Bachelor of Design
The study of Design combines an understanding of human needs and desires, forming creative solutions, prototyping, developing and evaluating their impact and effectiveness - a well-balanced combination of analytical, technological and creative abilities.
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (February) and Trimester B (July).
Why study the Bachelor of Design?
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 four majors: Communication Design, Industrial 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.
Computing facilities at Waikato
The University of Waikato offers students 24-hour computer lab access with all the latest computer software, and several labs fully equipped with Mac computers, commonly used in professional design environments.
Career Opportunities
- Design companies
- Games industries
- Interactive media design industries
- Mobile design and UX/UI
- Post-production companies
- Television graphics
- Web design and development
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (February) and Trimester B (July).
Degree information
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Subjects Choose a subject
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information.
Browse BDes subjects Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
Minor subjects Or undertake a minor in any other subject within the University.
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Entry Requirements 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.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$7,821 per year
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Fees free
You may be eligible for fees-free study in your first year.
Fees-free for new students -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Estimated fees
$36,830 per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
Or undertake a minor in any other subject within the University.
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.
Estimated fees
$7,821 per year
-
Fees free
You may be eligible for fees-free study in your first year.
Fees-free for new students -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Estimated fees
$36,830 per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Bachelor of Design with Honours
Students who complete the three-year Bachelor of Design may also be invited to enrol in a Bachelor of Design with Honours (BDes(Hons)) degree.
Bachelor of Design with Honours (BDes(Hons)) graduates will have advanced professional knowledge and an introduction to the research literature in a subject area represented in a major in an undergraduate design degree. You will be equipped with the capabilities to conduct independent research. Higher performing graduates will be prepared to enter postgraduate studies leading to higher-level qualification such as a masters degree or PhD.
Practical experience
In addition to the practical experience gained throughout the programme, you have the opportunity to undertake a real-world design project in the 300 level paper DSIGN350. In this project you work relatively independently and collaborate with your peers and with members of the professional design industry.
The final semester 300 level paper DSIGN360 involves a self-directed brief which culminates each year in a Design Showcase. The Design Showcase projects cover a wide range of media including web design and production, mobile design, interactive design, brand development, visual identity work, interactive installation, motion graphics, 3D animation and more.
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