Visual Communication Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours
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    Visual Communication Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours

    Massey University
    Massey University
    New Zealand
    New Zealand, Palmerston North
    University Rank:#240
    Go to Official Website
    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    NZD 22,847 / Year
    Next IntakeMay 1, 2026

    Visual Communication Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours

    About

    Specialise in Visual Communication Design for your Bachelor of Design with Honours at Massey

    The world is undergoing a radical shift in how people communicate, work and share ideas. More people can share more ideas in more ways than ever before - photos, video, animations, tweets, graphics and experiences. We can connect with people across countries, languages and cultures. People can interact with governments and corporations in new ways, while they are using the same tools to try to influence us.

    Visual communication design (VCD) offers huge scope and flexibility. At Massey, we teach a diverse range of media, like print, web and video, and give you the chance to try all of them. Within VCD you can explore and specialise in print, typographic and editorial design, information and graphic design, web, interaction and service design, and illustration and branding. You’ll learn to solve complex design problems. You’ll follow your interests and aspirations by developing a higher level of expertise in a specific area.

    We set you up for the real world, where you’ll work collaboratively, adapt to new ideas and technologies, and turn your hand to whatever needs to be done.

    Get the full picture

    Further study

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

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Admission to Massey

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

    Specific requirements

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

    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.)

    Application closing date

    • 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.

    Portfolio requirements

    There are three main ways to gain entry to the Bachelor of Design with Honours/Bachelor of Fine Arts 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

    English language skills

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

    English Program Requirements

    English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band
    English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 80, minimum 19 in Writing
    English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 50 overall and minimum 42 in each communicative skills

    Career

    There has never been a more exciting time to be a visual communicator. There are opportunities to work in areas such as:

    • publishing
    • branding
    • interactivity
    • entertainment.

    There is also a growing demand for graduates who can apply design thinking at a strategic level in business, government, and social and civic enterprises.

    Massey design graduates with a visual communication design major are employed in a diverse range of enterprises in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, North America and beyond. They work for:

    • design firms and consultancies
    • advertising agencies
    • IT and web design firms
    • film studios
    • post-production companies
    • publications.

    Some are self-employed freelance illustrators and designers, or have set up their own successful companies.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    22,847 / year

    Visual Communication Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours

    Massey University

    Massey University

    New Zealand

    New Zealand, Palmerston North

    Go to Official Website