Art and design

We're ranked among the top art and design schools in the world, making AUT the best place to develop the skills and mind-set you need to sharpen your creative voice.

Our art and design programmes offer a balance of originality, creativity, design thinking and conceptual development. You'll study in an innovative environment where shared spaces and advanced labs will fuel your creativity.

Undergraduate study in art and design will give you a solid grounding in your chosen area.

Bachelor's degree

Portfolio guidelines: applying to study art and design

Postgraduate study in art and design will build on your knowledge and expertise in your area of interest.

A certificate or diploma will give you an introduction to your chosen subject and can prepare you for further study.

A short course will develop your skills and knowledge in an area of personal or professional interest.

Research in art and design

Our world-class researchers have research strengths across art and design, delivering high-quality research that has impact.

More about our research

Labs and facilities

Our art and design students have access to industry-leading studios, labs and services. These include photographic and lighting facilities, printmaking and 3D labs, as well as digital textile machines.

Explore our art and design facilities

School of Art and Design magazine

View our School of Art and Design magazine to find student work and learn more about our mission.

View the magazine

Art and design magazine cover

News
AUT Team with Jacinda Ardern (Backrow L-R: Gregory Bennett, Julia King, Lee Jackson, Len Gillman, Ryan Smith, Rose Nichol-Foster and Ashray Doshi. Front row L-R: Barbara Bollard, Katarina Markovic, Jacinda Ardern)
AUT Digital Design PhD student Katarina Markovic
Vivian's story was brought to life in the form of a graphic novel illustrated by AUT Dr Tatiana Tavares.
AUT Head of Art and Design Dr Andrew Withell
AUT Spatial Design grad Mossiah Fina'i
News pattern
AUT Team with Jacinda Ardern (Backrow L-R: Gregory Bennett, Julia King, Lee Jackson, Len Gillman, Ryan Smith, Rose Nichol-Foster and Ashray Doshi. Front row L-R: Barbara Bollard, Katarina Markovic, Jacinda Ardern)
Explore Antarctica through VR
30 Jul, 2020
Step inside Sir Edmund Hillary’s Hut in Antarctica with a new virtual reality experience developed by AUT scientists and digital designers
AUT Digital Design PhD student Katarina Markovic
Heritage Preservation through VR
30 Jul, 2020
Q&A with digital design PhD student Katarina Markovic about heritage preservation and VR storytelling.
Vivian's story was brought to life in the form of a graphic novel illustrated by AUT Dr Tatiana Tavares.
A new way of research storytelling
20 Jul, 2020
Vivian is a graphic novel about the intersections between gender and palliative care.
AUT Head of Art and Design Dr Andrew Withell
Why does art and design matter?
09 Jul, 2020
Simply put, the role of artists and designers is to make the world a better place, writes Dr Andrew Withell, Head of Art and Design at AUT.
AUT Spatial Design grad Mossiah Fina'i
Design Through a Pasifika Lens
09 Jul, 2020
Using his Samoan heritage, one recent AUT graduate has found his drive to make the intangible come to life.
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Events
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AUT LIVE: the most open day
Saturday 29 Aug, 7:30am - 3:30pm
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Joshua Ong
Sandy Xu
Anzac Tasker
Sophie Roberts
Joshua Ong
Great graduatesJoshua OngUser Experience Designer, Air New ZealandBachelor of DesignHe enjoys providing great digital experiences for Air New Zealand customers, says design alumnus Joshua Bryan Ong who now works as a user experience designer.He enjoys providing great digital experiences for Air New Zealand customers, says AUT design alumnus Joshua Bryan Ong who now works as a user experience designer. After initially studying business, Joshua soon realised he had to follow his passion for design, and enrolled in AUT’s Bachelor of Design in Communication Design, focusing on user experience and user interface.
Sandy Xu
Great graduatesSandy XuArtist / Director, girl.xu StudioBachelor of Visual ArtsShe has loved painting since she was a child, says visual arts alumna Sandy Xu who came to AUT to complete a Bachelor of Visual Arts specialising in painting.She has loved painting since she was a child, says visual arts alumna Sandy Xu who came to AUT to complete a Bachelor of Visual Arts in painting. Today, Sandy is the director of girl.xu Studio in Auckland’s High Street and loves everything about her career. Being able to inspire others is what she is most proud of, says Sandy who graduated from AUT in 2016.
Anzac Tasker
Great graduatesAnzac TaskerDesign Director, Designworks LtdBachelor of Art and Design (Honours)
Bachelor of DesignWhat he loves most about being a designer is the constant pursuit of the idea, says communication design alumnus Anzac Tasker who now works at Designworks.What he loves most about being a designer is the constant pursuit of the idea, says communication design alumnus Anzac Tasker who is now a design director at Designworks. Anzac first joined Designworks straight out of university, and he has since worked at Designworks’ Auckland and Melbourne offices, with a stint at Frost*collective in Sydney in between.
Sophie Roberts
Great graduatesSophie RobertsLandscape Designer, Terrain NYC, New York CityBachelor of DesignAUT has propelled her out into the world, says spatial design alumna Sophie Roberts who is now working at Terrain NYC in New York City.AUT has propelled her out into the world, says spatial design alumna Sophie Roberts who is now working at Terrain NYC in New York City. She got the sought-after internship through the AUT Internz International Scholarship Programme. Sophie has always been interested in spatial design, and the highlight of her time at AUT was working in the spatial design studio.
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Contact details

Contact us online
Phone 0800 AUT UNI (0800 288 864)

Art & Design Central
WE Building, City Campus
St Paul Street
Auckland City
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