Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Ara Institute of Canterbury
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Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Duration

3 years

Next start date

Expected Feb 2027

Campus

Christchurch - City Campus

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Summary

Visual communication brings together creative thinking, design principles and technology to communicate ideas clearly and engage specific audiences.

You’ll work across print, screen and physical environments, exploring areas such as typography, image-making, brand identity, publications and user experience. Projects develop your ability to analyse briefs, understand audiences and create considered design responses.

Industry or community-based work, an industry-standard portfolio and a major self-directed project help prepare you for professional creative practice.

Key features
  • Broader creative choices: Choose courses across design specialisations to broaden your skills and creative perspective.
  • Career-ready experience: Create industry-focused work through client briefs, placements, a major project and professional portfolio.
  • Culturally grounded practice: Build culturally informed practice through Te Tiriti perspectives and te ao Māori principles.
  • Versatile design expertise: Develop expertise across branding, publications, digital interfaces and user-centred design.
What you'll learn
  • Visual communication principles and creative design processes
  • Composition, colour theory and visual language
  • Audience analysis and communication strategy
  • Typography, layout and information hierarchy
  • Photography, lighting and digital image manipulation
  • Brand identity, storytelling and activation
  • User experience, accessibility and interface design
  • Publication design across print and screen
  • Persuasive messaging, copywriting and media selection
  • Multimedia design and emerging technologies
  • Aotearoa New Zealand creative and cultural contexts
  • Professional practice, client briefs and portfolio development

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Open Pathway

OR a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.

* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/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.

Additional Requirements

In addition you need to:

  • Submit a portfolio demonstrating your art/design work with your application.
  • Provide the additional requirements that are specified in the Bachelor of Design Additional Requirements Form.
Alternative Requirements

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry.

  • This may include Recognition of Prior Learning. Contact Ara for advice.
English Requirements

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, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test 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.

IELTS 6.0 Academic (no lower than 5.5 in any subtests).

Applicants who have achieved University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

Selection Requirements

A selection process will take place for this programme. This will be assesed based on the portfolio provided with the application (including; working process, technique, composition, media and aesthetic).

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