New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4) - Version 2

Version 2 enrolments for Level 4 will start in January 2025

This programme is intended for people who want to develop core knowledge and skills essential to expand their creative abilities. It is about ākonga starting

their creative journey, seeking and discovering their creative abilities (Mā te kimi, ka kite). With guidance, Ākonga are able to mix and select different creative art subjects which best suit their interests and needs to gain an understanding of Creativity.

The programme is particularly suited to äkonga who are in transition - back into education, during or after a career change, in response to a major life event of some kind. Ākonga are able to explore what interests them at the same time as developing a solid foundation of their own creative drivers and goals, supported by delivery methods that require frequent engagement and feedback-feedforward.

There are three Programme Components that have been designed to fit TLC's strongly ākonga-centred pedagogy:

'Self', in relation to whānau, whakapapa and kaupapa. This is where ākonga learn about their intrinsic drivers and creative goals and over time translate this into their creative process and practice. Ākonga are able to explore and express cultures most relevant to their self, including Māori and Pasifika.

'Materials and Processes' give ākonga opportunities to explore materials and processes across disciplines. This Programme Component is focussed on the application of techniques, tools and processes through active research. Ākonga,gain technical skills and extend their knowledge of materials as part of their creative process.

'Environment, Culture and Community' presenting work, communicating with external stakeholders, and professional practice requirements. Ākonga will be introduced to professional practice topics, and learn to evaluate their creative work, taking cultural sensitivity and respect into consideration when presenting work.

These three Programme Components are not delivered in a linear manner, because creativity is not a linear process.

Ākonga are expected to advance each of the Programme Components at the same time throughout the delivery schedule. The programme is delivered as one course with regular informal (documented) mentor/student feedback/feedforward sessions, and a formal Progress Check when (10%, 25% for part time) 50% and 75% (pre completion) of the programme has been completed. One to one guidance from mentors at each feedback/feedforward session keeps each student on track with how they will meet all programme requirements. 

Success as a student and as a mentor or tutor hinges on an interactive dialogue. As part of this process, feedback is the heart of creativity. Taking something, doing something to it, reflecting on this and then responding to the result, ensures students and tutors are constantly learning, growing and evolving.

Students and tutors are in a continuous creative cycle (The Creative Spiral -

Jonathan Milne, 2008).

The programme has three delivery modes:

Onsite - Creative arts options available:

Painting, Drawing, Illustration, Printmaking, Jewellery, Photography, Digital art, Ceramics, Glass casting, Hot Arts (forging & bronze casting), Carving (Oamaru stone and wood), Assemblage (mixed media)

Restricted Programme (from prison) - Creative arts options available:

Painting, Drawing, Illustration, Whakairo (where available) Assemblage (mixed media), Raranga

Distance Delivery - Creative arts options available:

Painting, Drawing, Illustration, Printmaking, Jewellery, Photography, Digital art, Ceramics, Carving (Oamaru stone and wood), Assemblage (mixed media), Raranga

Graduates are intended to pathway into further study.

For more information please contact our Admissions team