°Ù»¨ÊÓƵ

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.

Why study a BDes?

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 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.

Why study Design?

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. Studying Design means you will apply theory and practice to research in areas related to how designers think, how they practice and what they produce. Design at Waikato is unique in New Zealand as a specialist design qualification that offers an integration of design and computer science. You’ll become a designer who can code – making you highly desirable. Waikato also trains design students to problem-solve, and to apply an aesthetic edge, while seeing the full range of creative design possibilities. Design is available at undergraduate level under the Certificate in Design (Cert(Des)), the Diploma in Design (Dip(Des)), and the Bachelor of Design (BDes). Subjects include: Communication Design

Industrial Design

Interface Design

Media Design

Graduate level study in Design (Master of Design (MDes)) is an opportunity to plan, develop and carry out a large-scale design project supported by original research. Research topics are tailored to suit you and therefore provide an opportunity for honing a particular aspect of graphic design further, which could be a pathway to your chosen career.

Career Opportunities

Advertising Designer

Computer Games Designer

Interactive Designer

Motion Graphics Designer

TV Graphics Designer

Web Designer