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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Concept Design for your Bachelor of Design with Honours at Massey
Concept design is about visualising and developing the ideas behind film, television, gaming, performance, products and interactive experiences.
In the Bachelor of Design with Honours (Concept Design), you’ll use traditional and contemporary art forms to communicate your concepts for new objects, characters or environments. This could include drawing and sculpting 3D models, as well as making digital plans and renders.
You could be designing characters, creatures, props, vehicles and machines, all the way to building entire worlds to form the foundations of feature films, theme parks, events, toys or exhibits.
Concept design is one of the first stages in every design process. Concept designers create the basis for further production and development, rather than finished products.
Get the full picture
Further study
Take your concept design education to the next step with the Weta Workshop School Master of Design, or continue your design research and practice with a Master of Design or Master of Fine Arts at Massey.
Planning information
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.
About this major
The Concept Design major in the Bachelor of Design with Honours consists of 165 credits.
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 Get advice button on this page. Our student advice team will be able to talk you through your options and help you plan your degree.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Bachelor of Design with Honours
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Design with Honours core courses
Concept Design courses
Part One
Course code: 296157 Concept Design 1.1: Imagine 15 credits
In this studio course students will be introduced to creative and analytical thinking skills, idea generation and visualisation central to concept design as a practice. They will begin to acquire specific techniques, skills and processes for investigating and responding to imagined characters and stories through iterative drawing, referencing and digital painting.
View full course detailsCourse code: 296158 Concept Design 1.2: Worldbuilding 15 credits
In this studio course, students will experiment with creative and analytical thinking skills, idea generation and visualisation central to concept design as a practice. They will develop specific techniques, skills and processes for investigating and defining worldbuilding techniques through storytelling and the creative practice of iterative digital modelling, prototyping and digital matte painting.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 296263 Concept Design 2.1: Character and Environment 15 credits
In this studio course, students will explore and articulate creative responses to design challenges through critical awareness of character and environment design, and production. Students will develop and apply core 2D and 3D concept design skills, processes and techniques to create original character and environment designs for an entertainment license.
View full course detailsCourse code: 296264 Concept Design 2.2: Prop and Creature 15 credits
In this studio course, students will explore and articulate creative responses to design challenges through critical awareness of prop and creature design and production. Students will develop and apply core 2D and 3D concept design skills, processes and techniques to create original prop and creature designs for an entertainment license.
View full course detailsCourse code: 296265 Concept Design 2.3: Visualisation 15 credits
In this studio, students will collaborate to explore and articulate the relationship between narrative and design for an animation or game design context. Students will engage critically through tone, genre and aesthetic studies, applying these through their creative responses using core concept design techniques. The final output will be a curated presentation of these finished ideas with consideration of both audience, client and medium.
View full course detailsCourse code: 296266 Concept Design 2.4 Design for Fabrication 15 credits
In this studio, students will explore the design process from concept through to fabrication. Students will critically engage with the role of designer and fabricator using core concept design techniques, methods of manufacture, digital and physical fabrication techniques, and production drawings to communicate concept intention and realisation. The design will be resolved in the form of a tangible output.
View full course detailsPart Three
Course code: 296358 Concept Design 3.3: Developing Imaginary Worlds 30 credits
Students will use worldbuilding and storytelling techniques to generate an original entertainment property that examines a contemporary wicked problem through a Science Fiction or Fantasy lens. Through the development and realisation of an advanced concept design project students will develop an understanding of the culture, ecosystem, technology and inhabitants of their world.
View full course detailsCourse code: 296367 Concept Design 3.1 Concepting Film and Animation 15 credits
In this studio course, students will develop a proof of concept design proposal for a given text through the comparative lens of Concept for Film and Animation. Students will establish a critical position through individual and collaborative creative exploration and articulation to expand on concept design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 296368 Concept Design 3.2: Concepting Game and Location-Based Experience 15 credits
In this studio course, students will develop a proof of concept design proposal for a given text through the comparative lens of Concept for Game and Location-Based Experience design. Students will establish a critical position through individual and collaborative creative exploration and articulation to expand on concept design concepts, techniques, skills and processes in the production of their creative work.
View full course detailsPart Four
Course code: 296453 Concept Design Research and Development 30 credits
Application of research methods and processes to investigate social, cultural, aesthetic and technical issues and strategies in an approved concept design project.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
This is a selected entry qualification . This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Bachelor of Design with Honours qualification 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
- For Semester One start: Applications close on 30 November, for study commencing the following year.
- For Semester Two start: Applications close on 30 June.
Late applications will be considered subject to available spaces.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
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.
See full details about portfolio requirements and pre-approvals
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
New Zealand’s booming film and entertainment industry means concept designers are in high demand. Apply your creative thinking in roles across film, theatre and television as well as in growing markets like video game development and interactive experiences.
Follow in the footsteps of Massey graduates working at Weta Workshop, Mechanic Animation, A44, PikPok, Weta Gameshop, Pukeko Pictures and Story Inc. Other graduates see success freelancing or starting their own independent companies right after graduating, like game studios Odd Boy, and Wild Boy Studios.
There is also a growing demand for graduates who can apply design thinking at a strategic level. Whether that is in business, government, or within social and civic enterprises. You could go on to work in a design or advertising agency, major events development or create exhibition concepts for a gallery or museum.
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.
Related study options
Concept Design – Bachelor of Design
Imagine new worlds with Massey's Bachelor of Design (Concept Design). Learn how to design concepts for entertainment and education within film, animation, television, gaming, and location-based experiences.
Industrial Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours
Industrial design is a great choice if you enjoy designing, inventing, and making three-dimensional products. From smartphones to movie sets, industrial design transforms people’s lives - and Massey grads are at the forefront.
Industrial Design – Bachelor of Design
Industrial design is a great choice if you enjoy designing, inventing, and making three-dimensional products. From smartphones to movie sets, industrial design transforms people’s lives - and Massey grads are at the forefront.
Integrated Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours
Take a unified approach to design. Develop strong design strategies and contextual understanding, applying your technical skills in the design fields of your choice.
Integrated Design – Bachelor of Design
Take a unified approach to design. Develop strong design strategies and contextual understanding, applying your technical skills in the design fields of your choice.
Mātauranga Toi Māori – Bachelor of Design with Honours
Study creative arts and help shape a future where te ao Māori is at the forefront of Aotearoa creative industries. A first for Aotearoa tertiary education, the Mātauranga Toi Māori major engages te ao Māori in any of our creative disciplines in Design – Concept, Fashion, Industrial, Integrated, Photography, Spatial, Textiles or Visual Communication Design.
Mātauranga Toi Māori – Bachelor of Design
Study creative arts and help shape a future where te ao Māori is at the forefront of Aotearoa creative industries. A first for Aotearoa tertiary education, the Mātauranga Toi Māori major engages te ao Māori in any of our creative disciplines in Design – Concept, Fashion, Industrial, Integrated, Photography, Spatial, Textiles or Visual Communication Design.
Spatial Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours
From designing a home interior, or public building to an interactive exhibition, or a virtual world, spatial designers have myriad opportunities at their fingertips. Let your imagination soar.
Spatial Design – Bachelor of Design
From designing a home interior, or public building to an interactive exhibition, or a virtual world, spatial designers have myriad opportunities at their fingertips. Let your imagination soar.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz