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Overview
Design your future
Change the world through design. Study in New Zealand’s leading and most comprehensive design programme.
Level
- Undergraduate, NZQF Level 8
Credits
- 480
Duration
- 4 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
Other
- Selected entry programme
Get the full picture
As a Massey design student, you will spend most of your time making and thinking in studios, workshops and media labs.
There are many opportunities to explore other design fields from your major through electives (courses you choose). Cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged.
Solve real problems and challenge how we see the world
Design thinking is about reflecting on the world around you, and considering the needs of diverse people, cultures and contexts. In your fourth year you will have the opportunity to engage with live briefs and external clients.
Massey’s College of Creative Arts in Wellington offers a broad range of programmes in visual communication design, concept design, fashion design, industrial design, integrated design, spatial design, textile design, and photography. With a history that can be traced back to 1886, our School of Design is the largest and most comprehensive design school in New Zealand. We have produced many of our country’s most renowned designers.
How does it work?
As a design degree student you will enrol in the honours programme. Towards the end of third year, you decide whether you want to stick with the honours route, where your fourth year will be strongly research-led. The non-honours path is less research-focused and gives you room for more electives in fourth year.
Specialisations
Majors, subjects or endorsements
Careers and further study
Careers
You will graduate from this programme with:
- a portfolio of creative design work
- solid technical and analytic skills
- a strong research ethos
- a great network.
Our design graduates are sought after by employers in a range of industry, business, and marketing-related activities. 94% of design graduates employed in relevant industries within six months of completing their degree.
Further study
Further your design research and practice with MFA in Design or the Master of Design at Massey, or go on to create new knowledge with a PhD.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
This programme is a selected entry programme. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
We are looking for creative, enthusiastic and dedicated students who demonstrate skill and passion for design and the visual arts.
To enter the Bachelor of Design with Honours programme you will:
- submit a portfolio (if you do well in NCEA Level 2 art, design or technology (or equivalent) you may not need to submit a portfolio. See details below.)
Application closing date
If you are a new-to-Massey student, applications for this programme close on 30 November 2021 (for Semester One start) and 22 June 2022 (for Semester Two start). Late applications will be considered subject to available spaces.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Other requirements
Portfolio requirements
There are three main ways to gain entry to the Bachelor of Design with Honours.
Automatic entry
If you achieved NCEA Level 2 or 3 with Merit or Excellence overall, and a Merit or Excellence endorsement in an approved art, design or technology subject, you have automatic entry and will not have to submit a portfolio.
This also applies for Cambridge International students achieving an AS grade A or B in an approved art, design or technology subject.
Portfolio pre-approval entry
You can show work in progress to a Massey College of Creative Arts staff member during a school visit, Massey Open Day or other University event, or in a video call. They’ll look at examples of your work with you and if it shows the creative potential we’re looking for, they’ll sign a portfolio pre-approval letter. Then you won’t need to submit a final portfolio with your application.
Portfolio entry
When you apply online, submit a portfolio showing a selection of your creative work that demonstrates your creative potential with your application to study.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
- English Language Proficiency
- Foundation Certificate in Academic English
- Foundation Certificate in Advanced Academic English
- Full Foundation - Certificate in Foundation Studies
Summer School
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
480 credits
- Compulsory core courses – 105 credits
- Major courses – 210 credits
- Studio course selection – 45 credits
- 400-level electives from Schedule C – 30 credits
- Electives – 90 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- Not more than 180 credits at 100 level
- At least 90 credits at 200 level
- At least 90 credits at 300 level
- At least 120 credits at 400 level
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
Courses for this programme
Schedule A: Core courses
Part One
| 30 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 237130 | Communication for Makers | 15 |
| 237131 | Conversations in Creative Cultures | 15 |
| 60 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 198157 | Studio I (Object) | 15 |
| 212157 | Studio I (Dress) | 15 |
| 213157 | Studio I (Art Lab) | 15 |
| 213158 | Studio I (Art Place) | 15 |
| 221157 | Studio I (Lens) | 15 |
| 222157 | Studio I (Screen) | 15 |
| 222158 | Studio I (Type) | 15 |
| 223157 | Studio I (Material) | 15 |
