Communication Design is also known as visual communication design or graphic design.
As a communication designer, you will be responsible for arranging typography, form and image on a myriad of communication platforms, and in various types of media. You will be recognised for the quality of your contribution to our visual culture.
Communication designers work in areas such as branding, environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, editorial design (newspapers, magazines, books), catalogues, museum displays and every aspect of our visual landscape where there is a communication need. You will find communication designers working in digital mediums too, and the Communication Design major offers opportunities for you to learn web design and motion graphic design as well.
You can study Communication Design as a major in the Bachelor of Design (BDes).
Computing facilities at Waikato
The University of Waikato offers students 24-hour computer lab access with all the latest computer software, and several labs fully equipped with Mac computers, commonly used in professional design environments. Graduate students have a dedicated lab space and access to all undergraduate facilities.
Career opportunities
- Graphic Designer
- Graphic Artist
- Web Designer
- Creative Director
- Art Director
Qualifications
Study Communication Design in any of these qualifications
Major subject:
Papers
100 level
| Introduction to Computer Science | COMPX101 | 15.0 Points |
| Computing Media | COMPX161 | 15.0 Points |
| Introduction to Communication Design Production | DSIGN125 | 15.0 Points |
| Design 1 | DSIGN141 | 15.0 Points |
| Design 2 | DSIGN142 | 15.0 Points |
| A History of Visual Communication | DSIGN151 | 15.0 Points |
| Film Production 1: Audio-Visual Communication | MEDIA102 | 15.0 Points |
200 level
| Design 3: Aspects of Web Design | DSIGN241 | 15.0 Points |
| Design 4: Interactive Environments | DSIGN242 | 15.0 Points |
| Visual Language and Information Design | DSIGN243 | 15.0 Points |
| Cultural Perspectives for Design | DSIGN252 | 15.0 Points |
300 level
| User Experience Design | COMPX324 | 15.0 Points |
| Intern Project | DSIGN350 | 15.0 Points |
Practical experience
In addition to the practical experience gained throughout the Bachelor of Design degree, you have the opportunity to undertake a real-world design project in the 300 level paper DSIGN350. In this project you work relatively independently and collaborate with your peers and with members of the professional design industry.
The final semester 300 level paper DSIGN360 involves a self-directed brief which culminates each year in a Degree Show. The Degree Show projects cover a wide range of media including web design and production, mobile design, interactive design, brand development, visual identity work, interactive installation, motion graphics, 3D animation and more.
Scholarships and prizes
CMS International Exchange Scholarship
For students who have completed at least one year of study in the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences (FCMS), applied for a University of Waikato exchange programme, and who are currently enrolled full-time in FCMS.
Closing Date: 2018-03-31 23:59:00Design Fees Scholarship
For school leaver students intending to enrol full-time in the first year of an undergraduate degree, with a major in either Communication Design, Interface Design or Media Design, within the Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Waikato. The Scholarship will have a value of up to $5,000.
Closing Date: 2017-10-13 17:00:00Computer Science Undergraduate Scholarship
For students who are currently in Year 12 or Year 13 and who are studying at a New Zealand High School. Students should be intending to enrol in a BCMS(Hons), BSc, BSc(Tech), BE(Hons) or BDes degree, in one of the computing streams, at the University of Waikato. Students will sit a Scholarship exam. The exam will be held on 20 and 21 October 2017.
Closing Date: 2017-09-22 17:00:00FCMS Summer Project Scholarships
This is by nomination only. Nominees must be high achieving undergraduate students currently enrolled part- or full-time in the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences. It supports a ten-week period of full-time project work during the summer break. The Scholarships will have a value of $5,000. Interested students should contact FCMS for further information.
Closing Date: 2015-10-16 23:59:00Subject links
Contacts
Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences
Phone: 0800 924 528 ext: 4322 or +64 7 838 4322
Email: cms@waikato.ac.nz
Website: cms.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoFCMS