Communication Design Subject regulations

2027

Graphic Design, known as Graphic Arts, Visual Communication Design, or at the University of Waikato Communication Design, is where we prepare Design students for the world of Advertising, Marketing, and Graphic Design. Learn to combine words and images across different media to engage audiences through your creative storytelling and image making.

Communication Design is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Design (BDes). Communication Design may also be included as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Communication Design as a single major, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Communication Design, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete DSIGN141, DSIGN142, DSIGN241, DSIGN242, DSIGN243, COMPX324, DSIGN341, DSIGN342 and DSIGN360.

To complete Communication Design as a second major, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Communication Design, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete DSIGN141, DSIGN142, DSIGN241, DSIGN242, DSIGN243, and 45 points from COMPX324, DSIGN341, DSIGN342 or DSIGN360.

To complete a minor in Communication Design, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Communication Design major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note:

Candidates who wish to structure a strong qualification that will prepare them well for the creative industries should consider a double major pathway. Consider pairing Communication Design with Interface Design or another major to create a qualification that sets you apart from other Design graduates in Aotearoa. Discuss these options with the Design undergraduate advisor.

Other qualifications

Prescriptions for:

Communication Design papers

100 Level 200 Level 300 Level 500 Level

Code and paper title	Points
COMPX101 Introduction to Programming with AI Tools Introduces C# programming using Visual Studio. Students learn fundamental concepts alongside modern practices, including AI-assisted tools, and gain...	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Online) & 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton Waikato College) & 27B (Secondary School - Unistart) & 27X (Hainan University, Haikou China) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
COMPX161 Introduction to the Web This paper introduces the creation of web content through the core technologies of the web. Students explore fundamental web design principles for...	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27I (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN125 Introduction to Communication Design Production A self‑paced, hands‑on introduction to visual thinking and communication that equips students to observe, analyse, and create visual communication...	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Online) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN141 Principles of Form and Design A foundational exploration of design principles across multiple disciplines, where students analyse real‑world examples, apply core concepts to...	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN142 Beyond the Basics of Design An applied examination of how aesthetic, behavioural, ethical, and inclusive design principles shape human experience, where students apply...	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN151 Design History This course enables students to understand contemporary design through historical insight. Students will develop research and futures‑oriented skills...	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN161 Introduction to the Web This paper introduces students to core web technologies and the future of the World Wide Web. Students will learn how to use design principles in the...	15	27B (Hamilton)
MEDIA102 Film Production 1: Telling Stories A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience...	15	27B (Hamilton)

Code and paper title	Points
DSIGN241 Aspects of Web Design This course enables students to identify user needs and emerging opportunities to shape next‑generation web content and interactive experiences...	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN242 Interactive Environments A hands‑on learning experience in which students analyse user needs to create design briefs, apply industry tools to develop and prototype concepts...	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN243 Visual Language and Information Design This course introduces students to the field of information design and the role it plays in shaping meaning, perception, and decision‑making. Using...	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN251 Applied Computing Tools 1 This paper enables students to widen their experience of design relevant computer software using an intensive laboratory programme. Students select...	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton) & 27H (Hamilton)
DSIGN252 Cultural Perspectives for Design The paper provides students with an understanding of culture-specific perspectives on design issues and the ability to apply these in diverse...	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN271 Design Thinking A hands-on introduction to design processes and methods where students apply research, ideation, prototyping, and evaluation techniques to solve...	15	27A (Hamilton)
DSIGN290 Directed Study A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report.	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hamilton)

Code and paper title	Points
COMPX324 User Experience Design An introduction to the field of user experience - where students develop skills and techniques for the design and evaluation of interfaces for...	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN341 Design Systems This course introduces students to the use and development of design systems, enabling them to integrate methods, tools, and workflows that ensure...	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN342 User Centred Design This course immerses students in a human‑centred design project, where they conduct discovery‑phase research, analyse psycho‑social and cultural...	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN350 Design Internship This paper will induct the design student into the professional environment where the student applies design skills, research methodology and...	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN360 Capstone Project In this paper students plan, develop and execute a capstone design project with the guidance of a supervisor.	15	27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN361 Portfolio Project This paper is an opportunity for students to develop and refine a professional portfolio showcasing their design work.	15	27B (Hamilton)
DSIGN390 Directed Study A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report.	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton) & 27X (Hamilton)

Code and paper title	Points
DSIGN532 Information Visualisation This paper aims to provide applied skills in information visualisation techniques, a familiarity with the underlying concepts, and an understanding...	15	27A (Hamilton)
DSIGN551 Design Project Management This paper covers the management of design projects in the studio. It is intended for those aiming for a future senior position in a design studio...	15	27A (Hamilton)
DSIGN581 Research Methods This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in design and...	30	27A (Hamilton)
DSIGN589 Directed Study Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.	15	27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton)
DSIGN590 Directed Study Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.	30	27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton)
DSIGN591 Design Dissertation Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	30	27X (Hamilton)
DSIGN592 Design Dissertation Design Dissertation paper for the Master of Design. Present the findings of a study, based on a research topic and methodology negotiated with a...	60	27X (Hamilton)
DSIGN593 Design Thesis Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	90	27X (Hamilton)
DSIGN594 Design Thesis Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	120	27X (Hamilton)

2027 Subject regulation information current as at 12 Aug 2026 01:00am

Communication Design Subject regulations

Other qualifications

Communication Design papers

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