Take your design practice further
Design is changing fast, and the Postgraduate Diploma in Design Innovation (PGDipDI) helps you keep pace. Through lectures and studio-based research, you’ll build advanced skills in design thinking, research, and practice, and learn to apply them to complex, real-world problems.
The PGDipDI programme is flexible. You choose a cohesive set of 120 points from courses we offer in four of our Master’s programmes. Shape a pathway that suits your goals. You can start the PGDipDI in either Trimester 1 or 2.
If you’re considering postgraduate study but aren’t ready to commit to a full Master’s, the PGDipDI lets you start with a smaller step. Or, if you’re a mid-career professional, the Diploma alone is great for building advanced design knowledge alongside your work.
How you’ll study
The PGDipDI is a 120-point qualification made up of courses from any of these four Master's programmes:
- Master of Design Innovation (MDI)
- Master of Design Technology (MDT)
- Master of User Experience Design (MUXD)
- Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) (MFA(CP)).
Studying full time, you can complete the qualification over two trimesters, with a workload of around 35 to 40 hours a week.
Part-time study options
Part-time study may be available. Talk to the programme director about eligibility, workload, and a suitable study plan.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the PGDipDI shall have:
(i) completed a BDI degree or GDipDI of this university, or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, another relevant degree; and
(ii) been accepted by the Head of the School of Design Innovation as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the associate dean for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipDI
2. The course of study for the PGDipDI shall consist of a cohesive set of courses worth at least 120 points from the schedules of the MDI, MDT, MUXD, or MFA(CP).
Connect with peers, staff, and future colleagues
- Work in a studio space where you’ll have the opportunity to forge deep relationships with your design peers.
- Build relationships with academics and students who are interested in the same area of design through design research groups.
- Get access to regular research skills workshops.
- Present your work at the School’s twice-yearly seminar series.
- Take part in the annual postgraduate design exhibition.
- Make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.
Industry research
Future careers
- an industrial or product designer
- an interaction designer
- a visual effects artist
- a digital animator
- a tabletop or video game designer
- an illustrator
- a service designer
- a web designer.
More career information
Find out more about careers in design innovation.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for design
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for design
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Resources and expertise
- woodworking, metalworking, and hand tools
- a specialist photography studio and equipment
- a purpose-built fashion studio with digital and traditional pattern-making resources
- 3D printing digital fabrication suites with Stratasys voxel printers and a large-scale BigRep 3D printer
- facilities for recycling used plastics into 3D printing filament
- facilities for working with bio-based materials
- a robotic arm
- film-editing suites.
Working in a Design Research Group
Depending on your supervisor and topic, you may work as part of a Design Research Group—a stimulating and supportive environment for inspiration and discovery.
You’ll work alongside students and academics with similar design interests. Choose one that fits your current knowledge, career goals, and the research portfolio topic you’re planning.
To find out about the School of Design Innovation’s research areas and supervising staff, visit the School’s research site.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.