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BDes - Design as a major

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.

Studying Design at the University of Waikato makes you highly sought after, with a unique combination of design and coding skills. You will be able to meet the increasing demand for designers who can work in a variety of media, such as websites, apps, gaming and virtual reality.


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Key information

Years: 3
Points: 360
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $7,571 per 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.

Career opportunities

  • Advertising Designer
  • Computer Games Designer
  • Interactive Designer
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • TV Graphics Designer
  • Web Designer

Degree Planner

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.

There are four Design majors offered in the Bachelor of Design and three Design subjects offered in the Bachelor of Design with Honours.

500 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
DSIGN532Information Visualisation15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper aims to provide an awareness of the potential offered by information visualisation techniques, a familiarity with the underlying concepts, and an understanding and ability to effectively design and apply information visualisations in a given context.
DSIGN551Studio Management15.023A (Hamilton)
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, or those managing freelance teams.
DSIGN581Design Research Methods30.023A (Hamilton)
This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in design. The paper attempts to give students the conceptual and methodological resources needed to think and converse as researchers and to develop a certain level of competence in at least one resea...
DSIGN589Directed Study15.023A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
DSIGN590Directed Study30.023A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
DSIGN591Design Dissertation30.023X (Hamilton)
Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
DSIGN592Design Dissertation60.023X (Hamilton)
Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
DSIGN593Design Thesis90.023X (Hamilton)
Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
DSIGN594Design Thesis120.023X (Hamilton)
Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
MEDIA501Critical and Creative Approaches to Research30.023A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and processual activity as well as the roles of interdisciplinary projects in creating unique methodological and conceptual media research.
MEDIA504Media Design and Aesthetics30.023B (Hamilton)
Audio-visual media are undergoing continual transformations that question the roles of makers and audiences alike. Students are encouraged to experiment with sensory perception in order to question current notions of aesthetics in relation to cultural practices and media creations. This process of reflection encourages critical per...

800 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
DSIGN800Design MPhil Thesis120.023X (Hamilton)
No description available.

900 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
DSIGN900Design PhD Thesis120.023I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
No description available.

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

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Subject links

Design Degree Show


Contacts

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: [email protected]
Website: cms.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUcms