New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) - Ceramics
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Advance your ceramic arts practice with studio and theoretical courses in the country's largest ceramics studio. Develop professional and leadership skills, work towards independent exhibitions, and prepare for further study or career opportunities in the visual arts.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 8 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Develop advanced ceramic arts practice
Demonstrate increased technical and conceptual proficiency in ceramics, working independently and through experimentation.
Present and exhibit studio work
Create and present a connected body of independent ceramic work suitable for exhibition in a real-world context.
Understand and apply visual language
Analyse and use the visual language of ceramics to support and communicate in studio work.
What You're Signing Up For
Building on skills gained at Level 5, this diploma allows students to further explore ceramics through advanced studio practice, glaze technologies, visual language, art and craft history, and the development of professional and leadership capabilities in real-world art contexts. The programme supports distance and on-campus study, requiring a portfolio for entry, and is designed to facilitate progression to the Bachelor of Visual Arts.
Course Content
- Studio Arts and Methods 3: Advance ceramic studio practice, methodology, experimentation with clay, glaze, and finishing processes; sustainability in materials and methods; workbook presentation and critique.
- Studio Arts and Methods 4: Identify and utilise studio methods in independent work; create and present a connected collection for final exhibition.
- Visual Language 2: Develop understanding of the language of ceramic practices; research and present theoretical material; analyse visual content; develop personal visual language.
- Drawing 2: Extend drawing skills using technical and conceptual approaches; apply drawing to problem-solving in studio work.
- Art and Craft History and Theory 2: Study visual culture history and context in Aotearoa; use wide-ranging examples for contextualisation.
- Glaze Practical 2: Extend and document ceramic methods; research and reflect on glaze applications and technologies.
What you need to know first
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) - Ceramics or equivalent qualification/experience.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Visual Arts
Design
Ceramic Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
Studio ceramic artist
Art practitioner
Exhibition organiser
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.