New Zealand University

Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design is located in the peaceful and prestigious suburb of Parnell, approximately a 10-minute drive from Auckland city centre. The modern, well-maintained campus is fully equipped with creative studios, photography darkrooms, seminar rooms, and a dedicated student library. Its spacious, light-filled studios are also occasionally used as exhibition spaces for showcasing student artwork. In addition, the college features a specialised gallery for student exhibitions, artistic research, and creative development.

Established in 1982, Whitecliffe is a respected private art and design college in Auckland, offering a range of creative education programs from foundation studies to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The foundation program prepares students for university-level study by helping them develop a professional portfolio and build the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for undergraduate education.

Whitecliffe’s bachelor’s programs provide certificates or diplomas at different stages of study. This flexible qualification structure means that students can still receive formal recognition for their academic achievements, even if they are unable to complete the entire degree program. The college’s master’s programs follow a low-residency study model, requiring minimal attendance on campus. This allows postgraduate students to continue developing their careers while completing an advanced creative arts qualification.

Whitecliffe is particularly recognised for offering New Zealand’s only Master’s in Art Therapy, demonstrating its specialist expertise in art, design, and creative education. One of the college’s greatest strengths is its ability to provide specialised art and design courses from foundation through to postgraduate level. Whitecliffe qualifications are recognised throughout New Zealand and internationally, supporting graduates who wish to pursue creative careers worldwide.

Although Whitecliffe is more popular with domestic students, international students receive personalised guidance, academic support, and individual attention. With strong graduation outcomes and high graduate employment rates, Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design provides a supportive learning environment for students preparing for successful careers in the creative industries.

Art and design programmes are widely recognised as challenging courses, even at established universities in New Zealand, and student dropout rates can be relatively high. However, Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design maintains an impressive graduation rate of more than 80%. Academic staff provide close support for each student’s creative development, academic progress, and practical skills. Through industry-focused education, hands-on learning, and strong creative training, Whitecliffe graduates also achieve an employment rate of approximately 90%. After graduation, students can pursue professional careers or continue their studies at prestigious international universities, including Otis College of Art and Design, Pennsylvania State University, and Montclair State University.

Whitecliffe’s bachelor’s programmes allow students to earn recognised qualifications at different stages of their studies. This means that students who leave the programme before completing the full degree may still receive a valuable qualification, helping them enter the creative industries and improve their employment opportunities. Students also benefit from seminars, presentations, networking events, and guest lectures designed to build professional connections and expand career pathways.

Whitecliffe’s art therapy programme is particularly distinctive, as it offers New Zealand’s only master’s-level art therapy qualification. Graduates may also be eligible to register with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association. With growing interest in creative arts therapy and mental health services, the programme offers strong future career prospects in New Zealand and overseas.