Communication Design
Communication Design is concerned with visually communicating messages and ideas across multiple media platforms. As a communication designer, you will work to combine type and image to attract an audience's attention and deliver your client's messages.
Communication Design is also known as visual communication design or graphic design.
As a communication designer, you will be responsible for arranging typography, form and image on a myriad of communication platforms, and in various types of media. You will be recognised for the quality of your contribution to our visual culture.
Communication designers work in areas such as branding, environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, editorial design (newspapers, magazines, books), catalogues, museum displays and every aspect of our visual landscape where there is a communication need. You will find communication designers working in digital mediums too, and the Communication Design major offers opportunities for you to learn web design and motion graphic design as well.
You can study Communication Design as a major in the Bachelor of Design (BDes).
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. Graduate students have a dedicated lab space and access to all undergraduate facilities.
Key information
| Study Location: | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Area of Study: |
Study Communication Design in these qualifications
Study Communication Design as a specialisation of
Career opportunities
- Graphic Designer
- Graphic Artist
- Web Designer
- Creative Director
- Art Director
Papers
Available Communication Design papers
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX101 | Introduction to Programming | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Online), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Secondary School - Unistart) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper introduces computer programming in C# - the exciting challenge of creating software and designing artificial worlds within the computer. It also covers concepts such as the internals of the home computer, the history and future of computers, cyber security, computer gaming, databases, mobile computing and current researc... | |||
| COMPX161 | Introduction to the Web | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton), 23I (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design principles to produce effective web content. | |||
| CSMAX170 | Foundations in Computing and Mathematical Sciences | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| The objective of this paper is to provide students with the academic foundations for computing and mathematical sciences. The paper will cover the following areas: -Effective academic reasoning and communication -Information literacy and research skills -Academic integrity -Techniques and tools in the computing and mathematical sci... | |||
| DSIGN125 | Introduction to Communication Design Production | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Online), 23A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper enables students to perform basic computing operations and to operate software packages for the manipulation of visual images and text for use in print and screen-based applications. Students will be introduced to basic computing concepts and provided with software tutorials and related exercises. | |||
| DSIGN141 | Principles of Form and Design | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper develops the student's ability to recognise and utilise the basic elements and principles of design both two and three dimensionally. It explores topics related to 'thinking' and creativity with an emphasis on raising a student's creativity consciousness and attitude. The work will primarily be abstract in nature and wil... | |||
| DSIGN142 | Beyond the Basics of Design | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper develops the student's ability to put into graphic application the basic elements and principles of design. It will also provide an introduction to typography. The emphasis of the study is to apply these basics to 2D and 3D mediums. The work will be resolved in both traditional and computer technology. | |||
| DSIGN151 | Design History | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| Students journey through a thematic history of design and its interplay with society and technology by studying historical artefacts that influence the contemporary world. | |||
| DSIGN161 | Introduction to the Web | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design principles to produce effective web content. | |||
| MEDIA102 | Film Production 1: Telling Stories | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience capturing, constructing and manipulating both audio and moving image in the process of designing, shooting and editing digital short films. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSIGN241 | Aspects of Web Design | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper presents the students with the challenge of designing, developing and publishing content for the World Wide Web, working with content management systems (CMS). The students are challenged to combine their typographic skills and their knowledge of design in order to practically solve communication design projects. | |||
| DSIGN242 | Interactive Environments | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper presents the students with the challenge of designing interactive media environments of different types. The students are challenged to experiment beyond their previously acquired knowledge, designing for interactive computer screens and mobile devices. | |||
| DSIGN243 | Visual Language and Information Design | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper offers students the possibility to explore the area of information design. By using their knowledge of principles of design, visual communication using typography and image, students will design information graphics (infographics): visual representations of information, working in the passage from data to information uti... | |||
| DSIGN251 | Applied Computing Tools 1 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper enables students to widen their experience of design relevant computer software using an intensive laboratory programme. Students select from a variety of themes, including video editing, website design, digital library development, computer game construction, animation and 3D modelling. | |||
| DSIGN252 | Cultural Perspectives for Design | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| The paper provides students with an understanding of culture-specific perspectives on design issues and the ability to apply these in diverse contexts. | |||
| DSIGN271 | Design Thinking | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| The paper presents the iterative process of design, used to understand users, challenge assumptions and redefine problems through empathising with users, defining their needs, ideating innovative solutions, prototyping and testing. | |||
| DSIGN290 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report. | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX324 | User Experience Design | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| An introduction to the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) where students develop skills and techniques for the design and evaluation of modern computer interfaces. | |||
| DSIGN341 | Design Systems | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper challenges students to design a visual identity system and apply it across multiple deliverables in different media. | |||
| DSIGN342 | User Centred Design | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper provides opportunity for students to develop skills in design methods. Students will solve visual design problems for diverse target audiences using theoretical and practical design methodologies. | |||
| DSIGN350 | Design Internship | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper will induct the design student into the professional environment where the student applies design skills, research methodology and production skills to allocated projects or industry placement. | |||
| DSIGN360 | Capstone Project | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| In this paper students plan, develop and execute a small scale design project with relative independence alongside the guidance of a supervisor. | |||
| DSIGN361 | Portfolio Project | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is an opportunity for students to develop and refine a professional portfolio showcasing their design work. | |||
| DSIGN390 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report. | |||
| DSIGN397 | Work Integrated Learning Directed Study | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| A directed study undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner involving the development of a design project and the production of a formal report. | |||
| DSIGN398 | Work Integrated Learning Directed Study | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| A directed study undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner involving the development of a design project and the production of a formal report. | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSIGN532 | Information Visualisation | 15.0 | 23A (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. | |||
| DSIGN551 | Studio Management | 15.0 | 23A (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. | |||
| DSIGN581 | Design Research Methods | 30.0 | 23A (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... | |||
| DSIGN589 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| DSIGN590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| DSIGN591 | Design Dissertation | 30.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| DSIGN592 | Design Dissertation | 60.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| DSIGN593 | Design Thesis | 90.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| DSIGN594 | Design Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (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. | |||
Scholarships and Prizes
Selected scholarships for Communication Design students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Computer Science Undergraduate Scholarship Not currently 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.
Looking for more scholarships?
Graduate study options
Practical experience
Expand to read practical experience
In addition to the practical experience gained throughout the Bachelor of Design degree, 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.
Subject links
Contacts
School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Phone:
Email: [email protected]
Website: cms.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUcms