Skip to main content

Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

International Close Date: Please enquire

Take your professional creative career to a new level.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice has been designed for musicians, dramatists, performing and visual artists, designers, film makers, writers, directors and other professional creatives who wish to take their first foray into postgraduate study.

It will enable you to advance your creative practice and develop knowledge and specialist skills, beyond those gained through your undergraduate degree.

As a student of this programme you'll have the opportunity to use reflection on creative and critical theory to initiate and develop an area of interest into a supervised research project within a domain of practice.

You'll also develop and apply advanced knowledge of theories and worldviews, including Te Ao Māori, in relation to a domain of research and creative practice.

Study Postgrad in Creative Practice

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,627 - $8,486 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee
$8,085 - $8,995 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$370.50 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2025

A Bachelor's degree followed by relevant work or professional experience, or a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant subject area, or a Bachelor Honours degree.

Applicants are required to undertake course advisement with an Ara staff member and complete a for postgraduate study application form.

Applicants unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry requirements, but who can demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate work or professional experience, may be approved for alternative entry.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

  • 6.0 Listening
  • 6.0 Reading
  • 6.0 Writing
  • 6.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

The creative careers supported by this qualifications can lead to rewarding work in the fields of visual art, design, film making and animation, photography, fashion, broadcast media, music production, music performance and theatre, among others.

Study pathways

Further study options include the Master of Creative Practice at Ara, a Master in Arts or Fine Arts, or a teacher education qualification.

Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)

Take your professional creative career to a new level.

Information
Type Postgraduate
Code CH4078
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date Please enquire
Credits 120
Level 8
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
Available Part time Yes
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference CH4078-STRU

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,627 - $8,486 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee
$8,085 - $8,995 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$370.50 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2025

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Enquire Now

With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

More

Additional Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to undertake course advisement with an Ara staff member and complete a for postgraduate study application form.

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

Need some help picking the right course for you?

Send us an enquiry or book a tour and experience Ara for yourself!