Product Design
Product Design is everywhere. It’s exciting, creative and ever-changing. Every product you use has been designed, from your toothbrush to your tablet. Study Product Design at Otago Polytechnic and you’ll learn how to design objects and systems to improve the way we live.
In a rapidly expanding global media environment, a product design qualification will open doors. Learn how to present ideas and stories creatively and effectively, a skill highly sought after by employers. Our Product Design graduates work around the world creating incredible products in a variety of industries.
What you’ll appreciate most when you study with us is our real-world approach to learning. Working for clients on actual jobs as part of your studies will give you the skills to seamlessly transition to employment or promotion.
Product 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
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Design (Product), or to prepare for junior level roles in the creative industries. This programme is a great option for learners who complete the six-month New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) which begins in February and wish to pursue further creative study in art and design starting in July.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Junior level roles in creative industries
Design
Want to play your part in designing the future? During this hands-on programme, you’ll learn how to approach the design of products, services and systems while keeping human needs and sustainability as your core focus. You’ll design, build and test prototypes to understand concepts and to gain skills in conceptualisation, drawing, modelmaking, Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, graphic design and production methods.Duration
3 Years Full-time
6 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Work-based through Capable NZ
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Design Consultant, Entrepreneur, Model Maker, Product Designer, Proto-Typer, Researcher, Social Innovator
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
Meet our lecturers
Machiko Niimi
Matt Sutton
Tim Armstrong
Andrew Wallace
Gavin O’Brien
Angus Lewry
Alex Gilks
Follow @Otagopolyproductdesign
Be inspired by our talented whānau of creative learners and educators from the School of Design...
Discover our School of Design
Get a taste of what it’s like to study this field at Otago Polytechnic:
- See all programmes offered
- Meet your lecturers and find out what makes them leaders in their chosen area
- Hear about our latest news and events
- Learn first-hand what it’s like to study with us from real students and graduates
- Read about our postgraduate research and projects
Contact us
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.
