Communication Design

Communication Design encompasses a wide range of media and processes.

In a rapidly expanding global media environment, a design qualification will open doors. Learn how to present ideas and stories creatively and effectively, a skill highly sought after by employers.

DEBRIEF 2021

Our budding graphic designers, web designers, illustrators, and film-makers showcase their latest projects in an exciting and inspirational display of talent and creativity.

Career outcomes

Work in a broad range of creative areas and for a variety of companies, use your vision to challenge the status quo and communicate original and exciting ideas to others. With your passion for design, you could consider a career as a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Character Designer, Art Director, Design Project Manager, Design Researcher, Film-Maker, Web Designer or Animator, to name but a few.

PROGRAMMES

New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)

Dunedin
17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
Level 4
Starts February
Apply by end of January

Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication or Fashion) or the Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your research skills, learn about creative processes and materials, and create your own art and design projects. Many students then move into our New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) or the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4) to gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

Dunedin
17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
Level 4
Starts 18 July 2022
Apply by 30 June

Learn how to be creative on the computer! Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5), Bachelor of Design (Communication), or Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative digital workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your skills in graphic design, digital photography, web design, digital illustration, animation and interactivity. By studying the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) before you do this programme, you'll gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

Bachelor of Design (Communication)

Dunedin
Three years full-time; six years part-time
Level 7
Starts February 2022
Apply now

Use your creativity and vision to communicate original and exciting ideas. During this hands-on degree, you'll learn to tell stories through still and moving image, text and interactive media. You'll develop industry-ready skills and use project-based learning to apply them to community- and client-driven projects that have a focus on positive social and environmental change. You can choose to specialise in areas such as 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 photograph. A work-based learning option is available for those with prior experience.

Graduate Diploma in Design (Specialty)

Dunedin
One year full-time; up to two years part-time
Level 7
Starts February and July
Apply now

Achieve an applied qualification to complement your degree in a specialist area of design. Ideal if you are a professional designer or practitioner wishing to develop your applied skills and studio project experience.