Communication Design Subject regulations

Graphic Design, known as Graphic Arts, Visual Communication Design, or at the University of Waikato Communication Design, is where we prepare Design students for the world of Advertising, Marketing, and Graphic Design. Learn to combine words and images across different media to engage audiences through your creative storytelling and image making.

Communication Design is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Design (BDes). Communication Design may also be included as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Communication Design as a single major, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Communication Design, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete DSIGN141, DSIGN142, DSIGN241, DSIGN242, DSIGN243, COMPX324, DSIGN341, DSIGN342 and DSIGN360.

To complete Communication Design as a second major, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Communication Design, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete DSIGN141, DSIGN142, DSIGN241, DSIGN242, DSIGN243, and 45 points from COMPX324, DSIGN341, DSIGN342 or DSIGN360.

To complete a minor in Communication Design, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Communication Design major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note:

Candidates who wish to structure a strong qualification that will prepare them well for the creative industries should consider a double major pathway. Consider pairing Communication Design with Interface Design or another major to create a qualification that sets you apart from other Design graduates in Aotearoa. Discuss these options with the Design undergraduate advisor.

Other qualifications

Prescriptions for:

Communication Design papers

100 Level 200 Level 300 Level 500 Level

Code and paper title	Points
COMPX101 Introduction to Programming This paper introduces computer programming in C# - the exciting challenge of creating software and designing artificial worlds within the computer...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25B (Secondary School - Unistart) & 25X (Hainan University, Haikou China) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
COMPX161 Introduction to the Web This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25I (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
CSMAX170 Foundations in Computing and Mathematical Sciences The objective of this paper is to provide students with the academic foundations for computing and mathematical sciences. The paper will cover the...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25A (Tauranga)
DSIGN125 Introduction to Communication Design Production This paper enables students to perform basic computing operations and to operate software packages for the manipulation of visual images and text for...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online) & 25A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN141 Principles of Form and Design This paper develops the student's ability to recognise and utilise the basic elements and principles of design both two and three dimensionally. It...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN142 Beyond the Basics of Design This paper develops the student's ability to put into graphic application the basic elements and principles of design. It will also provide an...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN151 Design History Students journey through a thematic history of design and its interplay with society and technology by studying historical artefacts that influence...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN161 Introduction to the Web This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design...	15	25B (Hamilton)
MEDIA102 Film Production 1: Telling Stories A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)

Code and paper title	Points
DSIGN241 Aspects of Web Design This paper presents the students with the challenge of designing, developing and publishing content for the World Wide Web, working with content...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN242 Interactive Environments This paper presents the students with the challenge of designing interactive media environments of different types. The students are challenged to...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN243 Visual Language and Information Design This paper offers students the possibility to explore the area of information design. By using their knowledge of principles of design, visual...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN251 Applied Computing Tools 1 This paper enables students to widen their experience of design relevant computer software using an intensive laboratory programme. Students select...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25H (Hamilton)
DSIGN252 Cultural Perspectives for Design The paper provides students with an understanding of culture-specific perspectives on design issues and the ability to apply these in diverse...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN271 Design Thinking The paper presents the iterative process of design, used to understand users, challenge assumptions and redefine problems through empathising with...	15	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN290 Directed Study A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report.	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)

Code and paper title	Points
COMPX324 User Experience Design An introduction to the field of user experience - where students develop skills and techniques for the design and evaluation of interfaces for...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25B (Tauranga) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN341 Design Systems This paper introduces students to design systems, visual identity systems, and typographic systems, preparing the students to apply these systems...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN342 User Centred Design This paper provides opportunity for students to develop skills in design methods. Students will solve visual design problems for diverse target...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN350 Design Internship This paper will induct the design student into the professional environment where the student applies design skills, research methodology and...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN360 Capstone Project In this paper students plan, develop and execute a small scale design project with relative independence alongside the guidance of a supervisor.	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN361 Portfolio Project This paper is an opportunity for students to develop and refine a professional portfolio showcasing their design work.	15	25B (Hamilton)
DSIGN390 Directed Study A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report.	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN397 Work Integrated Learning Directed Study A directed study undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner involving the development of a design project and the production of a formal...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN398 Work Integrated Learning Directed Study A directed study undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner involving the development of a design project and the production of a formal...	30	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)

Code and paper title	Points
DSIGN532 Information Visualisation This paper aims to provide an awareness of the potential offered by information visualisation techniques, a familiarity with the underlying concepts...	15	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN551 Design Project Management This paper covers the management of design projects in the studio. It is intended for those aiming for a future senior position in a design studio...	15	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN581 Design Research Methods This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in design. The...	30	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN589 Directed Study Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton)
DSIGN590 Directed Study Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.	30	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton)
DSIGN591 Design Dissertation Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	30	25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN592 Design Dissertation Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	60	25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN593 Design Thesis Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	90	25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN594 Design Thesis Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	120	25X (Hamilton)

2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 28 Sep 2024 01:00am

Communication Design Subject regulations

Other qualifications

Communication Design papers

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