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Ranking, Fees, Courses, Eligibility, Application Process


About Whitecliffe College

Whitecliffe College is a prestigious arts and design institution located in Auckland, New Zealand. Founded in [year], the college has a rich history of nurturing creative talent and empowering students to become innovative and forward-thinking artists and designers. Whitecliffe College is known for its student-centric approach, fostering a collaborative and supportive community that encourages students to explore their artistic passions and develop their unique creative voices.

Ranking

Whitecliffe College has earned a prominent position within the New Zealand arts and design education landscape. Its commitment to excellence in artistic education and its emphasis on practical learning has contributed to its high rankings in the country's educational assessments. The college's alumni have garnered recognition and acclaim, further solidifying its standing in the creative industry.

Admission Process

The admission process at Whitecliffe College is designed to identify motivated and talented individuals who have a genuine passion for art and design. Prospective students can apply online through the college's official website. The application requires the submission of a portfolio showcasing the applicant's creative work, as well as academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant's portfolio, academic achievements, and potential to contribute to the creative community at Whitecliffe College. The college's admissions team ensures a fair and transparent evaluation process to select students with diverse artistic perspectives and backgrounds.

Courses

Whitecliffe College offers a comprehensive range of art and design programs, providing students with various pathways to explore their creative interests. The college offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in fields such as Fine Arts, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Photography, and Visual Arts. Each program emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling students to experiment with different mediums and techniques while receiving guidance from experienced faculty members who are established artists and designers themselves.

Fees

At Whitecliffe College, the tuition fees for different programs may vary. The college is committed to providing value for money, and the fees reflect the high-quality education and resources offered to students. Additionally, the college may offer scholarships and financial aid to eligible students, making creative education more accessible to those with exceptional artistic potential.

Eligibility

Whitecliffe College welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a strong passion for art and design. The eligibility criteria for each program may vary, but generally, applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. While academic achievements are considered, the college places significant emphasis on the applicant's artistic portfolio and creative potential.

The college also welcomes international students and provides support services to ensure a smooth transition and enriching experience during their time at Whitecliffe College.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Whitecliffe College is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing exceptional artistic talent. As part of its commitment to supporting students, the college offers various scholarships and financial aid options. These scholarships are awarded based on artistic merit, creativity, and academic achievements. Additionally, the college collaborates with external organizations to provide additional funding opportunities for students pursuing careers in the arts and design industry.

Campus Facilities and Resources

Whitecliffe College boasts state-of-the-art facilities that inspire creativity and innovation. The college houses well-equipped studios, galleries, and workshops where students can experiment and bring their artistic visions to life. The campus also features a comprehensive library with an extensive collection of art and design resources, providing students with access to valuable reference materials and research support.

Faculty and Research

Whitecliffe College's faculty comprises accomplished artists, designers, and educators who are deeply invested in the success of their students. They bring a wealth of industry experience and creative insights to the classroom, guiding students through personalized mentorship and critiques. The college encourages faculty engagement in research and professional development to stay at the forefront of contemporary artistic practices and pedagogy.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

At Whitecliffe College, student life extends beyond the classroom. The college fosters a vibrant and inclusive community, providing numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, workshops, exhibitions, and art-related events. Students can participate in student-led clubs and organizations, collaborate on artistic projects, and showcase their work to the broader creative community.

Alumni and Career Services

Whitecliffe College takes pride in its alumni, who have made significant contributions to the creative industry globally. Graduates of the college have established successful careers as artists, designers, educators, and entrepreneurs, earning recognition for their originality and artistic prowess.

The college's career services team offers valuable support to students and alumni, connecting them with industry professionals, internships, and job opportunities. Whitecliffe College's strong network of alumni and industry partnerships serves as a valuable resource for graduates seeking to launch their creative careers.

Conclusion

Whitecliffe College stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, empowering students to become catalysts of change in the creative industry. With a commitment to fostering individual creativity and a dedication to providing exceptional artistic education, Whitecliffe College remains a top choice for aspiring artists and designers seeking to make a mark in the world of art and design.

