New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Begin to build the creative skills and portfolio needed for degree-level study or junior roles in the creative industries through hands-on projects in visual arts, jewellery, textiles, and product design.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 17 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Develop creative thinking strategies
Apply creative thinking strategies to develop and generate original ideas across various media.
Document and communicate creative outcomes
Gather, document, and communicate a range of creative outputs using diverse tools and methods.
Investigate influence of creative thinkers
Research and analyse historical and contemporary creative movements, trends, and influential figures to inform personal practice.
What You're Signing Up For
This 17-week full-time programme enables learners to build their creative skills and create a degree-level portfolio for further study in visual arts or design. Through a series of hands-on studio projects, students explore pathways in creative thinking, creative innovation, personal creative practice, and collaborative group projects focusing on real-world problem solving and creative solutions. The course is also suitable as a pathway option for further study, including progression to the Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Design (Product).
Course Content
- Pathways in Creative Thinking: strategies for developing creative ideas, visualising and communicating
- Creative Innovations Investigation: exploring creative movements, trends, and influential people; applying findings to personal work
- Apply Creative Practice: developing personal creative approaches, exploring inventive use of media, producing and editing final concepts
- Group Project – Creative Solutions: collaborative problem-solving, developing and presenting creative solutions to real-world problems
What you need to know first
10 NCEA Level 1 Literacy credits.
Alternative entry may be offered if candidate demonstrates skills for tertiary study through previous study, work, or life experience.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Creative industries
Visual arts
Design
Future employment opportunities might be
Junior level roles in the creative industries
Entry-level positions in design studios
Support roles in arts projects or organisations
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.