Course details

Summary

Bachelor of Design (BDes) graduates are trained to use a variety of skills to operate in a wide range of social contexts using a diverse array of media. During your studies, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of Design and its role in the process of innovation.

The Bachelor of Design offers three majors: Communication Design, Interface Design, and Media Design.

As a BDes graduate you will have the capability to articulate effective design solutions in the contemporary technological context. You will have a solid understanding of design methods and theories together with advanced technical skills.

Training in Design is suitable for both school leavers as well as mature learners wishing to enhance their skills. Students within the programme develop knowledge in a broad range of industry standard software, while using the latest digital technology. Contact with the Design industry is encouraged, and students will have opportunities to interact with Design professionals during their study.

Students who graduate with a Design degree from Waikato have proven to be capable performers in the design industry. In addition to career opportunities in Design, Waikato graduates have a broad range of options to choose from with further research in Design possible at graduate and postgraduate levels.

Communication Design

Communication Design is concerned with visually communicating messages and ideas across multiple media platforms. As a communication designer, you will work to combine type and image to attract an audience's attention and deliver your client's messages.

Communication Design is also known as visual communication design or graphic design.

As a communication designer, you will be responsible for arranging typography, form and image on a myriad of communication platforms, and in various types of media. You will be recognised for the quality of your contribution to our visual culture.

Communication designers work in areas such as branding, environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, editorial design (newspapers, magazines, books), catalogues, museum displays and every aspect of our visual landscape where there is a communication need. You will find communication designers working in digital mediums too, and the Communication Design major offers opportunities for you to learn web design and motion graphic design as well.

Career opportunities

• Graphic Designer
• Graphic Artist
• Web Designer
• Creative Director
• Art Director

Entry criteria

You're eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Design if you have University Entrance, or its equivalent. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Ideal NCEA subject credits include Art (Design, Painting, Photography, Sculpture or Printmaking), or Graphic Design. A good standard of English is also important.

University Entrance means: From 2015 - (i) NCEA Level 3, (ii) a minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, in each of three approved subjects, and (iii) the numeracy requirements of a minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, made up of achievement standards and/or unit standards specified by NZQA, and (iv) the literacy requirement of a minimum of 10 credits at Level 2 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, made up of: (a) 5 credits in reading , and (b) 5 credits in writing from a list specified by NZQA.

English language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) - 6.0 overall (no band less than 6.0); iBT (internet based) TOEFL - 79-80 with a score of 20 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic - 57 with no less than 57 for each communicative skill; Waikato Pathways - Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) programme.