Campuses

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Campuses

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Offered Courses

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Master of Fine Arts

  • 2 Years |  (Level 9) 240 credits

The Master of Fine Arts is a full-time, two-year (year one at level 8, year two at level 9), low-residency programme enabling enrolled artists to live and work anywhere in New Zealand. Designed around four, week-long seminars per year, the programme is delivered by faculty and guests that are nationally and internationally respected artists, critics, writers, and curators. According to their interests and proposed direction of study, students are assigned two supervisors to support their studio practice as it develops from Semester to Semester in order to best support their direction and research throughout the programme.

The MFA programme prepares artists for a professional career working within a diverse field of contemporary art practices across local and international contexts. The interdisciplinary structure and philosophy support artists in understanding how art and artworks operate in the world, and through regular critique, supervisory guidance, seminar participation, and a focus on exhibition and publication practice assists them to develop their individual approach to practice and research.

Career opportunities

  • Curatorial Assistant
  • Gallery Manager
  • Exhibiting Artist
  • Art Director

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February, July

Language:   English


Master of Creative Enterprise and Innovation

  • 18 Months |  Master's Degree (Level 9) 180 credits

All components are compulsory and follow a defined progression with pre and co-requisites.

The MCEI is the ideal programme for future founders and startups to learn how to launch an enterprise whether it’s a product or service. Non-disciplinary specific, it’s the perfect meld of academic learning, problem-solving, design thinking and human–centred system-minded design. Students will be encouraged to develop a deep sense of curiosity, purpose, passion and empathy to be leaders — not followers — and to influence the future.

To be able to co-create an innovative programme with industry experts has enabled Whitecliffe to build a really exciting master’s degree that will challenge, enlighten and encourage students to not only dream big but potentially turn those dreams and enterprises into reality.

The American writer and entrepreneur Mark Twain once said, ‘Explore. Dream. Discover.’ This programme will allow students to Explore. Dream. Discover and Do.

The programme supports students through an integrated approach, intentionally building resilience and confidence alongside the development of creative and innovative concepts and products. Students will strengthen their critical thinking and analysis skills, problem-solving, self-management, working with people and communication competencies. The MCEI programme is also a platform for human-centred creativity, impacting social, cultural, economic, and environmental outcomes and job creation. The relationship between creativity, enterprise and innovation will enable graduates to work beyond borders and become global citizens.

Career opportunities

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Enterprise creators
  • Agents of change
  • Disrupters
  • Business founders
  • Business owners
  • Re-imagining existing business
  • Job creators
  • Senior managers or C-suite contenders

Auckland Campus

Next intake: July

Language:   English


Master of Information Technology

  • 1.5 Year |  Fulltime | 180 credits

The Master of Information Technology (MIT) is a 180-credit postgraduate programme taken over three semesters (1.5 years). It builds on three-year Bachelor's degrees in the same academic field. Two specialisations are offered: Cyber Security and Data Science.

Certain specialist courses are 100% aligned with world-leading IT industry certifications, such as network defence essentials, ethical hacking essentials, digital forensic essentials, and Certified Chief Information Security Officer. Students enrolled into this programme will get a chance to obtain these certifications free of cost.

Career opportunities

  • Cyber Security Manager
  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Security Operations Centre (SOC) Manager
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Administrator
  • Network Security Engineer
  • Security Consultant
  • Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC) Consultant
  • Technology Solutions Architect
  • Senior Technology Advisor
  • Senior Data Scientist
  • Data Architect
  • Big Data Engineer
  • Business Analytics Specialist
  • Data Visualization Developer
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Engineer
  • BI Solutions Architect
  • BI Specialist
  • Analytics Manager
  • Statistician

Wellington Campus

Next intake: July

Language:   English

Christchurch Campus

Next intake: July

Language:   English

Auckland Campus

Next intake: July

Language:   English


Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical)

  • 1 Year |  (Level 9) 360 credits including embedded PGDip

Creative Arts Therapy differs from traditional art-making or performance in that the emphasis expands to include attention to the processes of creating and meaning-making. Arts Therapists work with individuals and groups by developing a therapeutic relationship with their client/s with clear boundaries, treatment plans, and outcomes to assist them in their healing. Within this therapeutic relationship, creative expression can have significant impact on the healing process for all people including those experiencing trauma, addictions, and psychological or emotional problems.=

Whitecliffe Creative Arts Therapy graduates combine their passion for creativity and for working with others to enhance well-being. They develop the confidence to contribute to this dynamic, emerging field of Creative Arts Therapy, harnessing their own experience and interests to pioneer new frontiers in this rapidly expanding profession.

