Staff + Student LoginBachelor of Computer Graphic Design
The Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design (BCGD) combines highly creative design and visual communication papers with computer programming papers from the country’s leading computer science department.
BCGD Benefits
- Combines excellent design and visual communication tuition with a rich combination of technology papers.
- Unique degree in line with new international developments in design education.
- Small classes with studio-based work.
- Can lead on to BCGD with Honours and MCGD.
This style of qualification meets the ever-increasing demand for high quality designers who are expert in the design of work that crosses many media. The programme has been developed in collaboration with the design industry, with an eye to international and local markets seeking students with on and offline media experience.
In the first year, students have the opportunity to develop a firm foundation in the core elements and principles of design, in both two and three dimensions. You will also learn essential techniques that will assist you in broadening your visual and verbal skills. The second year offers motion graphics and the chance to explore the relationship between visual communication and screen-based technologies. By the time you enter your third year, you are ready to push the boundaries of visual communication, taking on the more professional challenges of internship as well as complex projects which cross many media.
Specified Programme
Facilities
BCGD students have 24-hour access to computer labs, including dedicated Apple Mac-based design labs, running industry-standard design software. Students also have access to other computer labs within the Faculty.
Practical Experience
In addition to the practical experience gained throughout the programme, students have the opportunity to undertake a real-world design project in the 300 level paper CGRD360. In this project you work relatively independently and collaborate with your peers and with members of the professional design industry. In addition, the final semester 300 level paper CGRD360 involves a self-directed brief which culminates each year in a Degree Show Exhibition. This exhibition is open to the public and is popular with people considering the BCGD.
BCGD Career Opportunities
- 3D Modeller
- Advertising Designer
- Animator
- Computer Games Designer
- Computer Illustrator
- Interactive Designer
- Motion Graphics Designer
- TV Graphics Designer
- Visual Effects Artist
- Web Designer
Entry Requirements
If you have University Entrance you are eligible to apply for this degree. Ideal NCEA subject credits would include Art (Design, Painting, Photography, Sculpture or Printmaking), or Graphics Design. Because of the computer programming component in the degree, if you do not have at least 14 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics you may be offered a supporting mathematics paper. A good standard of English is also important.
A selection process applies and you must submit 10 portfolio pieces. Submit these exercises with your application form. The portfolio pieces are submitted to demonstrate your creative and visual communication abilities. You may be required to attend an interview in Hamilton with CGD teaching staff where you will present a digital or printed portfolio of your best work.
Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are uncertain as to whether you have University Entrance, your application will still be considered. If necessary we can give you advice on suitable bridging courses.
BCGD Portfolio Submission
BCGD applicants are required to submit a portfolio with their enrolment application. We will not be evaluating your design abilities as these skills will be taught during the degree. We are interested in seeing your creative ideas, originality, curiosity and imagination, and how you implement this within your creative visual work.
A portfolio containing 10 pieces of work is required. The 10 pieces should include finished pieces and pieces still under development. We would like to see work in progress or work developed during planning a project as well as finished work to help us understand your creative-thinking process.
The items might include:
- Drawings
- Computer-generated images
- Sketches
- Photography
- Websites
- Animation
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Fashion
- Digital story-telling
- Etc
You can submit your portfolio as printed copies of work, as digital files or a combination of both.
Please do not submit originals. Original pieces can be photographed and submitted as digital files on a CD or DVD, with individual works clearly labelled. Each of the 10 pieces should be accompanied by a short (100 word max.) description of the work and its purpose and process of production.
Please send your portfolio to:
Receptionist, The School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences
The University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240
Scholarships
Computer Graphic Design Scholarship, The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship.
For more information, visit www.waikato.ac.nz/scholarships
Degree Structure
3 years - 360 points
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 120 Points | 120 Points | 120 Points |
| Compulsory Design Papers | Compulsory Computing Papers | Elective Papers |
| CRGD141 Design 1 |
CGRD241 Computer Graphic Design 1 |
CGRD343 Computer Graphic Design 3 |
| CGRD142 Design 2 |
CGRD242 Computer Graphic Design 2 |
CGRD344 Computer Graphic Design 4 |
| CGRD143 Graphic Design Study |
CGRD252 Critical Studies in Design |
CGRD350 Intern Project |
| CGRD151 A History of Visual Communication |
200* LEVEL | CGRD360 Degree Project |
| COMP125 Visual Computing |
200* LEVEL | 300** LEVEL |
| COMP126 Computing Media |
200^ LEVEL | 300^ LEVEL |
| COMP103 Introduction to Computer Science 1 |
||
| 100^ LEVEL |
