Bachelor of Design with Honours – BDes(Hons)

You'll gain a competitive edge in a world where initiative and confidence are an advantage, and new careers continue to be invented. Push the boundaries of your design process with a significant, research-led independent body of work in your fourth year, and celebrate your growth into an innovative creative arts practitioner.

For those wanting to go even further, the fourth year of study can be a fast- track into our Master's qualification.

As a Massey design student, you will spend most of your time making and thinking in studios, workshops and media labs. There are many opportunities to explore other design fields from your major through electives (courses you choose). We encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Solve real problems and challenge how we see the world

Design thinking is about reflecting on the world around you and considering the needs of diverse people, cultures and contexts. In your fourth year, you will have the opportunity to engage with live briefs and external clients.

Massey’s College of Creative Arts in Wellington offers a broad range of qualifications in visual communication design, concept design, fashion design, industrial design, integrated design, spatial design, textile design, and photography. With a history that can be traced back to 1886, our School of Design is the largest and most comprehensive design school in New Zealand. We have produced many of our country’s most renowned designers.

How does it work?

As a design degree student, you will enrol in the honours qualification. Towards the end of the third year, you decide whether you want to stick with the honours route, where your fourth year will be strongly research-led. The non-honours path is less research-focused and gives you room for more electives in fourth year.

Get the full picture

• Visit the College of Creative Arts website
• Creative Arts guides

Further study

Further your design research and practice with MFA in Design or the Master of Design at Massey, or go on to create new knowledge with a PhD.

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

We are looking for creative, enthusiastic and dedicated students who demonstrate skill and passion for design and the visual arts.

To enter the Bachelor of Design with Honours you will:

• submit a portfolio (if you do well in NCEA Level 2 art, design or technology (or equivalent) you may not need to submit a portfolio. See details below.)

Portfolio requirements

There are 3 main ways to gain entry to the Bachelor of Design with Honours.

Automatic entry

If you achieved NCEA Level 2 or 3 with Merit or Excellence overall, and a Merit or Excellence endorsement in an approved art, design or technology subject, you have automatic entry and will not have to submit a portfolio.

This also applies for Cambridge International students achieving an AS grade A or B in an approved art, design or technology subject.

Portfolio pre-approval entry

You can show work in progress to a Massey College of Creative Arts staff member during a school visit, Massey Open Day or other University event, or in a video call. They’ll look at examples of your work with you and if it shows the creative potential we’re looking for, they’ll sign a portfolio pre-approval letter. Then you won’t need to submit a final portfolio with your application.

Portfolio entry

When you apply online, submit a portfolio showing a selection of your creative work that demonstrates your creative potential with your application to study.

• See full details about portfolio requirements and pre-approvals

Application closing dates

• For Semester One start: Applications close on 30 November for study commencing the following year.
• For Semester Two start: Applications close on 30 June.

Late applications will be considered subject to available spaces.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

• Massey University English language requirements

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

If you complete this qualification within the stated time limit, you will normally be able to graduate with a class of Honours.

Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this qualification.

More information

• Read the regulations for this qualification thoroughly
• Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.