Course Overview

The Bachelor of Creative Industries (BCI) degree is one of the Bay of Plenty's most well-regarded creative degrees.

More than an art course, it’s based on real-world outcomes so you'll graduate with skills that match what industry needs. In this degree you can choose to major in graphic design, visual art and fashion design. Sustainable, ethical and professional business practices are also included as part of this course. 

You’ll learn from some of New Zealand’s most talented artists, fashion designers and industry experts. Our 'learn by doing' approach means you'll enjoy modern facilities that support creativity and collaboration.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • Bachelor of Creative Industries (Visual Art), or
  • Bachelor of Creative Industries (Graphic Design), or
  • Bachelor of Creative Industries (Fashion Design)
Locations Tauranga
Next intake Feb 2025 View more details
Study options

3 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Total credits 360
StudyLink assistance Available
Indicative Fees $7,743 per year for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can go onto higher level study or employment. Or they can start their own business as a self-employed freelancer, sole trader, designer or artist.

Visual Arts: Arts administration, gallery director, gallery curator, gallery front of house, arts educator, art dealing/hiring, arts consultancy, illustrator, arts events and festivals management/operations/administrator, co-op artist run space and community-based art projects/programming/organiser/developer.

Graphic Design: Branding, marketing and identity developer, web designer, illustrator, animator, typographer, photographer, product packaging designer, social media/film/3D/AR/VR technologies content creator.

Fashion Design (including textile design): Fashion designer, fashion technician, sample machinist, pattern engineer, production designer, buyer, retailer, costume design, quality control, supply chain administration.

There are two exit qualifications for the Bachelor of Creative Industries degree.

  • Successful completion of 120 credits in the year 1 programme can be cross-credited to the New Zealand Diploma of Arts and Design (level 5)*
  • Successful completion of 240 credits from year 1 and 2 programme can be cross-credited to the New Zealand Diploma of Arts and Design (level 6)*

*Special conditions apply. Students must complete all compulsory courses to gain an exit qualification.
 

Topics you'll cover

Available Majors:

  • Visual Art (VA)
    Explore a range of 2D technologies in painting, drawing, printmaking and process image. Experiment with 3D construction techniques and technologies utilising a range of media. Move onto digital technologies and installation practice to test unique exhibition presentation methods.
     
  • Graphic Design (GD)
    Gain a solid foundation in design. Work collaboratively in teams to create client briefs and develop unique solutions to a range of real world problems including branding, illustration, packaging or photography. Advance your software skills and then extend them in the second and third year to encompass new fields such as digital illustration, moving image, animation and studio practice.
     
  • Fashion Design (FD)
    Create, design, innovate. See your ideas come to fruition on the runway, in wardrobe and costume. Learn techniques associated with your designs.

Meet our Creative tutors

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * $7,743 per year for domestic students

Your final fee may vary if:

  • you have a choice of topics/papers to study
  • the qualification excludes GST
  • there are extra course materials to purchase
  • student levies apply

We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.

  • A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
  • A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.

Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz

Scholarships

Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.


Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

To gain entry into this course, you must meet the following criteria:

  • A portfolio containing 10 pieces of work
  • University Entrance or successful completion of the Certificate in Art and Design (Level 4) 

You are expected to have the literacy skills required to meet the academic needs of the degree. Evidence of this may be required.

Portfolio

You are required to submit a portfolio when you apply for the course. The portfolio will show 10 recent art and/or design works together with a statement discussing your ideas and intentions.

Portfolio requirements

Special Admission

If you do not meet the academic requirements you may be given special admission if Toi Ohomai staff are satisfied you are capable of successfully completing the requirements.

Special admission may also apply for applicants over 20 years.

Information Session

You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.


Return to course overview

Course Locations and Intake Information

Location Campus Start Date
Tauranga Windermere Campus 17 Feb 2025 Apply now

Study options

  • 3 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

Get a summary of this page