Program Overview
The Bachelor of Design with Honours is a four-year degree that provides students with a comprehensive education in design. The program emphasizes studio-based learning, research, and collaboration with industry professionals. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various creative industries, including graphic design, web design, product design, and fashion design.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Bachelor of Design with Honours – BDes(Hons)
Get the full picture: Design research and development project - Studio (75 credits):
In this studio course, students will explore and refine visual language and personal tikanga through negotiated projects that explore topics of direct reference to Māori people and their communities.
Prerequisites:
(197317 and 197318) or (237317 and 237318)
Restrictions:
197417 This four-year degree is the best preparation for becoming a well-rounded designer, whatever your chosen field of practice. Regardless of what major you choose, your degree has the same basic structure:
- Year One: fundamental design skills & principles and theory studies in your major (60 credits studio, 30 credits theory, 30 credits electives).
- Year Two: focus on techniques, skills, processes in your major and important issues in design (60 credits studio, 30 credits theory/enterprise, 30 credits electives).
- Year Three: increasing collaboration across majors (60 credits studio, 30 credits theory/enterprise, 30 credits electives).
- Year Four: design research & development project (75 credits studio, an externally focused course (15 credits), electives (30 credits)).
Outline:
Part One:
- 30 credits from Design/Art Studio I courses (choose 2).
- 15 credits from Creative Cultures & Contexts I.
- Choose 15 credits from the following:
- 198157 Studio I (Object)
- 212157 Studio I (Dress)
- 213157 Studio I (Art Lab)
- 213158 Studio I (Art Place)
- 221157 Studio I (Lens)
- 222157 Studio I (Screen)
- 222158 Studio I (Type)
- 223157 Studio I (Material)
- 224157 Studio I (Space)
- 296157 Studio I (Imagine)
- Choose 15 credits from the following:
- 237130 Communication for Makers
- 237131 Conversations in Creative Cultures
Part Two:
- 15 credits from Design/Art Studio II courses (choose 2).
- 15 credits from Creative Cultures & Contexts II.
- Choose 15 credits from the following:
- 212258 Studio II (Fashion)
- 213242 Studio II (Object)
- 221258 Studio II (Lens)
- 222258 Studio II (Screen)
- 222257 Studio II (Type)
- 223258 Studio II (Space)
- 224258 Studio II (Material)
- 296258 Studio II (Art & Design Lab)
- Choose 15 credits from the following:
- 237106 Creativity, Collaboration & Design Thinking
- 237273 Design Research Methods
- 296295 Contemporary Design
Part Three:
- 15 credits from Design/Art Studio III courses (choose 2).
- 15 credits from Creative Cultures & Ideas.
- Choose 15 credits from the following:
- 198358 Studio III (Concept Design)
- 212358 Studio III (Fashion)
- 213342 Studio III (Object)
- 221358 Studio III (Lens)
- 222358 Studio III (Screen)
- 222304 Studio III (Type)
- 223358 Studio III (Space)
- 224358 Studio III (Material)
- 296358 Studio III (Art & Design Lab)
- Choose 15 credits from the following:
- 237381 Creative Communities
- 197348 Design for Development
- 296392 Design as Enterprise
- 197337 Creative Leadership
Part Four:
- 15 credits from the following:
- 197465 Creative Leadership
- 213465 Exhibition
- 237465 Creative Exposition
Assessment:
The specific assessment methods and criteria used in the program will be outlined in the individual course descriptions. However, assessment in the Bachelor of Design with Honours is typically based on a combination of:
- Coursework assignments
- Presentations
- Practical work
- Portfolios
- Examinations
Teaching:
The program emphasizes a studio-based learning environment, providing students with the opportunity to work alongside experienced faculty and industry professionals. The program also features a strong emphasis on research, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in a variety of design-related areas.
Careers:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Design with Honours program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the creative industries. This may include roles such as:
- Graphic designer
- Web designer
- UX/UI designer
- Product designer
- Illustrator
- Photographer
- Fashion designer
- Interior designer
- Architect
- Animator
- Game designer
- Researcher
- Writer
- Editor
- Curator
- Teacher # Other
Entry Requirements:
New Zealand Qualification
- New Zealand University Entrance (UE) is a set of courses that prepares students for degree-level study at a New Zealand university. It is typically completed at high school.
- #Specific Requirements
- A portfolio which demonstrates creative potential, technical ability and a passion for design.
- Application closing date for Semester One 2024 start: 30 November 2023
- Application closing date for Semester Two 2024 start: 30 June 2024
- Late applications will be considered subject to available spaces. # Summary The Bachelor of Design with Honours is a 4-year degree that offers students the opportunity to develop their creative skills and knowledge in a variety of design-related areas. The program is structured around a studio-based learning environment, and students are given the opportunity to work alongside experienced faculty and industry professionals. The program also features a strong emphasis on research, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in a variety of design-related areas. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the creative industries. Actual fees payable will be finalized on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any.
Entry requirements:
Domestic students:
- NCEA Level 2: 5 Level 2 credits, including:
- 3 credits in a literacy subject (e.g., English, Te Reo Māori, Pacific Island languages)
- 2 credits in a mathematics subject (e.g., algebra, calculus, statistics)
- NCEA Level 3: 14 Level 3 credits:
- 4 credits in a literacy subject
- 4 credits in a mathematics subject
- 6 credits from a list of approved subjects (including art, design, technology, psychology, sociology)
- Or
- Cambridge International Examinations: AS level A or B in an approved subject (including art, design, technology, psychology, sociology)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: 24 points overall, including a minimum of 3 points in an approved subject
- Portfolio (if you well in NCEA Level 2 art, design or technology, or equivalent, you may not need to submit a portfolio):
- A portfolio showing a selection of your creative work that demonstrates your creative potential with your application to study
- Pre-approval (if you achieve NCEA Level 2 or 3 with Merit or Excellence overall, or international equivalent, you will not have to submit a portfolio):
- You can show your work in progress to a Massey College of Creative Arts staff member during a school visit, Massey Open Day or other University event, or in a video call. They will look at examples of your work with you and if it shows the creative potential we’re looking for, they’ll sign a portfolio pre-approval letter. Then you won’t need to submit a final portfolio with your application.
International students:
- Academic qualifications:
- Completion of an internationally recognized secondary school qualification (e.g., A-levels, IB Diploma, High School diploma)
- Specific requirements may vary depending on your country of origin
- English language proficiency:
- Achieving a minimum score on an English language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic)
- Specific requirements may vary depending on the English language test you take
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Domestic students:
- N/A
International students:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 with a minimum writing score of 21
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score lower than 50
- Students with other qualifications or relevant experience may be considered for entry on a case-by-case basis. Let me know if you have any other questions.