Design Courses in Christchurch, NZ

Natcoll Design Technology, Christchurch:
Natcoll Design Technology is a leading specialist provider of NZQA approved creative digital design courses, and is at the forefront of digital design education and training. We have three campuses located in modern, inner-city buildings in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. We offer Diploma courses and a foundation certificate course covering animation, video post production, web development, interactive media and graphic design. Natcoll makes sure its graduates are industry-ready by keeping close connections to the digital design industry, and our teaching facilities include well-appointed computer suites, furnished with up-to-date software and equipment.

iCreate Foundation course in Digital Design (Level 3, NZQA approved)
A fun and practical way to get a taste of digital media design and gain the skills to move on to further diploma level study.
15 weeks, full time.

Description: Using digital still and video cameras and computers, students produce a wide range of original art that combines traditional and digital media. Learn digital illustration techniques and how to create images and pages suitable for web publication. This work is complemented by a wide range of art and creative practices to further enhance as student’s skills base.

Prerequisites: Entry is based on application and interview. There are generally no restrictions to entry. No previous computer experience is necessary.

Diploma of Advanced 3D Graphics (Level 7, NZQA approved)
For people who want the opportunity to specialize in the field of 3D graphics and create a showreel that demonstrates their skills to employers.
41 weeks, full-time

Description: This studio based course works closely with industry to teach advanced skills on industry standard software and then offers the time, guidance and resources to create an impressive showreel.

Prerequisites: Natcoll’s Diploma of Animation (Advanced) is designed as an excellent pathway into this course. However, applicants can still be accepted if they can demonstrate equivalent 3D skills in their showreel.

Diploma of Interactive Design (Level 6, NZQA approved)
Learn about creating the rich media interfaces that drive the digital world.
41 weeks, full-time.

Description: Develop abilities in generating ideas, communication, research and development; learn digital imaging for interactive design; produce and edit audio and video content for use in interactive projects; design and produce interactive animated components for use in a wide variety of different media. Students will create the look, use and feel of a comprehensive range of digital media projects to enhance their portfolio and demonstrate their skills.

Prerequisites: Required to show creativity by submitting examples of work in a medium of the applicant’s choice. A working knowledge of digital imaging software such as Photoshop and illustration software such as FreeHand or Illustrator is required.

Diploma of Computer Graphic Design (Level 6, NZQA approved)
Learn how to combine creativity with technology to communicate ideas and information in an attractive, clear and concise way.
35 or 41 weeks, full-time.

Description: Study the principles of page design. Learn how to use image capture and manipulation to bring text and illustrations together. Become proficient in a range of digital illustration and editing techniques to create a variety of printed material – from newsletters and posters to magazines, brochures, packaging and advertising media.

Prerequisites: Required to show creativity by submitting examples of work in a medium of the applicant’s choice.

Diploma of Web Development (Level 6, NZQA approved)
Learn the technical skills required for dynamic and interesting web development.
41 weeks, full-time.
Other accreditations: Graduates can get direct entry to year 2 of either of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology’s (RMIT) 3-year Bachelor of Arts (Games Graphics Design) or 3-year Bachelor of Arts (Digital Arts).

Description: Learn how to apply the principles of visual design to the web and how to master the programming languages that support client-side and server-side development. Learn how to research, design, write and host dynamic websites and web applications. Students gain a comprehensive base of knowledge and an online portfolio to showcase their design and technical skills.

Prerequisites: Provide evidence of interests and skills relevant to this course - for example, previous experience with a computer programming or scripting language, logical thinking and/or problem solving. To do the optional advanced usability component, applicants may need to demonstrate creativity by submitting examples of work.

Diploma of Animation (Advanced) (Level 6, NZQA approved)
Combine their artistic skills with the mastery of the latest computer technology.
41 weeks, full-time.

Description: Teaches the skills to turn creative ideas into compelling images, capturing the essence of movement and bringing a character or a scene to life. Learn how to develop a storyboard, work through pre-production to character design, modelling and rigging. Use visual effects and post-production techniques to create a showreel.

Prerequisites: Natcoll’s Diploma of Animation and Digital Video is designed as an excellent pathway into this course. However, students can still be accepted if they can demonstrate equivalent 3D modelling and animation skills.

Diploma of Video Post Production (Advanced) (Level 6, NZQA approved)
Post production is the magic that turns raw footage into finished film, television, music videos or commercials.
41 weeks, full-time.

Description: Teaches the whole process from concept and planning to delivery. Learn how to turn raw footage into a work of art using editing, effects, motion graphics, compositing and more. Uses the latest industry production tools to unlock the secrets of effective video and audio processing, and produce a showreel to impress prospective employers.

Prerequisites: Natcoll’s Diploma of Animation and Digital Video is designed as an excellent pathway into this course. Applicants who have not completed the Diploma of Animation and Digital Video are still eligible for direct entry if they can demonstrate a range of video production skills. This will require submission of examples of completed video projects for consideration.

Diploma of Digital Media (Advanced) (Level 7, NZQA approved)
For people who have strong technical skills in either print, web, motion or interactive media and want to hone design skills.
35 weeks, full-time.

Description: Develop visual communication skills, learn how to think critically and creatively, build design awareness and confidence, innovate, experiment and refine technical, research and presentation skills. Study art and design history, work in a dedicated studio environment, solve authentic design dilemmas. The course has time dedicated to developing practical career skills, such as how to write a CV, how to present work at interviews and put together a portfolio that gets noticed.

Prerequisites: Applicants may have completed a Natcoll diploma, or similar course at another tertiary institution, or may have experience in a related industry. A high level of technical skills in digital media software is required. All applicants are required to attend an interview and present a portfolio of their work.