Bachelor of Design (Communication)
Design
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain industry-ready skills to communicate ideas through still and moving images, text, sound, and interactive media. Choose your specialism in design and build a career-ready portfolio with a focus on positive social and environmental change.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 3 years
This course requires 38 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Develop industry-ready design skills
Graduate with practical skills in communication and visual design, specialising in areas such as graphic design, game design, UX, or animation.
Build a professional portfolio
Produce a portfolio showcasing your design work and client-focused projects, enhancing your employability or entrepreneurial opportunities.
Engage in project-based learning
Experience hands-on learning across a range of media, through both team and individual projects, with real-world and community clients.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Design (Communication) at Otago Polytechnic is a hands-on degree that empowers students to develop creativity and vision in visual communication. You will learn to tell stories through a range of media, including still and moving images, text, and interactive digital platforms. The programme emphasises industry-ready skills, project-based learning, and community/client projects with a strong focus on positive social and environmental outcomes. The first year covers a broad base of media, with the opportunity to specialise in later years, including pathways in graphic design, illustration, animation, UX, game design, web, and social media. Graduates are equipped for diverse design careers and entrepreneurship.
Course Content
- Graphic design and typography
- Illustration, animation and character design
- UX for game design
- Visual design for games
- 3D modelling and world-building
- Game narratives and interactive fiction
- Web design and mobile app design
- Film and photography
- Communication and storytelling
- Campaign design for social media
- Research and reflective practice
- Studio-based projects
- Client-based and community-driven projects
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3 with 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Design
Media
Communications
Game Design
Visual Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
Lead Designer
Level Designer
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.