Graphic Design: Promotional Artwork Training Scheme

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Online:

17 February 2025

14 July 2025
Study options

Online
Length

One semester including a 2 week study break
Total credits

20
Fees

2025: $328 plus $43 Student Services Levy

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies (2024; $2.05 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NE4952

This graphic design online course introduces you to the principles of promotional artwork.

graphic design promotional artwork training scheme

Effective promotional artwork is both eye-catching (visually appealing, attention-grabbing) as communicative - transferring an intended message, idea or emotion to the viewer. Successful promotional artwork has an effect that is directly connected to its purpose.

Posters need to be clear and concise, giving information quickly and be legible (easy to read), especially from a distance. Sometimes designers may choose to put greater emphasis on aesthetics than on legibility, depending on the poster’s purpose. In most situations though, you will want your audience to be able to take in the information without too much effort.

Flyers allow for more detailed information as people can take them home and decide/read more later.

Great promotional artwork is likely to be so because of its conceptual and/or visual ingenuity. It has the power to remain interesting long after the first time you have seen it. The lasting power of designs can usually be contributed to a combination of some of the following characteristics:

an original and clever concept
a balanced, well thought-through composition
eye-catching imagery and/or typography
creative, stylish use of design elements
clever application of design principles
inventive, well-targeted copy/content

In this course we will explore all of these ‘ingredients’ and will also discuss layouts, design briefs, colour use, prepress settings, image interpretation and responsible design.

The courses have a project-by-project structure. You will be graded by your project submissions. There are four main projects to work on in total. In addition to that you will have the opportunity to engage in weekly activities online that support your learning.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

NCEA Level 2
Or
A qualification or examination recognised as being equivalent to achievement of NCEA Level 2

Alternative Requirements

Applicants (including those over 20 years of age) who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager (or delegate).

English Language Requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language they will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table.(external link)

Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment.

IELTS 5.5 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test

Note: Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

Programme structure

Project 1: Alternative movie poster

A fun introduction into the world of promotional design with a big emphasis on self-expression and experimentation

Project 2: Promotional poster & flyer for specific region in New Zealand

Introduction to the process of creating imagery and working with typography and an (imaginary) client

Project 3: Artwork for a non-profit organisation or charity

Creating artwork to raise awareness while inciting action from your audience

Project 4: Commercial artwork for a product, business or service

Demonstrate what you have learned and create a commercial design that is both persuasive and attractive

What will I learn?

Develop, explore, document and communicate ideas within the context of promotional artwork design projects, and experiment with a range of digital media and graphic design approaches, materials and tools in the development of project work.
Create promotional artwork design solutions using selected specialist digital media and graphic design techniques and software in set projects.
Investigate, critically analyse and discuss key historical and contemporary theoretical and philosophical ideas and issues surrounding graphic design, and the influence of social, economic, technological and political forces on art/ design practices using set criteria.
Use a wide range of research skills, strategies and methodologies and information from a diverse range of sources to select, discuss and present relevant historical and theoretical information related to graphic design practices and their application to studio/theoretical projects; use terminology appropriately and present assignments to the required academic standards.
Present promotional artwork design studio work in a specified format and environment according to the requirements of the project brief(s).

Course requirements

NMIT Creative Industries Training Schemes

Student testimonial

Student loans and allowances

Filter