Course details

Bachelor of Creative Media
Domestic tuition $7,515 per year
International tuition $21,500
NZQF Level 3

About the course

Develop skills as a creative image maker in the UCOL Bachelor of Creative Media. Combine a range of digital technologies and arts - covering illustration, videography/filmmaking, 3D/animation, photography and design.

  • Nikon Awards
  • http://www.ucol.ac.nz/ProgrammeImages/BCM%20Slides/Creative%20media%20-%201.jpg
  • Person in green dress walking up pathway
  • Pit Park branded merchandise
  • Nikon Awards
  • http://www.ucol.ac.nz/ProgrammeImages/2021%20New%20Images/Creative/BCM%204.jpg
  • Nikon Awards
  • Nikon Awards
  • Tea - second year creative student Ori Bismark
  • Warrior - second year creative student Michael Carter
  • Fruit - third year creative Jeff Clifford
  • Fire fighter - first year creative student Emily Smith
  • Album cover - third year creative student Chris Stone
  • Baking book design - second year creative students
  • Wine - third year creative student Alisha Ritson

Equip yourself with the comprehensive knowledge, skills and expertise for working and contributing to the growing global creative industries with the UCOL Bachelor of Creative Media. Mix and match a range of subjects within this multi-discipline degree - 3D/animation, design, photography, illustration & video/filmmaking.

The creative industries represent specialities across a range of digital technologies, arts and design-based disciplines. The knowledge and skills associated with these specialities are now an integral part of many employment opportunities driving innovation, solution sourcing and business.

Work-integrated learning
Complete the third year of your degree by immersing in the “workhub” with real clients - getting truly ready for industry. This work-integrated learning component comprises 380 hours of work experience. You'll learn how to apply concept creation, logic, imagination, intuition, critical thought and reasoning to the creation of meaningful outcomes for clients in the workplace.You'll develop a multidisciplinary approach in context of cultural and ethical influences, enabling you to contribute to the creative industry solutions and outputs in New Zealand and around the world.

Check out our Creative Workhub website

Keen to know more? Checkout this video made by the class of 2017 and staff.

 
Why do you study at UCOL and this programme? Because we are here to help achieve your dream!

You have lecturers available to give face to face feedback making sure you are on the right track for improvement. When critiquing your work, we can read your expressions and see your body language to help us understand what is being perceived. We are focused on getting you to be the best you can be - by having lecturers and leaders that care about your progress forward at all times with those smaller classes. Meet our Manawatū Creative Industries team here.

Additionally, excellent wellbeing and educational support systems, community and Industry connections enable you to engage with real-world experiences before you are on the job. Have a look through the content here and see what suits you and how the multimedia can mix for you. A person is more employable with dual skill sets.


The UCOL Bachelor of Creative Media prepares learners for professional careers within creative industries that contribute to contemporary visual culture. Potential employment pathways include:

  • Photography (commercial, portrait, wedding, architectural & many more)
  • Graphic design/illustration (design app graphics, marketing resources, websites, user inter-phasing, concept development)
  • 3D/animation (storyboard artist, illustrator)
  • Visual journalism (photojournalist, documentary maker, infographics designer)
  • Video (television producer, television director, documentary maker)

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Designers and Artists, and Photographers, see careers.govt.nz

Education pathway

About the provider

UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.

When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.

At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.

Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.

As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.

Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.

UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.

Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.

Video