Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicLevel of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Use your creativity and vision to communicate original and exciting ideas.
Communication Designers communicate information visually. During this hands-on degree, you'll learn to tell stories through still and moving images, text and interactive media. You'll develop industry-ready skills and use project-based learning to apply them to the community- and client-driven projects that have a focus on positive social and environmental change.
Specialise in:
We now offer the option to study this degree with a game design focus. You'll develop skills and knowledge specific to game design during most of this programme and will enjoy the chance to gain valuable practical experience through project and client work. You'll graduate with a Bachelor of Design (Communication), frontend game design skills and a portfolio of games you've created!
Career options include a Lead Designer or Level Designer, Game Artist or Animator, Gameplay Designer or Narrative Designer, Game Prototyping, Video Design and Technology, Multimedia Specialist, User Experience Designer, Technical Artist or Creative Director.
If you do not hold the above qualifications, you must demonstrate equivalent qualifications/experience. Mature applicants with work and life experience are encouraged to apply.
You must submit a portfolio ((unless you meet the criteria for automatic entry or have a pre-approval for your portfolio – see Your Portfolio section below).
You may have to undertake an interview.
International students will be individually assessed to ensure they have an acceptable level of secondary school achievement.
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Provisional entryA school leaver or an adult applicant who does not meet all the entry criteria may be given provisional entry to year 1 at the discretion of the Head of School.
Successful applicants will be informed before the end of the year and be sent detailed information on enrolment procedures, loans, starting dates for the following year and any information that might be required to facilitate a smooth introduction to the programme.
Selection processWe select people according to a range of criteria. If we have more eligible applicants than places available, we might put you on a waiting list and we may ask you to come in for an interview to discuss your portfolio.
Your portfolioA portfolio is a selection of work that shows your creative potential and passion for your chosen design specialty. It can include examples from your school or your own projects at home or in the community.
You need to submit a portfolio when you apply for this programme unless you meet the criteria for automatic entry or get portfolio ‘pre-approval’.
1. Automatic portfolio approval – no portfolio neededNote: When you apply online and are asked to upload a portfolio, you can either upload a copy of your NCEA results, or upload a note that says “I qualify for automatic entry”. We’ll then verify that with NZQA.
2. Portfolio pre-approval – show ‘work in progress’Disclaimer