New Zealand’s campuses provide a great environment in which students can pursue their studies. Even those students interested in subjects like art and design have ample scope for study here. Among the top ranked design and art schools in New Zealand are the Design and Arts College (DAC), Christ-church, and Natcoll which has three campuses across the country. A visit to these centres was an enriching experience. Natcoll is among the top 10 digital design schools the world over. Courses include full-time, diploma and certificate options and several specialized courses, such as web designing, graphic designing for print industry, animation, etc. Said Campus principal Jeff Lockhart, “Natcoll’s programmes offer a pathway to a great future in the field of design. We have just introduced a trial intership programme and also started Creative Byte, a commercial design studio that gives our graduates some work experience – both were planned keeping the demand for job options in mind.”
Interestingly, students at Natcoll do not give any exams! Grades are given based purely on tutor evaluation alone. A strict cheat code is in place. “We tell students to take their cameras and bring original photos for use in their creations. We accept only original work. Any infringement of this clause results in suspension.” adds Lockhart.
Jasmeet Sarna, a Delhiite is studying her level 5 in animation. She, like other Indian students on campus, feels the course is extremely creative. P Madhukar from Hyderabad, who has enrolled for a one-year Diploma in Digital Media, acknowledged that his course was very advanced compared to those offered back home. “It’s very different and international in approach. There is a lot of scope,” he said.
All courses stipulate a maximum of 20 students per programme and at least three hours of practicals ever day. The cost for international students is NZ$ 15,000-17,000.
The DAC campus offers fashion designing and architecture, besides graphic design and digital design courses. Their short programmes include beauty, hair styling and make-up. Which are hugely popular among those in the theatre and beauty business. Said Cherry Chen, the international marketing liaison authority, “To encourage our students, DAC organizes some unique events. We have two fashion shows a year to provide for interactions with industry experts. Many students have found buyers at these shows and have gone on to work with design houses after graduating. We also have industry valuation for architecture students. In order to make our international students feel at home, we organize barbeque nights and fun competitions. International students are safe in New Zealand. Most of them come from China. India, Japan, Singapore and also the Fiji Islands.”
Vikash Verma, a professional graphic and digital designer from Mumbai, who won a trip to visit New Zealand’s campuses, courtesy, Education New Zealand, said, “The courses offered in these design centres will certainly add to a designer’s profile. They are futuristic and are planned for the global consumer.”
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