Communication Design
Study Communication Design and use your creativity and vision to convey original and exciting ideas. As a Designer, you will learn to express information in a visual way and develop a voice and style that brings ideas to life.
Learn how to present ideas and stories creatively and effectively to become highly sought after by employers. You will find yourself immersed in an innovative and supportive environment that allows you to engage in real-world projects, develop your own design identity, and work in a design team. You will also be able to take advantage of our strong international relationships, award-winning teaching expertise, and first-rate facilities.
The biggest point of difference at Otago Polytechnic is our real-world approach to learning. The experience you’ll gain on industry projects can be used to create your portfolio. You will leave work-ready, with the skills to seamlessly transition from study to employment within the industry.
Communication Design qualifications
Art, Design
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication), Bachelor of Design (Fashion), Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Visual Arts. A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies may also be possible. This programme will also prepare you for a junior role in a creative workplace.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Entry-level roles, Further tertiary study , Junior Designer
Art, Design
Learn how to be creative on the computer. Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication) or prepare for a junior role in a creative digital workplace. This programme will also prepare you for the New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5). A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies or Bachelor of Visual Arts may also be possible.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Entry-level roles, Further tertiary study
Design, Information Technology
Learn how to craft ideas and tell stories through still and moving images, text, sound, and interactive media. You will develop industry-ready skills during this hands-on programme and have the chance to practise these during community and client-driven projects that focus on positive social and environmental change. In year one, you’ll study a broad range of different media to discover where your strengths lie before choosing your speciality for years two and three.Duration
3 Years Full-time
6 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Work-based through Capable NZ
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Animator, Art Director, Character Designer, Design Project Manager, Design Researcher, Filmmaker, Game Artist or Animator, Game Designer, Game Publishing, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Level Designer, Narrative Designer, Web Designer
Design
Add a specialist area (Communication, Fashion or Product Design) to your existing degree, or if you are a professional designer or practitioner, develop practical skills and studio project experience to build your existing knowledge.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Brand Designer, Fashion Designer, Product Designer
Design
If you have already achieved excellence in your undergraduate degree, this postgraduate qualification is a great opportunity to extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding of design research methods and professional design practice. Graduates of this programme will be well prepared for further postgraduate study or employment in a design creative lead role.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Creative Lead, Digital Artist, Senior Designer, Visual Effects, Web Designer
Design
Perfect if you're returning to study after a long break or if you desire personalised guidance and support. This qualification introduces you to postgraduate study in a guided learning environment. You will have to option to focus on one discipline or take up a cross-disciplinary approach.Duration
6 Months Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Curator, Design Consultant, Design Lead, Design Manager, Design Researcher, Entrepreneur, Practicing Artist
Design
This qualification is suitable for you if you have a strong professional design background. Extend and deepen your research skills and work on applied research projects which are self-generated or developed with industry/community partners.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Artist, Collection Curator, Curator, Design Researcher, Practicing Artist
Design
This is an advanced programme with an emphasis on design research. You can choose to conclude the degree by either completing a thesis or developing an integrated body of creative work.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
Blended learning
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Curator, Design Lead, Design Manager, Design Researcher, Doctoral study, Practicing Artist
Design
Learn how to enhance user experiences through design. You will develop skills to use design as a strategic tool by undertaking applied research tailored to suit your needs. You will explore ways to create new products and systems that contribute to satisfying human interactions. Multi-disciplinary design interaction, criticism and debate will be encouraged throughout the programme.Duration
18 Months Full-time
Delivery
Blended learning
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Curator, Design Consultant, Design Lead, Design Researcher, Entrepreneur, Practicing Artist
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Discover our School of Design
Get a taste of what it’s like to study this field at Otago Polytechnic:
- See all programmes offered
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- Read about our postgraduate research and projects
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If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
