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Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)

STARTS: February 2025
Madras Street
International Close Date: Please enquire

Hone your creative talents to become a versatile design professional.

With this degree you’ll learn how to generate ideas, solve problems and design innovative solutions in advertising, marketing and communication design environments.

Core skills taught include design strategies, graphics, branding and communication, typography, art direction, drawing and illustration. In addition, you’ll choose three courses from a range of electives which will enable you to develop complementary skills in particular areas of interest.

As well as studio courses, you’ll complete a group of core courses in academic subjects. These include both professional and contextual studies which will equip you with developed communication skills, a background in the history and sociology of creative practices, insights into contemporary professional ethics and some business skills.

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,627 - $8,486 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee
$8,085 - $8,995 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$370.50 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2025

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

  • Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
  • Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR a qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework at Level 4 or above in a related discipline.

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Portfolio demonstrating art/design work

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

  • If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
  • Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Programme selection committees will ensure that the selection process is consistent across the five specialisations of the degree

These committees review applications received to determine which may be accepted.

The committees also establish criteria and a marking schedule by which all candidates are assessed

The selection committees are made up of tutors from the specialisations

Selection is designed to assess potential for a successful career in a design-related industry and is based on:

  • portfolio material
  • written statement
  • interview (if required)

Those who are not initially accepted but who meet the standard are waitlisted in order of ranking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

As a design graduate, you'll be ready to take on a range of roles including advertising agency/design studio creative, self-employed graphic designer, web designer, app designer, book/magazine illustrator, motion graphic designer.

You may even move into gallery or museum work as a designer or curator, or work in set design for stage, television or film.

Study pathways

Graduates may choose to enrol in a wide range of programmes including postgraduate study including:

  • Masters of Creative Practice (CH4077)
  • Postgrad Diploma in Creative Practice (CH4078)
  • PGDipFA (Massey)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Art & Design (AUT)

Recommended school subjects

  • Design
  • Photography
  • Art
  • English or English-rich subjects
  • Art History

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)

FULL-TIME - 3 Years

Hone your creative talents to become a versatile design professional.

Information
Type Degree
Code CH3756
Next Starts February 2025
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date Please enquire
Credits 360
Level 7
Additional Equipment/Fees $1000 per year
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference CH3756-VCOM

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,627 - $8,486 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee
$8,085 - $8,995 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$370.50 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2025

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Enquire Now View Dates & Apply
Visual Communication Design - Bachelor of Design - Yr 1 - Feb 2025 - Christchurch
Start date: 24 February 2025
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With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Additional Entry Requirements

Portfolio demonstrating art/design work

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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