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 (March) 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 Bachelor of 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.
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 (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
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Plan your study -
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 You can undertake a minor in any subject within the University. Visit the subject page for more information about minor subject requirements.
Recommended minor subjects:
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Entry Requirements There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit 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.
As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$8,290 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 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. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$38,672 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 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.
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Graduate outcomes Graduates of the Bachelor of Design will:
- Possess a broad understanding of the design industry
- Possess the ability to apply their design knowledge to real world projects
- Have an understanding of the local and global design industry
- Be aware of the impact of cultural differences in the local and global design context
- Have the ability to build effective professional relationships
- Be able to professionally develop in a local and global context
- Understand the ethical roles and responsibilities of the design profession
- Have an understanding of the implications of their work in society
- Have a deep comprehension and identification with human-centred design, understanding of human needs and human/user perspectives
- Have the thinking skills to synthesize information and evaluate for its validity, appropriateness and usefulness
- Have the capability of using a range of analytical tools and frameworks in applied situations
- Have quantitative and qualitative skills to assists decision making and problem solving
- Have the capability to convey information effectively
- Have effective presentation skills
- Be able to effectively gather, interpret and disseminate information through a variety of media
- Be able to articulate design decisions in the context of a project
- Have the ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Have the confidence to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks in complex and changeable contexts
- Have well-developed critical skills that will enhance lateral thinking
- Possess an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge as generated in contemporary multimedia
- Have an aptitude for learning and willingness to undertake further education and/or work-related training
- Have an ability to approach problem solving related to future media developments with confidence, self-direction and originality
- Maintain an awareness of ethics and civic responsibility in future employment contexts
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
You can undertake a minor in any subject within the University. Visit the subject page for more information about minor subject requirements.
Recommended minor subjects:
There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit 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.
As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
Estimated fees
$8,290 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 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. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$38,672 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 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.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Design will:
- Possess a broad understanding of the design industry
- Possess the ability to apply their design knowledge to real world projects
- Have an understanding of the local and global design industry
- Be aware of the impact of cultural differences in the local and global design context
- Have the ability to build effective professional relationships
- Be able to professionally develop in a local and global context
- Understand the ethical roles and responsibilities of the design profession
- Have an understanding of the implications of their work in society
- Have a deep comprehension and identification with human-centred design, understanding of human needs and human/user perspectives
- Have the thinking skills to synthesize information and evaluate for its validity, appropriateness and usefulness
- Have the capability of using a range of analytical tools and frameworks in applied situations
- Have quantitative and qualitative skills to assists decision making and problem solving
- Have the capability to convey information effectively
- Have effective presentation skills
- Be able to effectively gather, interpret and disseminate information through a variety of media
- Be able to articulate design decisions in the context of a project
- Have the ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Have the confidence to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks in complex and changeable contexts
- Have well-developed critical skills that will enhance lateral thinking
- Possess an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge as generated in contemporary multimedia
- Have an aptitude for learning and willingness to undertake further education and/or work-related training
- Have an ability to approach problem solving related to future media developments with confidence, self-direction and originality
- Maintain an awareness of ethics and civic responsibility in future employment contexts
Study in Tauranga
While you can't study Design in Tauranga we have students who join us in Hamilton each day for their studies. Make use of the Kaimai Shuttle or carpool with a friend while still basing yourself in the beautiful Bay of Plenty.
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.
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.
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 Master of Design or PhD.