| 224157 | Studio I (Space) | 15 |
| 296157 | Studio I (Imagine) | 15 |
Part Two
| 15 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 237230 | Creative Cultures & Contexts I | 15 |
| 15 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 197288 | Creative Collaboration | 15 |
| 237231 | Creative Cultures & Contexts II | 15 |
Integrated Design major students must take
| 197288 | Creative Collaboration | 15 |
Part Three
| 15 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 237330 | Creative Cultures & Ideas | 15 |
| 15 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 197388 | Creative Communities | 15 |
| 237331 | Creative Cultures & Display | 15 |
Integrated Design major students must take
| 197388 | Creative Communities | 15 |
Part Four
| 15 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 197465 | Creative Leadership | 15 |
| 213465 | Exhibition | 15 |
| 237465 | Creative Exposition | 15 |
Schedule B: Majors
Please refer to individual specialisation page for a list of courses for your specialisation.Schedule C: Elective courses
| 197119 | Coding for Creative Practice | 15 |
| 197122 | Digital Fabrication | 15 |
| 197123 | Visual Identity Systems | 15 |
| 197191 | Art and Design: Special Topic I | 15 |
| 197193 | Contemporary Design Project 1A | 15 |
| 197194 | Contemporary Design Project 1B | 15 |
| 197211 | Rapid Ideation | 15 |
| 197228 | Contemporary Design Project A | 15 |
| 197229 | Contemporary Design Project 2A | 15 |
| 197238 | Interaction and Interface I | 15 |
| 197270 | Creative Ecologies I | 15 |
| 197288 | Creative Collaboration | 15 |
| 197291 | Art and Design: Special Topic II | 15 |
| 197331 | Contemporary Design Project B | 15 |
| 197332 | Contemporary Design Project C | 15 |
| 197338 | Interaction and Interface II | 15 |
| 197370 | Creative Ecologies II | 15 |
| 197379 | Service and Experience Design | 15 |
| 197383 | Internship | 15 |
| 197388 | Creative Communities | 15 |
| 197433 | Designing Science Fiction | 15 |
| 197434 | Design Awards and Competitions | 15 |
| 197435 | Design for Festivals and Events | 15 |
| 197436 | Play, Research and Design | 15 |
| 197440 | Contemporary Design Project D | 15 |
| 197441 | Contemporary Design Project E | 15 |
| 197442 | Contemporary Design Project F | 15 |
| 197443 | Contemporary Design Project G | 15 |
| 197470 | Creative Ecologies | 15 |
| 197471 | Social Interventions Through Design | 15 |
| 197490 | Design Special Topic A | 15 |
| 197495 | Design Independent Study | 15 |
| 197499 | Design Special Topic | 30 |
| 198124 | Modelling and Prototyping for Product Design | 15 |
| 198212 | Product Design Visualisation | 15 |
| 198213 | Furniture Design | 15 |
| 198308 | Industrial Design Special Topic A | 15 |
| 198315 | Product Development | 15 |
| 198320 | Open Design & Digital Fabrication | 15 |
| 198463 | Industrial Design Digital Representation | 15 |
| 198490 | Industrial Design Special Topic C | 15 |
| 198495 | Industrial Design Independent Study | 15 |
| 212100 | Fashion Pattern Making | 15 |
| 212101 | Fashion Construction | 15 |
| 212200 | Garment Block Pattern Drafting and Grading | 15 |
| 212226 | Fashion Communication | 15 |
| 212228 | Fashion Special Topic A | 15 |
| 212304 | Drape for Design | 15 |
| 212309 | Contoured and Knit Apparel | 15 |
| 212321 | Digital Applications for Fashion Production | 15 |
| 212328 | Fashion Special Topic B | 15 |
| 212403 | Apparel Production Research | 15 |
| 212495 | Fashion Design Independent Study | 15 |
| 213150 | Painting | 15 |
| 213151 | Contemporary Sculpture | 15 |
| 213154 | Contemporary Drawing | 15 |
| 213155 | Drawing the Body I | 15 |
| 213211 | Fine Arts Special Topic II | 15 |
| 213254 | Drawing in Practice | 15 |
| 213255 | Drawing the Body II | 15 |
| 213256 | Contemporary Art Projects A | 15 |
| 213257 | Contemporary Art Projects B | 15 |
| 213258 | Contemporary Art Projects C | 15 |
| 213259 | Contemporary Art Projects D | 15 |
| 213260 | Fine Arts Special Topic IIB | 30 |
| 213261 | Contemporary Art Projects F | 15 |
| 213262 | Contemporary Art Projects G | 15 |
| 213263 | Contemporary Art Projects H | 15 |
| 213264 | Contemporary Art Projects I | 15 |
| 213265 | Contemporary Art Projects J | 15 |
| 213311 | Fine Arts Special Topic III | 15 |
| 213356 | Contemporary Art Projects E | 15 |
| 213358 | Fine Arts Internship | 15 |
| 213359 | Contemporary Art Projects K | 15 |
| 213360 | Fine Arts Special Topic IIIB | 30 |
| 213411 | Fine Arts Special Topic IV | 15 |
| 213464 | Art in Context | 15 |
| 221100 | Photography as an Agent of Change | 15 |
| 221220 | Photography and the Studio | 15 |
| 221221 | Photography and Digital Practices I | 15 |
| 221222 | Photography and the Darkroom | 15 |
| 221291 | Photography Special Topic A | 15 |
| 221320 | Photography and the Body | 15 |
| 221321 | Photography and Digital Practices II | 15 |
| 221322 | Photography and the Advanced Darkroom | 15 |
| 221391 | Photography Special Topic B | 15 |
| 221456 | Photography and the Archive | 15 |
| 221457 | Photography and Visuality | 15 |
| 221495 | Photography Independent Study | 15 |
| 222103 | Social Media Culture | 15 |
| 222104 | Printmaking | 15 |
| 222208 | Letterpress | 15 |
| 222215 | Brand Communication | 15 |
| 222225 | Narrative Illustration | 15 |
| 222232 | Illustrated Characters | 15 |
| 222248 | Typographic Systems | 15 |
| 222312 | Art Direction | 15 |
| 222313 | Copywriting | 15 |
| 222326 | Sequential Art | 15 |
| 222333 | Concept Design for Imaginary Worlds | 15 |
| 222347 | Editorial Design | 15 |
