The Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mo te Hoahoa is a comprehensive undergraduate design degree that prepares students for careers in contemporary creative industries. The programme focuses on design innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical design practice, and emerging technologies.

Students study in a studio-based environment and gain access to industry-standard facilities, digital labs, workshops, fabrication spaces, and exhibition opportunities. AUT’s design degree also incorporates m?tauranga M?ori (M?ori knowledge systems) and socially responsible design approaches.

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Strong studio-based practical learning
• Industry-connected projects and networking opportunities
• Access to excellent creative facilities and workshops
• Focus on future technologies and emerging design fields
• Flexible degree structure with majors, minors, and electives
• Emphasis on ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible design
• Opportunities to showcase work at the AUT Art & Design Festival
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary learning environment
• Industry-informed teaching staff with professional experience

Programme Structure

The degree combines core design learning, major specialisation, and flexible elective study.

Degree Structure

Core Courses – 120 Points

All students complete foundational design courses covering:

• Design principles
• Creative processes
• Collaborative practice
• Integrated design practice
• Industry experience

Major Specialisation – 120 Points

Students choose a design major.

Flexible Component – 120 Points

Students may choose:

• Two minors
• One minor plus electives
• A second major

Majors / Specialisations Offered

Students can specialise in one of the following majors:

Design Majors

• Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design
• Communication Design
• Fashion Design
• Industrial Design
• Interaction Design
• Spatial and Interior Design

Additional Minors Available

Students may also include minors such as:

• Animated Drawing
• Cinematic Arts
• Creative Entrepreneurship
• Design for Health
• Digital Fabrication
• Extended Reality
• Motion Capture
• Photographic Practice
• Experimental Surface Design

Subjects / Topics Covered

Depending on the chosen major, students may study:

• Graphic and communication design
• UX/UI and interaction design
• Animation and game design
• Fashion and textile design
• Product and industrial design
• Interior and spatial design
• Branding and advertising
• Photography and moving image
• User experience design
• Digital fabrication
• Creative technologies
• Sustainable design
• Human-centred design

Interaction Design students, for example, study:

• UX and UI design
• Information architecture
• Prototyping
• User experience research
• Web and app design
• Extended reality design

Industry Experience & Creative Opportunities

Students benefit from:

• Industry-connected design projects
• Collaborative creative assignments
• Professional critiques and presentations
• Exhibition opportunities
• Portfolio development
• Access to industry-standard technology

Students and graduates frequently mention the value of:

• Collaborative studio culture
• Lecturer support
• Real-world project work
• Portfolio-focused learning

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

Creative & Design Careers

• Graphic Designer
• UX/UI Designer
• Interaction Designer
• Animator
• Game Designer
• Fashion Designer
• Industrial Designer
• Interior Designer
• Art Director
• Visual Designer
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Product Designer

Digital & Technology Careers

• App Designer
• Service Designer
• Digital Experience Designer
• XR Designer
• Digital Content Creator

Creative Industries

• Advertising agencies
• Media companies
• Design studios
• Creative consultancies
• Technology companies
• Film and gaming industries

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• Offer of Place from AUT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof

Latest Updates / Important Notes

Portfolio & Creative Preparation

While the general degree may not always require a formal portfolio for admission, some advanced creative pathways and transfer applications may consider portfolio quality. Community discussions suggest students without prior design experience can still succeed, although additional effort and self-learning may help.

Strong Practical Learning Focus

Many AUT design students describe the programme as:

• Highly practical
• Portfolio-driven
• Collaborative
• Industry-oriented

Students regularly participate in critiques, presentations, group projects, and real-world creative problem solving.

Emerging Technology Integration

The programme increasingly integrates:

• UX/UI design
• Digital experiences
• Extended reality (XR)
• Motion capture
• Interactive systems
• Emerging digital tools

Programme Highlights

• Level 7 professional design degree
• Flexible majors and minors
• Studio-based practical learning
• Industry-standard facilities and technology
• Strong portfolio development focus
• Access to exhibitions and design showcases
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary learning
• Industry-connected teaching and projects
• Future-focused digital and creative design education
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s creative industry hub