Career opportunities

  • Mental Health Services
  • Disability Services
  • Drug Rehabilitation
  • Prison Rehabilitation

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English

Christchurch Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English


Certificate in Arts and Design

  • 18 Weeks |  Level 4 • 60 credits • 18 weeks / 1 semester

This semester-long programme (18 weeks) concentrates on developing a portfolio for application to on-going tertiary study at Whitecliffe, elsewhere in New Zealand, or overseas.

The Certificate in Arts + Design focuses on developing skills in drawing, painting, mixed media, and design. It offers opportunities for focused sampling and exploration primarily within the areas of Fine Arts and Photo Media, with some further content relating to Design Innovation and Fashion and Sustainability, all of which underpins the degree-level programmes at Whitecliffe.

The emphasis is on practical projects and deepening students’ understanding of the visual arts as well as the principles and application of design, supported by conceptual content and knowledge. Students are enabled to develop the appropriate skills and can manage projects/briefs under broad guidance. Students are guided to edit, select, and format their best visual outcomes into a portfolio at the end of the programme. Students gain a solid base of art and design-related knowledge, equipping them with the learning strategies, attitudes, and skills for higher-level tertiary study, or entry-level employment in the field.

F U R T H E R S T U D Y O P T I O N S

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can further enhance your arts and design career opportunities with the following programmes at Whitecliffe:

• Level 4: Certificate in Digital Media + Design

• Level 7: Bachelor of Fine Arts

(Fine Arts / Photo Media)

• Level 7: Bachelor of Design + Digital Media

• Level 7: Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February, July

Language:   English


Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • 3 Years |  Level 7 • 360 credits • 3 academic years full-time

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) focuses on contemporary art and the development of a meaningful artistic and professional career.

Our focus is on encouraging the emergence and development of a meaningful artistic practice through experimentation with a range of creative media and processes. This is underpinned and supported by teaching the necessary skills, techniques, and research methodologies to foster your creative, practical, and contextual development. You will be taught by lecturers who are practising artists themselves with established local, national, and international reputations.

The uniqueness of the Whitecliffe Bachelor of Fine Arts qualification is that it begins by aligning the subjects of Fine Arts and Photo Media (Photography and the Media Arts) together, allowing students to experiment with all forms of working before choosing to focus on a specialism for further study. This means Whitecliffe graduates are better prepared to work across new and traditional fields of contemporary arts practice utilising these highly sought-after transferable skills in an increasingly wide range of industries after graduating.

Whitecliffe’s Form Gallery provides an excellent site for students, alumni, faculty, and visiting artists to exhibit. These exhibitions provide insight into professional contemporary practice and help students to connect with the wider arts community.

FURTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can further enhance your Fine Arts and Photo Media career opportunities with the following programmes at Whitecliffe:

• Level 8: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours)

• Level 9: Master of Fine Arts

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English


Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours)

  • 1 Year |  Level 8 • 120 credits • 1 academic year full-time

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) programme is a stand-alone postgraduate qualification, directly following on from the Level 7 Bachelor of Fine Arts programme.

Whitecliffe BFA (Hons) students consolidate the learning and achievements of the BFA undergraduate study through the realisation of a sustained practice-based research inquiry to prepare students for professional life in the creative industries. Students often undertake the Honours qualification to develop foundations for further research in a higher degree, pathwaying into a Master of Fine Arts (or equivalent), or where conditions are met, directly into a Doctorate programme.

Students undertake two courses of study across two Semesters: Studio Research and Critical Contexts. Both courses work to develop and integrate contextual, theoretical, and studio-based learning centred on student’s in-depth research projects. The BFA (Hons) programme culminates in a final exhibition or presentation of studio research outcomes and an accompanying written research summary.

GRADUATES WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Critically analyse and adapt relevant conceptual, critical, and theoretical frameworks to independent studio-based research

• Frame, refine, and resolve complex ideas through advanced research methodologies in creative contexts

• Generate and present bodies of work to a professional industry standard, evidencing a contextually informed sustained inquiry

• Reflexively innovate creative practice to connect and confidently contribute to wider contemporary discourses

FURTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can further enhance your Fine Arts and Photo Media career opportunities with the following programmes at Whitecliffe:

• Level 9: Master of Fine Arts

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English


Postgraduate Diploma in Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy

  • 1 Year |  Level 8 • 120 credits • 1 academic year full-time

Creative Arts Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilises creative modalities - including visual arts-making, drama, dance/movement, creative writing, and nature-connected arts - to improve and inform physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Creative Arts Therapy differs from traditional art-making or performance in that the emphasis expands to include attention to the processes of creating and meaning-making. Creative Arts Therapists work with individuals and groups by establishing a therapeutic relationship with their client/s with clear boundaries, and collaboratively developed treatment plans, and outcomes to assist them in their healing. Within this therapeutic relationship, creative expression can have significant impact on the healing process for all people including those experiencing trauma, addictions, and psychological or emotional problems.

Whitecliffe Creative Arts Therapy graduates combine their passion for creativity and for working with others to enhance well-being. They develop the confidence to contribute to this dynamic, emerging field of Creative Arts Therapy, harnessing their own experience and interests to pioneer new frontiers in this rapidly expanding profession.

This one-year full-time (blended delivery, low-residency) programme includes the following papers:

• Creative Studio

• Social Aspects of Creative Arts Therapy

• Psychology of Creative Arts Therapy

• Group Creative Arts Therapy

Christchurch Campus

Next intake: February

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February


Certificate in Digital Media and Design

  • 18 Weeks |  Level 4 • 60 credits • 18 weeks / 1 semester

The Certificate in Digital Media + Design is a semester-long programme (18 weeks) that is centered around the introduction to graphic design practice and digital media processes.

The programme culminates in the development of a portfolio for application to continuing tertiary study at Whitecliffe and/or elsewhere in New Zealand, or overseas.

The programme focuses on the development of theoretical knowledge and technical skills related to visual communication and drawing techniques and their application within the graphic design space. Upon the completion of the programme, students will have built on the foundation skills that can be further developed in Whitecliffe’s degree-level programmes.

The emphasis of the Certificate in Digital Media + Design programme is on the understanding of critical thinking and technical processes as tools to solve for the design inquiry/brief. These are delivered through lectures, demonstrations, individual and peer discussions, and assignments of practical tasks and creative projects, both in-class as well as self-directed learning.

FURTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can further enhance your graphic and digital design career opportunities with the following programmes at Whitecliffe:

• Level 4: Certificate in Arts + Design

• Level 7: Bachelor of Design + Digital Media

• Level 7: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Fine Arts / Photo Media)

• Level 7: Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February, July

Language:   English


Bachelor of Design and Digital Media

  • 3 Years |  Level 7 • 360 credits • 3 academic years full-time Offered at: Symonds Street campus

The aim for the Bachelor of Design + Digital Media is to provide graduates with future-focused creative skills within the field of design.

The degree will promote industry relevant, experimental, innovative, critical, and reflective approaches to emerging design ideas and technologies. It will encourage students to develop their own independent practices and positions and to fulfil the needs of industry.

The programme provides a framework within which innovative learning and teaching approaches, advanced digital skill, future-focused design. Assessment for learning elevates the student experience from technical to work ready graduates who will positively impact local and global design-related industries.

Graduates will be able to:

• Apply creative curiosity, design business awareness as well as emerging and future design technologies to positively impact local and global design-related industries.

• Re-imagine contemporary concepts and technologies through an understanding of the role of design, technologies, and innovation in an entrepreneurial business environment for commercial outcomes.

• Create design outputs through the lens of cultural perspectives, including New Zealand.

• Demonstrate critical thinking through awareness of cognitive design disciplines, discerning the impact of design innovation on human activity.

• Communicate creatively with intended audiences, through analytical engagement, contextualised information and innovative storytelling.

• Identify global design conventions and contribute to interconnected international design disciplines through the application of digital technology and human centered approaches to design and design business.

• Demonstrate responsible awareness for local and global sustainable, environmental longevity of the design lifecycle.

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English


Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology

  • 1 Year |  Level 3 • 120 credits • 1 academic year full-time

CERTIFICATE IN APPAREL + FASHION TECHNOLOGY

This entry-level programme teaches practical, hands-on, technical skills that are used to construct full garments.

Students become familiar with industrial machinery, techniques, and terminology necessary for fashion garment construction and are introduced to fabric technology and patternmaking.

Students learn to use industry-specific construction methods to make a range of full garments including skirts, tops, and trousers. Students will learn industrial machine handling skills and garment construction techniques to start their journey into the world of commercial fashion design.

GRADUATES WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Safely set up, use, and maintain industrial sewing equipment under limited supervision

• Select appropriate fabric and patterns, cut out, and sew garment parts to recognised industry quality standards using prepared job breakdowns

• Demonstrate behaviour and workplace communications appropriate for fashion and apparel manufacturing

• Meet the entry-level requirements for the Level 4 Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology (Patternmaking) programme

FURTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can further enhance your Fashion + Sustainability career opportunities with the following programmes at Whitecliffe:

• Level 4: Certificate in Apparel + Fashion Technology (Patternmaking)

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English

Wellington Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English


Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology (Patternmaking)

  • 1 Year |  Level 4 • 120 credits • 1 academic year full-time

CERTIFICATE IN APPAREL + FASHION TECHNOLOGY (PATTERNMAKING)

This programme will broaden your understanding of the terminology and techniques used in fashion garment production.

Students study body measurement, create blocks for men, women, and children, and learn to make, adapt, test-fit, and grade a range of patterns for outerwear garments.

Students extend their fabric knowledge, and learn computer tasks for garment production whilst continuing their journey into the realm of commercial fashion design.

GRADUATES WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Make, adapt, test-fit, and grade flat patterns for unstructured outerwear garments

• Identify fabrics, component, and care labels appropriate to end-use of a garment

• Prepare specification sheets and job breakdowns for garments

• Communicate patternmaking requirements to customers for a range of unstructured garments

• Meet the entry requirements for the Level 5 Diploma in Apparel and Fashion Technology programme

FURTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can further enhance your Fashion + Sustainability career opportunities with the following programmes at Whitecliffe:

• Level 5: Diploma in Apparel + Fashion Technology

• Level 7: Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design

Wellington Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English


Diploma in Apparel and Fashion Technology

  • 1 Year |  Level 5 • 120 credits • 1 academic year full-time

In this programme, students further develop the skills and knowledge of the two certificate programmes to a more advanced level. Students use and refine advanced skills in patternmaking, fit, garment construction, and production to create lingerie, swimwear, and tailored garments. Students learn CAD and Pattern Aided Design (PAD) to make, digitise, and grade patterns, and learn to create digital drawings and storyboard, as well as extending their knowledge of textile technology and garment manufacturing. Commercial fashion design comes to life in exciting design projects, and students will design and make a graduate collection which is presented at the annual Whitecliffe Fashion Show.

GRADUATES WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Use advanced technical skills to make, adapt, and grade flat patterns for structured and unstructured garments in a comprehensive range of styles and fabric types

• Create detailed manual specification sheets and commercial storyboards

• Select fabrics and apparel componentry to product end-use

• Use CAD and PAD (Pattern Aided Design) to make, digitise, and grade patterns, create lay plans, and specification sheets and draw garments

• Analyse a client brief to research, design, and present a new project or garment design to meet client requirements

FURTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can further enhance your Fashion + Sustainability career opportunities with the following programme at Whitecliffe:

• Level 7: Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design

Auckland Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English

Wellington Campus

Next intake: February

Language:   English



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