iCreate is an exciting opportunity to explore digital design. It's where your creativity meets digital technology.

Using digital still and video cameras and computers, you'll produce a wide range of original art that combines traditional and digital media. You'll also learn digital illustration techniques and how to create images and pages suitable for web publication, how to capture and edit video, and how to create and animate 2D and 3D objects. This work is complemented by a wide range of art and creative practices to further enhance your skills base.

The course equips you with the skills you need to move on to diploma level study and is run at each of our campuses in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Natcoll also runs the iCreate course between Mangere College and Natcoll Auckland. This course is an exciting opportunity for Maori and Pasifika students to explore creative digital design being run at a combination of two locations. The course is run each week at Mangere College on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays, and at Natcoll Auckland on Wednesdays.

This video contains some footage of graduates of the iCreate certificate who went on to complete our Diploma of Digital Media (Advanced) which is a laptop based course.

Further learning
iCreate is an excellent pathway into Natcoll's Diploma of Computer Graphic Design, Diploma of Animation and Digital Video, Diploma of Interactive Design or Diploma of Web Development.

For more information on how to enroll please call 0800 66 55 44 or download an enrolment form.

*Domestic course fees are GST inclusive. Course fees could be subject to change.

Course Components

There are four modules:

Introductory Basics (3 weeks)
Using a digital still camera, scanning images, using image and illustration software to create and manipulate images, using a visual diary, design principles such as colour theory, pattern and texture, computer file management.

Motion (4 weeks)

Production planning for animated and video based stories, understanding of film and animation terms, making a short film, modelling an object, animating a supplied character.

Interactive (4 weeks)
Production planning for web based projects, understanding of web and new media terms, using computer video editing software to compress for the web, producing a basic website and Flash animation.

Assessment

Assessment is quite different to traditional methods, much of it is done by visual and oral presentation rather than in written form. There are no marks and examinations.

If you don't reach the standard at your first attempt then reassessment opportunities are available.

Equipment & Software

Equipment

• Apple Mac computers
• Digital still cameras
• Digital video cameras
• Scanners
• Printers

Software

The following are examples of software that may be used:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe InDesign
• Apple iMovie
• Adobe Dreamweaver
• Adobe Flash
• NewTek Lightwave

Course Fees & Related Costs

Course fees*

Domestic students - $995
International students - $4,900

*Domestic course fees are GST inclusive.
*Course fees could be subject to change.

Course Costs

The following estimated costs apply to classes starting in 2010. For some items the cost will vary depending on the brand of item purchased or on the student’s individual needs. Students are encouraged to discuss the items with their tutor before purchasing.

Essential items

• Visual Diary - one provided
• 3 CD/DVDs - provided
• 1500 print credits - provided
• Monthly internet quota - provided
• Art materials (paints, crayons, paper, modelling clay etc) - provided
• USB drives (2-4 GB) - up to $35
• Ruler and knife - approx. $5
• Glue stick - approx. $5

Recommended items

• Storage media for back up - up to $100
• Art materials - up to $200
• Extra print credits - up to $20
  (if you exceed provided quota)
• Extra internet quota - up to $30
  (if you exceed provided quota)
• Extra visual diaries - up to $30
• Earphones for sound editing - up to $30

Entry Requirements

• There is open entry to this course but you will find it easier if you have a level of creativity and some basic computer skills although these are not essential.

• Entry is based on application and interview.

• If English is not your first language an IELTS 5.0 (General Training) or equivalent is recommended.

Industry Relevance

Career Opportunities

iCreate Certificate

Auckland

11 October 2010 - 9 February 2011
21 February 2011 - 10 June 2011
20 June 2011 - 30 September 2011
10 October 2011 - 8 February 2012

Auckland (Mangere)

7 March 2011 - 24 June 2011
1 August 2011 - 14 November 2011

Wellington

1 October 2010 - 1 February 2011
27 January 2011 - 13 May 2011
13 June 2011 - 23 September 2011
3 October 2011 - 31 January 2012 

Christchurch

1 February 2011 - 20 May 2011
7 March 2011 - 24 June 2011
1 September 2011 - 16 December 2011