AUT - Graphic Design major: Bachelor of Design
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Graphic Design major: Bachelor of Design
Graphic design is the art of visually communicating ideas and messages at the highest level. Here at AUT we have endeavored to build on an international level of teachers and lecturers from the peak of industry and education throughout the world to offer what we consider to be the best graphic design programme in New Zealand.
The Graphic Design major in the Bachelor of Design degree (BDes) provides you with a sound understanding of graphic design - from typography, photographic skills, illustration and drawing skills, to story boarding and website design. You also develop your critical thinking skills.
- A broad framework covering all aspects of graphic design
- The most sought-after major within the Bachelor of Design
- Student focus: we analyse what kind of graphic designer you really are and focus on your strengths and abilities
- Opportunity to work on a wide range of creative briefs - from corporate identity, publishing and packaging design to advertising
- Option to pursue a secondary specialisation in illustration, advertising and photography in Year 2 and 3
- Specialised focused programmes in Year 2 and 3, giving you the chance to hone your skills in smaller classes
- At the end of Year 3, you have the opportunity to exhibit your work to media and industry through the AUT School of Art and Design festival
- Can serve as a pathway into further study: many graphic design students continue into postgraduate study to specialise further in a certain aspect of graphic design
More information about the Bachelor of Design
Entry requirements
- University Entrance
- Portfolio of art work
- Interview may be required
Structure
Most papers last one semester and are worth 15 points. You must complete 120 points each year (360 points for the entire degree). In each year you will study core (compulsory) papers, and select other papers from a range of options.
Year 1 papers - 120 points in total
The first year is fundamental in helping you work out your style of graphic design.
CORE PAPERS
Level 5:
115024 Creative process (15)
115100 Core Studio Art and Design (30)
115101 Core Theory Art and Design (15)
115132 History, Culture, Context I (15)
AND 45 POINTS FROM
115130 Graphic Design Studies I (15)
115131 Pictorial Studies (30)
OR
115019 Pictorial Design I (45)
Year 2 papers - 120 points in total
CORE PAPERS
Level 6:
116008 History, Culture, Context II (30)
116200 Elective Project (15)
AND 45 POINTS FROM
116030 Pictorial Design II (45)
OR
116230 Graphic Design Studies II (45)
CHOOSE A FURTHER 30 POINTS FROM THE FOLLOWING:
Level 6:
116231 Illustration (15)
116232 Photography (15)
116233 Graphic Design Special Topic (30)
116405 Animation (15)
146740 Advertising Creativity (15)
Level 7:
147764 Creative Principles and Strategy (15)
Year 3 papers - 120 points in total
You will spend the later part of Year 3 in preparation for your final year exhibition to which industry leaders are invited. This further develops your skills and networks to launch yourself into a successful career.
CORE PAPERS
Level 7:
117210 Contextual Studies (15)
117301 Professional Practice (15)
AND 60 POINTS FROM
117016 Graphic Design Studies III (30)
117017 Graphic Design Project (30)
OR
117020 Pictorial Design III (30)
117021 Pictorial Design Project (30)
CHOOSE A FURTHER 30 POINTS FROM THE FOLLOWING:
117331 Illustration Studies (30)
117332 Photographic Studies (30)
147772 Copywriting (15)
147774 Campaigns (15)
Click here to view programme structure and paper outlines.
Additional course information can also be found here.
Enrolment in papers is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of papers.
Please contact the Programme Administrator, Ramana Gopi for programme information.
Career opportunities
- Advertising creative
- Book designer
- Communication designer
- Graphic designer
- Magazine art director
- Multimedia designer
- Packaging designer
- Photographer
- Web designer