| 222348 | Narrative Information Design | 15 |
| 222390 | Visual Communication Design Special Topic A | 15 |
| 222408 | Experiential Information Design | 15 |
| 222409 | Contemporary Letterpress | 15 |
| 222417 | Image and Identity | 15 |
| 222425 | Illustration Studio Practice | 15 |
| 222449 | Spatial Type | 15 |
| 222490 | Visual Communication Design Special Topic D | 15 |
| 222491 | Visual Communication Design Special Topic E | 15 |
| 222496 | Visual Communication Design Special Topic F | 15 |
| 222499 | Independent Visual Communication Design Study | 15 |
| 223207 | Materials Lab | 15 |
| 223211 | Fashion Textiles | 15 |
| 223301 | Contemporary Wallcoverings | 15 |
| 223312 | Textile Print Project | 15 |
| 223328 | Textile Design Special Topic B | 15 |
| 223411 | Embroidered Textiles | 15 |
| 223412 | Sustainable Colouration | 15 |
| 223490 | Textile Design Special Topic C | 15 |
| 223495 | Textile Design Independent Study | 15 |
| 224204 | Design for Performance | 15 |
| 224205 | Design for Display | 15 |
| 224302 | Spatial Design Special Topic A | 15 |
| 224306 | Game Space | 15 |
| 224490 | Spatial Design Special Topic C | 15 |
| 224495 | Spatial Design Independent Study | 15 |
| 237117 | Māori Art and Design Studio I - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237130 | Communication for Makers | 15 |
| 237131 | Conversations in Creative Cultures | 15 |
| 237211 | Māori Visual and Material Culture - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237217 | Māori Art and Design Studio IIA - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237218 | Māori Art and Design Studio IIB - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237230 | Creative Cultures & Contexts I | 15 |
| 237231 | Creative Cultures & Contexts II | 15 |
| 237317 | Māori Art and Design Studio IIIA - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237318 | Māori Art and Design Studio IIIB - Toi Atea | 15 |
| 237330 | Creative Cultures & Ideas | 15 |
| 237331 | Creative Cultures & Display | 15 |
| 237401 | The Material Turn | 15 |
| 237402 | The Visual Field | 15 |
| 237403 | Studies in Material Culture B | 15 |
| 237404 | Studies in Visual Culture B | 15 |
| 237417 | Māori Art and Design Studio IV - Toi Atea | 30 |
Majors and minors
About specialisations
Completing a major in the Bachelor of Design with Honours is compulsory. You will need to complete the requirements for the BDes with Honours and pass specified major-related courses as outlined in the regulations.
Concept Design
Fashion Design
Industrial Design
Integrated Design
Photography
Spatial Design
Textile Design
Visual Communication Design
About minors
Completing a minor is optional and may be a way for you to show the breadth of your degree.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major and be made up of at least 60 credits.
If you’re interested in doing a minor you should contact us using the enquire button on this page. Our student advice team will be able to talk you through your options and help you plan your degree.
Planning your programme
Planning overview
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
The Bachelor of Design with Honours is the best preparation for becoming a well-rounded designer, whatever your chosen field of practice. Regardless of what major you choose, your degree has the same basic structure:
Year One: fundamental design skills & principles
Studio courses in different design/art disciplines (your choice of 4, totalling 60 credits) + theory (30 credits) + electives (30 credits).
Year Two: focus on techniques, skills, processes in your major and important issues in design
Studio in your Major (60 credits) + theory/enterprise (30 credits) + electives (30 credits).
Year Three: increasing collaboration across majors
Studio (60 credits) + theory/enterprise (30 credits) + electives. (30 credits).
Year Four: design research & development project
Studio (75 credits) + an externally focused course (15 credits) + electives (30 credits).
More information: ‘Yellow Book’.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this programme within the stated time limit, you will normally be able to graduate with a class of Honours.
Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this programme.
More information
- Read the regulations for this programme thoroughly
- Contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
A good fit if you:
- are passionate about design and getting hands-on in the studio
- want to re-define the way people live, work and play through great design
- want to work alongside the best creative talent in New Zealand.
Accreditations and rankings
Massey University's College of Creative Arts is ranked as one of the Top 100 art and design schools in the world by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds).
The Wellington School of Design is ranked Number 3 in Asia–Pacific for design concept by Red Dot—the only Australasian university in the top ten.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
Undergraduate programmes
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
Enrolling in courses
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study.
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
About electives
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Scholarships and awards
Scholarships related to this programme
- Alfred George East Scholarship
- Hinemoa Hilliard Memorial Scholarship
- Ken and Elizabeth Powell Bursary
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.