Course Overview

Graphic Design at Whitecliffe prepares students for a career in visual communication, with a broad range of creative and commercial possibilities. Creative projects challenge and develop the student's conceptual ability, theoretical knowledge, and technical skills. Students are encouraged to present and contextualise their work within the historical development of design and contemporary practice.

At Whitecliffe, we support student's personal progression by allowing for regular group critiques and one-on-one discussions with lecturers.

Students develop industry contacts and professional skills through close interaction with visiting practitioners, studio visits, organising exhibitions, and entering industry competitions.

Whitecliffe Graphic Design graduates are employed as designers by both national and international agencies, with some progressing to establish their own design businesses. Graduates are also engaged in postgraduate research within the design field. The Whitecliffe BFA Honours year offers graduates the opportunity to further explore design research and prepares students for Master's level study and/or creative professional practice.

General Eligibility

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form

• Minimum age: Students must turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe

• NCEA University Entrance or equivalent

• CIE/IB award

• Discretionary Entrance is available to students who have gained exceptional marks in NCEA Level 2 and wish to embark on higher-level study. These students must display a high level of motivation and maturity

• Some of the above academic requirements may be waived for students over the age of 20

• Interview: All applicants for this programme are interviewed, and students should come to the interview prepared to discuss their work and ideas freely

• Portfolio: This is brought to the interview and should include between 12-24 examples of original work showing breadth of ability. The portfolio can be specific to one genre if that has been the student's body of work. Digital copies of your portfolio will also be accepted

• Letter of Intent: A 250-word letter of intent outlining reasons for wanting to study the BFA programme and desired pathway

International Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form

• Passport copy

• Minimum Age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe

• IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent

• Academic Transcripts: School or previous tertiary results

• Interview: All applicants for this programme are interviewed. International student interviews are conducted via telephone or online

• Portfolio: This is brought to the interview and should include between 12-24 examples of original work showing breadth of ability. International students may submit their portfolio digitally

• Letter of Intent: A 250-word letter of intent outlining reasons for wanting to study the BFA programme and desired pathway

Part Time Work Details

null

Language Requirement

• IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent