Bachelor of Design (Communication)

About the programme

Use your creativity and vision to communicate original and exciting ideas.

Communication Designers communicate information visually. During this hands-on degree, you'll learn to tell stories through still and moving images, text and interactive media. You'll develop industry-ready skills and use project-based learning to apply them to the community- and client-driven projects that have a focus on positive social and environmental change.

Specialise in:

• Graphic design and typography
• Illustration, animation and character design
• UX for game design
• Visual design for games
• 3D modelling and world-building
• Game narratives and interactive fiction
• Web design and mobile app design
• Film and photography, or
• Social media content design and strategy.

Interested in a career in the games industry?

We now offer the option to study this degree with a game design focus. You'll develop skills and knowledge specific to game design during most of this programme and will enjoy the chance to gain valuable practical experience through project and client work. You'll graduate with a Bachelor of Design (Communication), frontend game design skills and a portfolio of games you've created!

Career options include a Lead Designer or Level Designer, Game Artist or Animator, Gameplay Designer or Narrative Designer, Game Prototyping, Video Design and Technology, Multimedia Specialist, User Experience Designer, Technical Artist or Creative Director.

Entry

Entry requirements

• NCEA Level 3
• 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
• 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
  • 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
• 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
  • specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
  • package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).

If you do not hold the above qualifications, you must demonstrate equivalent qualifications/experience. Mature applicants with work and life experience are encouraged to apply.

• You must submit a portfolio ((unless you meet the criteria for automatic entry or have a pre-approval for your portfolio – see Your Portfolio section below).

• You may have to undertake an interview.

• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they have an acceptable level of secondary school achievement.

English Language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years)
    • Writing band 6.0
    • Speaking band 6.0
    • Reading band 5.5
    • Listening band 5.5, OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes. 

Provisional entry

A school leaver or an adult applicant who does not meet all the entry criteria may be given provisional entry to year 1 at the discretion of the Head of School.

• Those who successfully complete and pass year 1 will be deemed to have met entry requirements and provisional status will be removed.
• The interview panel will consist of lecturers who teach on the course, along with an academic leader from the department.
• Applicants will be selected on merit on the basis of their portfolio, evidence of creativity and ability to take a concept through to a model stage, and demonstration of the ability to undertake design study at degree level.

Successful applicants will be informed before the end of the year and be sent detailed information on enrolment procedures, loans, starting dates for the following year and any information that might be required to facilitate a smooth introduction to the programme.

Selection process

We select people according to a range of criteria. If we have more eligible applicants than places available, we might put you on a waiting list and we may ask you to come in for an interview to discuss your portfolio.

Your portfolio

A portfolio is a selection of work that shows your creative potential and passion for your chosen design specialty. It can include examples from your school or your own projects at home or in the community.

Find out what you need to include in your portfolio, what we're looking for, and how to submit it here.

You need to submit a portfolio when you apply for this programme unless you meet the criteria for automatic entry or get portfolio ‘pre-approval’.

1. Automatic portfolio approval – no portfolio needed

• If you have achieved University Entrance endorsed with excellence overall including merit or excellence in an approved art, design or technology subject at NCEA Level 3, you have automatic entry, and will not need to submit a portfolio.
• This also applies to applicants who have achieved Cambridge International AS grade A or B in an approved art, design or technology subject.

Note: When you apply online and are asked to upload a portfolio, you can either upload a copy of your NCEA results, or upload a note that says “I qualify for automatic entry”. We’ll then verify that with NZQA.

2. Portfolio pre-approval – show ‘work in progress’

• You can show a ‘work in progress’ portfolio to a staff member from the School of Design by making contact with the school, or at open days and careers events throughout the year. If your portfolio meets our criteria you will receive a portfolio per-approval letter which can be uploaded with your application and you won’t have to submit a final portfolio.
• If you have achieved University Entrance and your portfolio already meets the criteria, you’ll receive a portfolio pre-approval letter. You can then upload that letter with your online application and you won’t have to submit a final portfolio.
• If you want to talk to us about portfolio pre-approval, please email our school administrator, [email protected] or phone 0800 762 786.

Don't meet the entry requirements?

No problem. We have a couple of pathway programmes that will help you build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for the Bachelor of Design (Communication).

New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) - starting in February every year 

• Develop your research skills, learn about creative processes and materials, and create your own art and design projects.

New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) - starting in July every year

• Learn how to be creative on the computer. Develop your skills in graphic design, digital photography, web design, digital illustration, animation, and interactivity. You can also study this Certificate with a Game Design focus. It'll provide you with the practical, relevant skills you need to enter the indie game development industry.

By studying both of these Level 4 certificates, you'll have the well-rounded skills you need to undertake degree-level study.