New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

Academic requirements

You must have:

10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits or,
The New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 3) or
The New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 3).

If you want to talk to someone about the entry requirements before you apply, get in touch on freephone 0508 650 200.  

Alternative requirements

Applicants who are unable to provide evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry. 

Computer and internet requirements

This programme is delivered online. To complete this programme, you will need access to a laptop or desktop computer that meets the recommended device specifications stated below, reliable broadband internet connection and a data plan able to support online learning such as streaming of videos (including YouTube), downloading content, and writing and submitting online assessments. If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access allows you to complete your online learning with us, please contact us before applying to enrol.

Learn more about our online learning and study tools.

Software requirements: Adobe Creative Cloud

Learners will use Adobe’s Creative Cloud software suite whilst studying this programme of study.  

The full system requirements for the Adobe software can be found at: https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html .

Important: If you have a Microsoft Copilot+ PC with a Snapdragon X Series processor, you won’t be able to use certain Adobe apps. Specifically, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign, as they are not yet supported on these devices. Therefore, you will need to delay enrolling on this programme until Adobe releases compatible versions for your device.

Device specifications

Minimum: 

CPU: Intel Core i5 
Memory (RAM): 8GB 
Disk: 256GB SSD 
Screen resolution: 1280 x 800 

Recommended: 

CPU: Intel Core i5 (or better) 
Memory (RAM): 16GB (or more) 
Disk: 512GB SSD 
Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080 

Access Adobe Creative Cloud at no extra cost. You will receive access to the world’s best creative apps and services so you can make anything you can imagine, wherever you’re inspired. 

Materials required

• Drawing supplies i.e. pads, pencils, paints 
• Access to a smartphone with video and photography capability 
• Access to a DSLR Camera is recommended 
• Access to a drawing tablet and pen. We recommend the brand Wacom. 

English language requirements

If you live in New Zealand and English or Māori is not your first language you must have an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent.  

 International learners must also have an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent. 

Learn more about English language entry requirements.

International learners and domestic learners living overseas  

You can study this programme part-time if you’re an international learner living in New Zealand or overseas. If you’re living in New Zealand, you will need to be in paid employment with a valid work permit.  

You can also study this programme if you’re a New Zealand citizen living overseas.  

Learn more about studying as an international learner.