Why Study/Key Benefits

The Visual Communication Design major is offered within Massey University’s Bachelor of Design (BDes) and focuses on how visual design can guide, inform, persuade and inspire audiences. Massey describes the field as encompassing a wide range of contemporary communication formats, including print, digital media, web, video, animation and interactive experiences.

Key benefits include:

• Study a broad visual communication discipline rather than limiting yourself to one design medium.
• Explore concept design, illustration, typography, interaction design, web and information design, and branding.
• Develop both independent and collaborative design skills through project-based studio work.
• Build skills for communicating ideas to different audiences across print and digital environments.
• Develop practical knowledge of graphic design, UX/UI, information visualisation, branding, motion graphics and visual storytelling.
• Learn to apply design thinking to commercial, social, civic and strategic communication problems.
• The programme provides a pathway into further study such as the Bachelor of Design with Honours or Master of Design. 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Visual Communication Design major is structured across Parts One, Two and Three.

Part One

Students choose 15 credits from introductory Visual Communication Design courses, including:

• 222157 Visual Communication Design 1.1: Introduction to Graphic Design — introduces graphic design principles, rhetorical approaches, visual language, composition and communication across print and dynamic interactive/motion outputs.
• 222158 Visual Communication Design 1.2: Introduction to Typography — covers typography, fonts, letterforms, layout systems, information hierarchy and communication through words and images.
• 222159 Visual Communication Design 1.3: Introduction to User Experience Design — introduces interaction design, UX/UI, web design, prototyping and user testing.

Part Two

Students choose 60 credits from areas including:

• 222263 Visual Communication Design 2.1: Type and Image Systems
• 222264 Visual Communication Design 2.2: Visualising Information
• 222265 Visual Communication Design 2.3: User Experience and Web Design
• 222266 Visual Communication Design 2.4: Brand Communication
• 222267 Visual Communication Design 2.5: Illustration Practice
• 222268 Visual Communication Design 2.6: Transmedia and Motion Graphics.

These courses develop capabilities such as:

• typography and type/image systems
• publication design
• information and data visualisation
• UX and UI design
• web design and information architecture
• branding and visual identity
• illustration and visual storytelling
• motion graphics
• transmedia communication.

Part Three

Students choose 30 credits from advanced Visual Communication Design options including:

• 222367 Visual Communication Design 3.1: Editorial Design and Production
• 222368 Visual Communication Design 3.2: Brand Strategies and Systems
• 222369 Visual Communication Design 3.3: User Experience and Interaction Design
• 222372 Visual Communication Design 3.4: Visual Narrative

Students then choose 30 credits from options including:

• 222358 Visual Communication Design 3.5: Design for Social Change

Advanced study covers editorial design, typography, print finishing and binding, brand strategy, marketing communication, motion graphics, photography, illustration, UX, service design, digital experiences, visual narratives and human-centred design.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected major is:

• Visual Communication Design

Within the major, students can explore several specialist areas, including:

• Graphic design
• Typography
• Illustration
• Branding
• Information design
• Interaction design
• User experience and user interface design
• Web design
• Editorial and publication design
• Motion graphics
• Visual narrative
• Transmedia design
• Design for social change.

Programme Highlights

• 360-credit Bachelor of Design.
• Three-year full-time undergraduate qualification.
• Visual Communication Design major worth 135 credits.
• Study at Massey University's Wellington campus.
• Studio, workshop and media-lab based learning environment.
• Broad exposure to print, digital, interactive and moving-image communication.
• Opportunities to explore typography, illustration, branding, UX/UI, web design and information design.
• Strong emphasis on both independent and collaborative project work.
• Optional minor of at least 60 credits.
• Potential progression to the Bachelor of Design with Honours or Master of Design.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies opportunities for Visual Communication Design graduates in areas including:

• Publishing
• Branding
• Interactive design
• Entertainment
• Design firms and consultancies
• Advertising agencies
• IT and web design firms
• Film studios
• Post-production companies
• Publications.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current Visual Communication Design BDes is open to international students on campus in New Zealand.
• There are no additional formal programme-specific admission requirements beyond Massey University's general admission regulations.
• Massey recommends a Creative Review after application and enrolment to help students plan their design study.
• The major currently comprises 135 credits.
• Course prerequisites apply as students progress from introductory to advanced courses.
• Course choices and availability can change, so students should check the course planning information for their intended year of study.
• Because this is a studio-based design qualification, students should expect practical project work in addition to academic/design theory.
• Massey recommends that international students apply at least three months before their anticipated start date to allow time for admission processing, visa arrangements and travel planning. 

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student studying the BDes on campus in New Zealand would generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand.

Current requirements include:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.
• Satisfactory attendance and academic progress while studying.