Extramural Study

The Extramural Diploma of Art and Creativity is a wonderful opportunity for distance learners to connect with The Learning Connexion and all it has to offer. The Programme is a correspondence course which, through video or DVD resources, brings the Diploma into your own home.

This medium provides you with an intimate view of the creative process and how other students approach their work. The course is based on actual filmed classes which are yours to keep. In addition, enrolment in the programme makes available all the on-site classes at our Taita campus, at no extra cost. We also offer to put you in touch with other extramural students in your area. Extramural staff can be contacted by either free phone or email from anywhere in the country.

Feedback:
You will need to send your work to us three times per term, allowing us to ensure that you are following the programme and working toward your goals, and to enable us to offer feedback on your art work and creative process. DVD reviews of your work are also provided throughout the year.

The Diploma of Art and Creativity (Honours) is available as either part or full time study. If you choose to study part time the Foundation level is one year, Stage 1 is two years, and Stage 2 is a further two years.

Part time students complete the course in five years, full time students in just two and a half years. Or you can mix and match by switching between the two at the start of any level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the extramural program work?
The extramural programme is a comprehensive DVD series of on-site classes. During term time, you will receive a number of DVDs with accompanying notes, taking you through the diploma programme. You complete projects (increasingly setting your own assignments as you progress), record your hours on a work log, and develop your own ideas each week. You can choose where and when you work. The extramural programme is NZQA approved, and you graduate with the same qualification as on-site students.

What equipment or materials will I need to enrol in the extramural diploma?
A working space, preferably separate from distractions
A TV and DVD player to watch the lessons and complete the exercises. It is preferable to have these set up in your working space so you can complete the exercises while watching the DVDs.
Foundation students receive a starter kit of materials at the beginning of their course. Stage 1 and 2 students receive a materials credit from TLC at the start of each year of their course. (Please note that we are unable to offer this to students working outside New Zealand). You will need to purchase additional materials throughout the course.

What time commitment will I need?
You can study extramurally either part or full-time:
Part-time study is based on completing a minimum of 15 hours work per week.
Full-time study is based on completing a minimum of 30 hours work per week.

Can I attend on-site classes?
Yes, you are able to attend a limited number of block courses and weekend workshops at TLC in Wellington. There is no charge for these courses when you are a TLC student. All block courses and weekend workshops are listed on the TLC website. They represent a diverse range which changes each term.

Will I miss out on the on-site experience?
Our experience has been that the outcomes produced by extramural students are equal to the on-site students. Extramural study isn't for everyone, but it is excellent for those who prefer to work in their own time and are good at being self-motivated. Extramural study requires self-discipline and commitment and some students may prefer to enrol on-site in Wellington where they can regularly attend classes.

What sort of contact will I have on the diploma?
Every extramural student is assigned a mentor who will be your main point of contact throughout your course. In Stage 1 and 2 you may also have contact with other tutors at TLC. It is very important that you can establish your own art networks in the area where you live to support you through the programme. You are also encouraged to contact other extramural students living in your area.

Check out our online newsletter, TLC Xpress, which keeps you plugged into what's happening at TLC. You can also join our Facebook page to easily keep in touch with other students and see what TLC graduates are up to.

Extramural students are also encouraged to submit work for our end-of-term exhibitions and to attend exhibition evenings in Wellington.

How will I receive feedback on my work?
Your work is sent to your mentor 3 times each term. Your mentor will provide you with written, filmed, or verbal feedback, and is available to answer any queries or provide suggestions when you may need it. DVD reviews of your work are also provided throughout the year.

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TLC Student Site

The Learning Connexion
Phone +64 4 568 0320 or
0800 ART POWER
(0800 278 769 within NZ)
Fax +64 4 567 9864
www.tlc.ac.nz
info@tlc.ac.nz

PO Box 9811
Wellington 6141

Taita Campus
182 Eastern Hutt Road
Taita, Lower Hutt 5019

New Zealand