Bachelor of Design
The study of Design combines an understanding of human needs and desires, forming creative solutions, prototyping and developing artefacts and evaluating their impact and effectiveness in society. It comprises a well-balanced combination of analytical, technological and creative abilities.
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.
Key information
| Years: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 360 |
| Study Locations: | Hamilton |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$7,571 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $34,745 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *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. | |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Bachelor of Design (BDes) Overview
If no point value is listed, papers are worth 15 points. This structure applies to study starting in 2021.
Year 1
100 level
Major
100 level
Major
One of
COMPX101, DSIGN125 or DSIGN126
One of
DSIGN161, ENGEN180 or MEDIA102
Elective
Elective
Year 2
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 3
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
One of
DSIGN350 or HECSS363
Elective
Elective
Elective
- Major
- Compulsory
- Elective
Choose a major
Career opportunities
- Design companies
- Web design and development
- Mobile design and UI / UX
- Interactive media design industries
- Games industries
- Television graphics
- Post-production companies
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.
Scholarships and prizes
Selected scholarships for BDes students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Computer Science Undergraduate Scholarship Accepting applications
For students who are currently in Year 12 or Year 13 at a New Zealand secondary school. Candidates must be intending to enrol full-time in either the BCompSc, BSc majoring in Computer Science, or BE(Hons) majoring in Software Engineering.
Closing Date: 15 September 2023
Looking for more scholarships?
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.
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
Expand to read 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 Degree Show. The Degree Show 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.
Qualifications links
Contacts
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Student Centre
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO (0800 924 528) or 07 838 4176
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 8384610 Email: [email protected]
Enquire Now