Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Universal College of LearningBachelor of Design and Arts
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Jul 2026
Campus
Whanganui Campus
Summary
OverviewUCOL embodies the idea that artists and designers of all kinds benefit equally from both collaborative and individual learning environments. For this reason, this programme brings design and art disciplines together to benefit from the creative energy that results from collaborative learning.
You’ll gain the skills to not only create successful designs and art works, but also to market these products and concepts, communicate successfully, and understand the importance of self-promotion for success.
Our lecturers are practicing artists and designers who live and breathe creativity, ready to inspire and guide you every step of the way.
Intern projects, drawing, art/design labs, history, theory professional practice and Majors Visual Arts, Design Media and Textile/Fashion Design make up this programme with a strong focus on “hands-on making” experiences through studio-based work.
Entry criteria
Domestic Entry RequirementsApplicants under 20 years of age:
University entrance
OR
Equivalent academic achievement.
OR
On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.
OR
A provisional enrolment. Provisional enrolment is defined by NZQA as being Discretionary Entrance and may be granted to those applicants under the age of 20 who:
- Are New Zealand or Australian citizens and permanent residents under 20 years of age
- Must have a minimum of 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 2 towards NCEA
- Must also have met the literacy and numeracy standards required for University Entrance
Applicants over 20 years of age:
If the student is 20 years old on their first day of the programme, there are no entry requirements.
All prospective students must provide a portfolio and written statement.
All applicants are asked to provide a portfolio of work and a written statement that summarises their personal interest in Design and Arts.
Written Statement
All applicants are asked to submit a 200 word written statement. In this short piece of writing you should try to summarise your personal interest in Design and Arts. The statement may say what drives you to study at UCOL and present other information that you think is relevant to your application.
Portfolio
All students applying for the Bachelor of Design and Arts (with a major in Design Media, Visual Arts or Textiles/Fashion Design) need to submit a portfolio of work which demonstrates previous engagement with creative activity. Portfolios can take a number of different formats and each will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Portfolios can be submitted either in hard copy or digital format and could contain any combination of the following:
- Drawings or sketches
- Paintings or other artworks
- Photographs
- Prototypes or toiles
- Concept drawings
- Examples of sculptural or 3D work
- Design media
- Examples of applied art or craft work
- Original film or video
- Textiles design
- Interior design concepts
- Examples of anything else that demonstrates creative engagement.
In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.
English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).
Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.
Disclaimer