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

Code and paper titlePoints
COMPX101Introduction to Programmingright arrow

This paper introduces computer programming in C# - the exciting challenge of creating software and designing artificial worlds within the computer...

1525A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25B (Secondary School - Unistart) & 25X (Hainan University, Haikou China) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
COMPX161Introduction to the Webright arrow

This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design...

1525B (Hamilton) & 25I (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
CSMAX170Foundations in Computing and Mathematical Sciencesright arrow

The objective of this paper is to provide students with the academic foundations for computing and mathematical sciences. The paper will cover the...

15No occurrences
DSIGN125Introduction to Communication Design Productionright arrow

This paper enables students to perform basic computing operations and to operate software packages for the manipulation of visual images and text for...

1525A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online) & 25A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN141Principles of Form and Designright arrow

This paper develops the student's ability to recognise and utilise the basic elements and principles of design both two and three dimensionally. It...

1525A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN142Beyond the Basics of Designright arrow

This paper develops the student's ability to put into graphic application the basic elements and principles of design. It will also provide an...

1525B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN151Design Historyright arrow

Students journey through a thematic history of design and its interplay with society and technology by studying historical artefacts that influence...

1525B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN161Introduction to the Webright arrow

This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design...

1525B (Hamilton)
MEDIA102Film Production 1: Telling Storiesright arrow

A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience...

1525B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
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2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 10 Jan 2025 01:00am