with your fellow students.
Learn from Lecturers who are eager to share their industry experience with you.
Access to Unitec's excellent communication studies and design facilities.
A mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, critique sessions, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and online learning.
A chance to take classes in Unitec's marae, a great setting to explore Māori oratorical traditions and the role of culture in communication.

Where to from here

Upon successful completion of this programme you can go onto further study in Bachelor of Creative Enterprise programme.

Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post study work visa upon completion of this programme.

Career Options

This programme prepares you for further study toward a career in art and design in creative industries

Visit the Department of School of Bridgepoint

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students
$3,910 (NZD)
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students
$13,207 (NZD) (approximate fees for 60 credits)

Save up to $1,000 (NZD) with the Unitec International Study Grant 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2025: 24 Feb – 29 Jun
Sem 2 2025: 21 Jul – 23 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage. For StudyLink purposes please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awards Student Life For Māori students For Pacific students For International students

Admission requirements

Domestic students

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

Academic requirements
General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
English language requirements
You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the Art & Design Pathway, you must meet one of the following:

UE numeracy or equivalent
A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four approved subjects, including:
12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher; Or
A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge); Or
The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), or an equivalent qualification.

General Admission

You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts.
If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form. For more information on this process please see The Ministry of Education's website here.

Special Admission

You’ll be 20 years old or older when the programme starts
Show evidence of your work, life, or study experience (e.g., a previous qualification or job history)
You will complete a pre-entry Skills review

Discretionary Admission

You’re under 20 and don’t meet the general admission requirements
Your level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed and you will undertake a Skills Review.

English language requirements

You must meet one of the following:

IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0 (must be from a single test, taken within the last two years)
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) or an equivalent qualification

For more information download the programme regulations.

International Student

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

Academic requirements
General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
English language requirements
You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the Art & Design Pathway, you must meet one of the following:

UE numeracy or equivalent
A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four approved subjects, including:
12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher; Or
A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge); Or
The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), or an equivalent qualification.

General Admission

You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts.
If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form. For more information on this process please see The Ministry of Education's website here.

Special Admission

You’ll be 20 years old or older when the programme starts
Show evidence of your work, life, or study experience (e.g., a previous qualification or job history)
You will complete a pre-entry Skills review

Discretionary Admission

You’re under 20 and don’t meet the general admission requirements
Your level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed and you will undertake a Skills Review.

English language requirements for international students

You must meet one of the following:

IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0 (must be from a single test, taken within the last two years)
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) or an equivalent qualification

For more information download the programme regulations.

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2026; please check back again soon.

program code:NZCSP - ARTDESIGN

Compulsory Course ID:013999 - 4008 - Academic Skills for Architecture, Art and Screen

Course count:324
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Elective Course ID:012686 - 4101 - Visual Art Studio

Course count:48

Elective Course ID:012687 - 4102 - Design Studio

Course count:126

Elective Course ID:012690 - 4301 - Screen Production

Course count:12

Elective Course ID:012692 - 4803 - Acting

Course count:12

Elective Course ID:014009 - 4805 - Dance

Course count:12

Elective Course ID:014010 - 4806 - Technical Production

Course count:18

Elective Course ID:012696 - 4901 - Collaborative Project Creative

Course count:102

Elective Course ID:013225 - 4006 - Applied Maths

Course count:54

Compulsory first Course array:4

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Elective first Course array:4

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Courses	Credits	Aim
Academic Skills for Architecture, Art and Screen(BPED4008)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	This course introduces pathway-related concepts and develops pathway-related academic skills to prepare tauira for further academic study in their chosen pathway.

Courses	Credits	Aim
Visual Art Studio(BECI4101)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	Tauira will develop a confident learner identity and the visual Art skills necessary for further academic study and/or employment in their chosen pathway.
Design Studio(BECI4102)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	Tauira will develop a confident learner identity and the design skills necessary for further academic study and/or employment in their chosen pathway.
Screen Production(BECI4301)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	This course aims to provide tauira with a broad theoretical and operational understanding and awareness of the moving image as a communication medium in contemporary society and culture setting and gain an ability to analyse and make use of selected media forms. Tauira will learn how contemporary media forms and practices influence communication.
Acting(BECI4803)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	This course aims to provide tauira with a broad theoretical and operational understanding of storytelling techniques and to develop creative outcomes across a range of performing arts forms and disciplines.
Dance(BECI4805)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	This course aims to provide tauira with introductory theories, concepts and techniques of dance training and performance. The course focuses on the core professional, health and fitness skills required to work and collaborate as a dancer.
Technical Production(BECI4806)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	Tauira will develop awareness, and a broad theoretical and operational understanding, of the technology and processes associated with live performance, and workplace routines for working safely and creatively behind the scenes.
Collaborative Project Creative(BECI4901)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	This course will prepare tauira for further academic study and/or employment in their chosen pathway by providing creative project experience in both individual and collaborative contexts.
Applied Maths(BPED4006)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	This course introduces and develops pathway-related mathematical skills to prepare tauira for further study and/or employment in their chosen pathway.??

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) - Art and Design

Programme overview