Design & Art School in Christchurch, New Zealand

Design & Arts College of New Zealand, Christchurch:
The Design and Arts College of New Zealand (D&A) in Christchurch, New Zealand is the South Island’s only tertiary institute dedicated to design and arts education. We offer certificate and diploma courses in fields including Art; Interior Design; Photography; Fashion Design; Makeup Design among others. We also offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in in partnership with Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design. The aim of D&A is to bring students from all over the world together with industry professionals to create a community of people passionate about design and arts. We are New Zealand government funded (TEC) and registered (NZQA).

- Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (in partnership with Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design)
- Diploma of Art (Advanced)
- Diploma of Contemporary Photography
- Diploma of Communication Arts and Design
- Diploma of Architectural Design and Technology
- Diploma of Interior Design
- Diploma of Fashion Design (Advanced)
- Certificate in Makeup Design and Production
- Certificate in Design and Arts (Foundation)

D&A courses are designed and taught by industry professionals, to ensure student success in the creative industries. As student time is valuable, all D&A courses have an accelerated pathway to work or higher education that ensures what you learn is relevant and moves you into industry in a fast and efficient way. Thousands of D&A graduates are now working as professionals in their field in New Zealand and around the world.

1. How many students attend D&A?
Around 350

2. What is D&A’s’ accreditation?
D&A is New Zealand Government funded (TEC) and registered (NZQA)

3. What percentage of students graduate from D&A?
89% (2009 excluding Foundation course)

4. What is a typical student workload?
All of D&A’s courses are full time and involve approximately 20 hours tutor contact time and 20 hours self-directed learning per week.

5. What accommodation options are available for students coming from outside Christchurch?
There are many accommodation options available in Christchurch including homestays, Kahu Lodge, YMCA and UC Accommodation.

6. What internship opportunities does D&A offer?
D&A arranges internships, work experiences or ‘live’ brief opportunities to students annually. Many of these experiences lead to important industry contacts or full-time employment outcomes. Some courses contain compulsory Internships.

7. When do applications have to be submitted by?
Applications for all intakes are accepted throughout the year.

8. Is an interview necessary for admission?
Each prospective student is required to partake in an interview with the Sales and Marketing Manager as part of the enrolment process. If you live out of town and dependant on the standard of your application an alternative of a phone or Skype interview may be offered.

9. What level of support does the college offer students in regards to finding employment after graduation?
D&A has a work placement service dedicated to providing students with career guidance as well as employment assistance, and a business studies component is included in each course.

10. Can I study part-time?
All courses at D&A are full-time and cannot be studied on a part-time basis.

11. Is financial aid available?
D&A have some scholarships available for students. All our Course are eligible are under the NZ Government loan scheme.

12. How much do art supplies typically cost per year?
Course related costs vary for each course but is an approximate amount of $1000 - $3000 per academic year dependant on course. You can apply for up to $1000 from Studylink to cover your course related costs. This goes on to your Student Loan and is paid back by you

- Level 4 - IELTS 5.5/TOEFL 530
- Level 5 - IELTS 5.5/TOEFL 550
- Level 6 or 7 - IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 550

- Portfolio and interview.

- High school graduation or completion of Year 12 equivalence is the minimum requirement for all courses at D&A. For exact entry requirements for a particular course please view the appropriate page under the courses tab.

- Applicants for all programmes should be at least 18 years old by start date.

- Adult applications are welcome.

Portfolio Information:
Your portfolio should consist of 10 pieces of work and should be no bigger than A3 size (420 mm x 297 mm), or supplied in digital format.

It may include work such as sketches or drawings, designs for advertising material or similar, hand-made etchings, prints, paintings, wood cuts, architectural drawings, makeup applications, garments, craft, objects, photographs.