Why Study / Key Benefits

Massey University’s Bachelor of Design (Integrated Design) is designed for students who want to work across multiple areas of design rather than follow a single conventional design discipline. Students select courses from two or more of the other Bachelor of Design majors and build a customised programme in consultation with the qualification leader. This develops the ability to combine different design methods, think critically about design contexts, solve complex problems and create an individual creative practice.

Key benefits include:

• Interdisciplinary study across multiple design fields.
• Ability to create a personalised design pathway around individual interests and career goals.
• Practical studio-based learning combined with critical and theoretical study.
• Opportunities to combine physical, digital, visual, spatial, material and experiential design approaches.
• Development of design strategy, creative problem-solving, research, communication and technical skills.
• Optional minor of at least 60 credits, subject to availability and approval.
• Opportunity to progress to the Bachelor of Design with Honours or Master of Design for further study.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The BDes is structured around core courses, the Integrated Design major and electives. The overall degree requires 360 credits, with no more than 180 credits at 100 level and at least 90 credits at 300 level or above.

Year 1 generally introduces fundamental design skills and principles through:

• Studio courses across different design/art disciplines
• Critical studies and design context
• Professional cultures
• Electives

For Integrated Design, students select introductory courses from different design disciplines. Examples include:

• Product and Industrial Design 1.1: Materialising Form
• Product and Industrial Design 1.2: Furniture Design
• Fashion Design 1.1: Fashioning the Body
• Fashion Design 1.2: Introduction to Fashion Practice
• Photography Studio 1.1: What is Photography?
• Photography Studio 1.2: Introduction to the Darkroom
• Visual Communication Design 1.1: Introduction to Graphic Design
• Visual Communication Design 1.2: Introduction to Typography
• Visual Communication Design 1.3: Introduction to User Experience Design
• Textile Design 1.1: Interwoven Structures
• Textile Design 1.2: Introduction to Surface Design, Colour and Screen Print
• Spatial Design 1.1: An Introduction
• Spatial Design 1.2: Immersive Experiences
• Concept Design 1.1: Imagine
• Concept Design 1.2: Worldbuilding
• Toi tea 1.

At higher levels, students can combine courses from multiple disciplines. Examples include:

• Product and Industrial Design 2.1: Experiential Design
• Product and Industrial Design 2.2: Dynamic Workflows
• Product and Industrial Design 2.3: Empathy, Impact and Consequence
• Product and Industrial Design 2.4: Product Manufacturing
• Visual Communication Design courses covering type and image systems, information visualisation, UX/web design, brand communication, illustration, transmedia and motion graphics
• Textile Design courses covering knitted textiles, print, colouration, pattern, woven textiles and digital textile processes
• Spatial Design courses covering place and community, atmospheres, adaptive interiors and regenerative practices
• Concept Design courses covering digital and physical engagement.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Integrated Design is itself a major/specialisation within the Bachelor of Design.

Students select courses from two or more of these other BDes disciplines:

• Concept Design
• Fashion Design
• Industrial Design
• Photography
• Spatial Design
• Textile Design
• Visual Communication Design

Programme Highlights

• Interdisciplinary design education rather than a single-discipline pathway.
• Customisable programme built from two or more design disciplines.
• Wellington-based study within Massey's College of Creative Arts.
• Strong studio and practical-learning component.
• Ability to combine digital, physical, visual, spatial, material and experiential approaches.
• Optional minor of at least 60 credits.
• Opportunities to develop an individual creative practice and design strategy.
• Pathways into the Bachelor of Design with Honours and Master of Design.
• Massey describes its Bachelor of Design as one of its major comprehensive design qualifications, with interdisciplinary pathways covering areas such as climate change, material innovation, health and wellbeing, social change, exhibition/curation and printmaking.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to work across design, business, government, social enterprises and creative industries. The Integrated Design pathway is particularly suited to roles where combining different design methods and perspectives is useful. Massey identifies opportunities for independent creative entrepreneurship, including establishing an agency, studio, product or service.

Possible career directions can include:

• Multidisciplinary designer
• Design strategist
• Experience designer
• UX/UI-related roles
• Visual communication and branding roles
• Spatial/experience design
• Product and industrial design-related roles
• Creative practitioner
• Design researcher
• Creative entrepreneur
• Independent studio or agency work

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current programme page confirms that:

• Integrated Design remains available as a Bachelor of Design specialisation at Wellington.
• The major consists of 135 credits.
• Students must construct their course selection from two or more other design disciplines.
• Course selection is undertaken in consultation with the qualification leader.
• Some courses have prerequisites or restrictions, so students need to plan their sequence carefully.
• A Creative Review is encouraged but is not compulsory for admission.
• Returning students may face different course/major requirements under transitional provisions.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
• Evidence that tuition fees can be paid, or evidence of an appropriate scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical/travel insurance.
• Evidence of good health and character where required.
• A genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.
• Full-time study in an approved course.