The University of Auckland is New?Zealand’s largest and most internationally recognised university, attracting students from over 100 countries. Based in Auckland, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, the university offers strong academic support, extensive wellbeing services, career guidance, English?language assistance, and help with visas and settling into life abroad. It emphasises practical learning, real?world projects, and industry connections — especially in creative and technology?driven fields.

 

Why Study Bachelor of Design

The Bachelor of Design (BDes) prepares you to think creatively, innovate, problem?solve and design solutions for products, services, experiences and systems. Rather than focusing on a single ‘art technique,’ the degree develops a deep understanding of design thinking, research, practical making and the societal impact of design — aligning creativity with real?world challenges. You’ll explore case studies and project briefs that integrate digital, material and conceptual tools.

This programme is ideal if you want to build a career in areas such as:

• Product design, experience design, service design

• Design strategy, innovation consulting

• User interface & interaction design

• Visual information & information architecture
  … and many emerging creative technology roles worldwide.

 

Subjects & Programme Structure

The Bachelor of Design combines core design learning with electives and optional general education courses:

Core Courses

You’ll take foundation and advanced design courses that build skills in:

• Design processes and rationale

• Visual and digital communication

• Prototyping and making

• Design research and conceptual thinking

• Problem framing and solution development
   

Elective Themes

You choose electives (typically nine courses, 135 points) aligned to design themes including:

• Design and Local Community Practices

• Design and Global Challenges

• Design and Business

• Design and Emerging Technologies

This lets you tailor your degree toward areas like social impact design, business?focused design, digital experiences, or technology?driven creativity.

Additional Requirements

• One General Education course (15 points) — broadens your academic perspective.

• One Waipapa Taumata Rau core course (15 points) — university foundation/academic skills.

• Two other electives (30 points) — from Design or other bachelor degrees.

Capstone Project

In your final year, you complete a capstone design research project, guiding a design concept from discovery through prototyping and testing. This is a highlight of the degree, integrating learning from previous years.

 

Conjoint Options

If you want to combine design with another field, the university offers conjoint degrees (extended 4–5 year programmes) such as:

• Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Design (4 years)

• Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Design (4 years)

• Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Science (4 years)

• Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (5 years)

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design are well positioned for creative and strategic roles that span business, technology, products and services. Typical career pathways include:

• Product Designer

• Service or Experience Designer

• Interaction / Interface Designer

• Design Strategist

• Innovation Manager

• Information / Data Visualisation Designer

• Entrepreneur / Design Consultant

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

To study in New?Zealand, you must apply for a Student Visa after receiving your offer. Typically you will need:

• Confirmation of Enrolment
• Valid passport
• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Health and travel insurance

 

Highlights – At a Glance

• Level?7 undergraduate degree (360 points) with real?world design focus.
• Combines core design studios + electives + capstone project tailored to your interests.
• City Campus, Auckland — multicultural environment with industry links.
• Opportunities for conjoint study with arts, science, commerce, engineering and more.
• Strong career prospects across creative, business and technology sectors.