Program Overview

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Bachelor of Design

The Bachelor of Design (BDes) is a three-year undergraduate degree that combines an understanding of human needs and desires, forming creative solutions, prototyping, developing, and evaluating their impact and effectiveness. This well-balanced combination of analytical, technological, and creative abilities prepares students for a wide range of careers in the design industry.

Overview

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.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design can pursue careers in:

• Design companies
• Games industries
• Interactive media design industries
• Mobile design and UX/UI
• Post-production companies
• Television graphics
• Web design and development

Points and Duration

The total number of points required to gain this qualification is 360, and it is expected to take three years of full-time study.

Locations

The Bachelor of Design is offered at the University of Waikato's Hamilton campus.

Area of Study

This qualification is offered under the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

Start Dates

The Bachelor of Design can be started in Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July).

Why Study the Bachelor of Design?

The Bachelor of Design provides students with a comprehensive understanding of design and its role in the process of innovation. Students will develop a broad range of skills, including design thinking, cultural perspectives, and technical skills. The program also offers opportunities for practical experience, including a design internship and a self-directed brief that culminates in a Design Showcase.

Degree Information

The Bachelor of Design is a three-year degree that consists of four majors: Communication Design, Industrial Design, Interface Design, and Media Design. Students can choose from a range of papers, including:

• DSIGN125 Introduction to Communication Design Production
• DSIGN151 Design History
• DSIGN252 Cultural Perspectives for Design
• DSIGN271 Design Thinking
• DSIGN350 Design Internship

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Design, students must have University Entrance or its equivalent. Ideal NCEA subject credits include Art (Design, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, or Printmaking) or Graphic Design. A good standard of English is also important.

Fees and Scholarships

The estimated fees for the Bachelor of Design are $8,787 per year for domestic students. Scholarships are available, and students can visit the Scholarship finder for more information.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design will possess a broad understanding of the design industry, the ability to apply their design knowledge to real-world projects, and an understanding of the local and global design industry. They will also have the ability to build effective professional relationships, understand the ethical roles and responsibilities of the design profession, and have a deep comprehension of human-centered design.

Bachelor of Design with Honours

Students who complete the three-year Bachelor of Design may also be invited to enroll in a Bachelor of Design with Honours (BDes(Hons)) degree. This degree provides advanced professional knowledge and an introduction to the research literature in a subject area represented in a major in an undergraduate design degree.

Study in Tauranga

While the Bachelor of Design is not offered in Tauranga, students can still study in Hamilton and commute from Tauranga using the Kaimai Shuttle or carpooling with friends.

Computing Facilities

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 program, students have the opportunity to undertake a real-world design project in the 300-level paper DSIGN350. This project allows students to work relatively independently and collaborate with peers and members of the professional design industry.

Design Showcase

The final semester 300-level paper DSIGN360 involves a self-directed brief that 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, and 3D animation.