Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Diploma in Graphic Design (Level 6)
Version
1
Qualification type
Diploma
Level
6
Credits
120
NZSCED
100501
Creative Arts > Graphic and Design Studies > Graphic Arts and
Design Studies
Qualification developer
New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Next review
July 2018
Approval date
June 2015
Strategic purpose statement
This qualification is for people seeking specialised graphic
design skills and knowledge required to work as a junior
designer in a graphic design studio environment, or in selfemployment or freelance work.
The graphic design industry and creative and cultural sector in
Aotearoa New Zealand will benefit by having people with
specialised skills in graphic design.
Graduates will be capable of creating a body of graphic design
work as an individual or member of a team. Graduates will be
able to take a leadership role within a team. Graduates will have
specialised practical and conceptual skills that reflect current
industry practice.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
-
Outcome Statement
-
Education pathway
Apply problem solving skills to complex design challenges
in a graphic design studio environment.
Create a body of work using essential principles of graphic
design and the nature and treatment of typography and its
applications with consistency.
Apply specialist practical and conceptual skills in visual
communication.
Apply graphic design skills to selected specialist areas.
Critically evaluate own graphic design practice and
context, and the work of others.
Work independently and collaboratively, and demonstrate
leadership skills within a team.
Apply professional, ethical and business practices in a
graphic design work environment.
The qualification provides a pathway from the New Zealand
Diploma in Graphic Design (Level 5) [Ref: 2642].
Graduates of this qualification may wish to undertake further
tertiary study at diploma or degree level in the fields of creative
arts or business.
Qualification Reference 2643
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
version 1
Page 1 of 4
Employment pathway
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work in entry level
graphic design practitioner roles such as a junior designer or in
self-employment or as a freelance practitioner.
Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification may be awarded by any education organisation
accredited under section 250 of the Education Act 1989 to deliver
a programme leading to the award of this qualification.
The formal document certifying the award of this qualification will
display the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) logo
and may also include the name or logo of the qualification
developer and/or other awarding body.
Evidence requirements for
assuring consistency
All tertiary education organisations (TEOs) either arranging
training or delivering programmes that lead to the award of the
qualification are required to participate with the qualification
developer in a scheduled consistency process, in accordance
with published national guidelines.
This will involve reviewing evidence associated with graduates’
achievement of outcomes, establishing a periodic cycle for a
review focus for the external consistency review, and agreeing
acceptable standards and/or benchmarks for qualification
outcome achievement, and areas for improvement.
Standard evidence for programme providers may include:
-
Minimum standard of
achievement and standards for
grade endorsements
assessment information leading to the achievement of the
graduate outcomes
a portfolio of student work relating to the qualification and
the annual review focus requirements
graduate and/or stakeholder/end-user feedback on
outcome achievement
TEO moderation outcomes which may include
moderation/benchmarking across common programmes
relevant External Evaluation and Review (EER) data
The minimum standard of achievement required for the award of
the qualification is the achievement of all the graduate outcomes
in the graduate profile.
There are no grade endorsements for this qualification.
Other requirements for the
qualification (including regulatory
body or legislative requirements)
Qualification Reference 2643
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Nil.
version 1
Page 2 of 4
General conditions for the programme leading to the qualification
General conditions for
programme
The programme design, including assessment, must reflect the
interconnectedness of graduate outcomes and the norms of graphic
design industry practices.
Prior to enrolment, candidates must have completed a Level 5
qualification in the same or related field, or demonstrate equivalent
knowledge and skills.
Programmes may be developed based on Māori principles and
values, and are intended to enable Wānanga to meet obligations
under the Education Act (1989, section 162(4)(b)(iv)).
All TEOs offering programmes leading to this qualification must
maintain currency with amendments to, and replacement of, relevant
legislation, regulations, rules and Australian/New Zealand Standards.
Conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
1
Programmes must include selection and application of problem
solving methods appropriate to the studio environment, including a
simulated studio.
Apply problem solving
skills to complex design
challenges in a graphic
design studio
environment.
Credits 20
2
3
4
Create a body of work
using essential principles
of graphic design and
the nature and treatment
of typography and its
applications with
consistency.
Complex design challenges have multiple components and require a
range of specialised skills and/or knowledge. There is a variety of
ways to achieve the objective.
Programmes must include:
-
Selection and use of multiple design principles appropriate to
the complex design problem informed by research and analysis.
Typography appropriate to the medium and purpose.
Programmes may include a design process such as:
Ideation – research, analysis of research, incorporate feedback;
Development – initial and developed concepts, trials or testing,
critical thinking; final result that meets the brief, evaluation and
reflection.
Credits 30
-
Apply specialist practical
and conceptual skills in
visual communication.
Programmes must include evidence of development, evaluation and
selectivity of a range of innovative and/or creative ideas for visual
communication.
Credits 15
Practical application of the skills must reflect current industry
standards.
Apply graphic design
skills to selected
specialist areas
Programmes may include specialisations such as: branding,
packaging, publication, motion graphics, illustration, and advertising.
Credits 15
5
Critically evaluate own
graphic design practice
and context, and the
Programmes may include evidence of critical evaluation; may
reference theories such as colour, semiotics, reception, film,
deconstruction and gestalt.
Qualification Reference 2643
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
version 1
Page 3 of 4
work of others.
Credits 5
6
Work independently and
collaboratively, and
demonstrate leadership
skills within a team.
Credits 5
7
Apply professional,
ethical and business
practices in a graphic
design work
environment.
Credits 30
Programmes must include:
-
-
Qualification Reference 2643
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Presentation of work for critique using a range of techniques
e.g. pitch, online, onscreen, and mock up.
Preparation of work ready for commercial reproduction.
Self-promotion through the development of a body of work e.g.
portfolio, online presence, and show reels.
Knowledge of contracts, business planning, financial
obligations, marketing and legislative responsibilities e.g. Health
and Safety.
The work environment may be real or simulated.
Practise with an understanding of the implications of the Treaty
of Waitangi for graphic design in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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