Core elements

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Apply broad knowledge, and practical conceptual skills in the production of arts, crafts and/or design work
• Use investigative tools with creative processes, methods and technologies to develop responses to a brief and solve problems
• Use research to support the development of ideas and to inform own work within conventions and contexts in arts, craft and or/design
• Critique own work and the work of others communicate in a range of situations, and present own resolved work in simulated contexts
• Apply professional practices to manage projects/briefs within defined guidelines, and select potential education and employment pathways in arts, craft and/or design.

Further study options

Graduates of this programme could move directly into industry. Previous graduates from the Diploma in Jade and Hardstone Carving (Level 5) have gone onto;

• Self-employment
• Employed in a carving studio
• Complete commissioned works
• Employed in retail outlets

The qualification provides a pathway from:

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

Graduates of this qualification may wish to undertake further tertiary study at diploma or degree level in areas including the following:

• New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6)
• New Zealand Diploma in Creativity (Level 6)

Your workload

The programme of learning occurs both as face-to-face tutor directed learning, industry experience and as self-directed learning. The delivery of this programme has a high level of practical workshop-based activity and independent research and design.

You will design unique work, create accurate models of the design and complete the practical carving of selected designs. You will be supported to build their understanding of and practical fluency with a range of tools and technologies, including unfamiliar equipment, enabling them to be capable of working independently. The practical components of this programme will be carried out in a specialised jade and hard stone workshop with experienced carving staff supporting student learning and ensuring carving is carried out in a safe and appropriate manner.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have successfully completed either the New Zealand Certificate in Hard Stone and Jade Carving Level 3 or Level 4 prior to commencing study. Other similar qualifications or relevant industry experience may be considered as acceptable, at the discretion of the programme lead tutor.
• Have their application reviewed by Tai Poutini staff.
• Have evidence of appropriate language competency if English is not the applicant’s first language of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) across all bands.

Learners must;

• Have successfully completed either the New Zealand Certificate in Hard Stone and Jade Carving Level 3 or Level 4 prior to commencing study. Other similar qualifications or relevant industry experience may be considered as acceptable, at the discretion of the programme lead tutor.
• Have evidence of appropriate language competency if English is not the applicant’s first language of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) across all bands.
• Have their application reviewed by Tai Poutini staff.

2024 enrolments

When you apply to study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2024, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start from 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.