Product Design

Shape the world around you.

Product Design is everywhere. It is exciting and ever-evolving. Every product you use has been designed – from your toothbrush to your toaster to your tablet. Product Designers strive to design objects and systems to improve the way we live.

DEBRIEF 2020

Our budding product designers showcase their latest projects in an exciting and inspirational display of talent and creativity.

Career outcomes

Product Design is an important growth area for New Zealand businesses and enterprise. Our graduates are working in Product Design around the world in roles such as:

Product Designers (outdoor equipment, audio, jewellery, architecture medical equipment, lighting and appliances)
Model Makers
Social Innovators
Consultants
Researchers
Entrepreneurs

Product Design is one of the most important growth areas for New Zealand businesses and enterprise (2017, Price Waterhouse Cooper) and, depending on role and experience, Product Designers can expect to earn between $42,000 to $100,000 per year (payscale.com).

Our graduates are working in Product Design around the world. Some are working as designers of a wide range of products (including outdoor equipment, audio, jewellery, architecture, medical equipment, lighting and appliances) whilst others work as model-makers, social innovators, consultants and entrepreneurs.

Adding to your degree

Perfect if you want to add a specialist area to your existing degree or if you are a professional designer or practitioner and want to develop practical skills and studio project experience to build your existing knowledge.

See Graduate Diploma in Design (Specialty)

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.

Bachelor of Design (Product)

Starts anytime
Apply anytime

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.