Design Courses in Palmerston North, New Zealand

Palmerston North School of Design:
Palmerston North School of Design is a private design school located in central Palmerston North, the main city of the Manawatu-Wanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. We provide courses for students who have creative talent and ability but lack the necessary skills and qualifications to go onto tertiary design training or gain employment in the design industry. The NZQA Level 2, 3 and 4 courses are designed for students who have not gained the university entrance criteria at high school or who would like to focus on design full time.

Design Courses / Programs:
Palmerston North School of Design has three courses for school leavers and mature students wanting to enter higher university study or employment. The NZQA Level 2, 3 and 4 courses are designed for students who have not gained the university entrance criteria at high school or who would like to focus on design full time.

After completion of the courses, students have expertise in drawing, the design process, graphic / fashion design and computer graphics. The courses combine nationally recognised qualifications with a professional portfolio for entry to the best degree and diploma design courses in New Zealand and around the world.

The courses do not simply prepare students for entry to higher level training or employment, but give them the opportunity to excel. Palmerston North School of Design has the highest quality rating from NZQA.

- Drawing & Design: Bridging Course:
A two year bridging course for applicants who want a bridge to the best degree and diploma design courses. Study design and computer graphics full time as an alternative to NCEA and gain 240 credits up to level 4 and the National Certificate in Design Level 3 and the Advanced Certificate in Design Level 4.

This is a 2 year full time course covering Drawing, Design, Desktop Publishing and Computer Graphics, preparing applicants without the appropriate qualifications, for further study at New Zealand’s leading design degree programmes. All applicants should present a few pieces of work at interview to demonstrate their current level of creative and technical abilities. Second year students are supported to produce a substantial design portfolio for entry to their chosen degree or diploma programme.

The level four qualification is recognised by the leading design institutions for recognition of prior learning. Wanganui School of Design credit students with over half the first year of the Bachelor of Computer Graphics degree.

- Drawing & Design: Training Opportunities:
This is a fully funded 26 week course for students over 18 years of age. It is a full time course covering Drawing, Design, Desktop Publishing and Computer Graphics, preparing applicants without the appropriate qualifications, for further study at New Zealand’s leading design degree programmes or entry level employment.

The course is open to creative people currently registered with Work and Income (WINZ) and who have not achieved academically at school.

The Tertiary Education Commission and WINZ periodically review the eligibility requirements for TOPS Training Courses. Please call to discuss the entry criteria or talk to your case manager. Other financial assistance maybe available to attend.

All students applying for this course are encouraged to attend a one week trial to ensure the course is suitable. The initial course intake starts in January each year but students are able to begin at any time throughout the year. Students are supported to produce a design portfolio for entry to their chosen degree or diploma programme or for seeking an entry level position in the design industry.

- Design & Computing: Youth Training:
A fully funded one year Design and Computers course for 16 and 17 year old school leavers with low qualifications who meet the TEC requirements for free training (15 year olds accepted with school exemption).

The course covers Core Design and Desktop Publishing skills, Core Computer skills and Base Computer Graphics. Students achieve unit standards towards the National Certificate in Design Level 2 & 3. The Tertiary Education Commission and Ministry of Education periodically review the eligibility requirements for Youth Training Courses. Please call to discuss the entry criteria. Other financial assistance maybe available to attend.

The initial course intake starts in January each year but students are able to begin at any time throughout the year. All students applying for this course are encouraged to attend a one week trial to ensure the course is suitable.

Additionally:

Fashion Design:
Students interested in gaining entry to New Zealand’s growing Fashion Design industry may add fashion design projects to any of the school’s courses. This would allow entry to any of the leading Fashion Design Degree courses.