University of Auckland

What you'll study

The conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Design blends the theoretical and contextual study of arts and humanities with studio-based and practice-led design learning. You will complete core arts subjects selected from disciplines such as art history, cultural studies, media, communication, psychology or languages alongside design-specific modules that develop skills in design thinking, visual communication, prototyping and user-centred design.

Design coursework typically covers subject areas such as:

• Design fundamentals: drawing, visual literacy, materials and making, colour and composition.
• Design studios: project-based studio units that run across semesters and emphasise concept development, iterative prototyping and critique.
• Digital and interaction design: user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) principles, information architecture, interaction prototyping and digital tools.
• Product and spatial design: industrial/product design processes, human factors, fabrication and material technologies.
• Service and systems design: research methods, co-design, service modelling and design strategy.
• Research and theory: design history, design research methods, ethics and sustainability in design practice.

Students progress from introductory design units into more advanced, specialist studios and a capstone or major project in later years. The BA component allows you to broaden your intellectual background with humanities and social science subjects, supporting a more contextualised design practice. Learning methods include studio workshops, lectures, seminars, group projects, industry briefs and portfolio development.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and requires meeting the University of Auckland's general undergraduate entry requirements for the conjoint degree, including an approved secondary school qualification (or equivalent). Domestic applicants typically need University Entrance; international applicants should present an equivalent secondary qualification.

In addition to academic entry, the Bachelor of Design commonly requires evidence of creative potential. Applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio of creative work and a personal statement. Some applicants may also be invited to an interview or brief design task as part of the selection process. All applicants must meet the University's English language requirements for undergraduate study.

Because this is a conjoint BA/BDes, you should plan your subject choices to satisfy requirements for both degrees; academic advice from the University is recommended when applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BA/BDes conjoint are equipped for a wide range of roles across creative and allied industries. Typical career paths include:

• Graphic designer, brand or visual communication specialist
• User experience (UX) / user interface (UI) designer and digital product designer
• Product designer or industrial designer working on consumer products, furniture or equipment
• Service designer, design strategist or design consultant
• Design researcher, creative producer or innovation facilitator
• Roles in advertising, media, cultural organisations, museums, and galleries
• Further study at postgraduate level in design, architecture, arts, media, business or research degrees

Many graduates combine creative practice with roles in project management, policy, education or entrepreneurship; the BA component provides broader career flexibility in arts, communications and public sector work.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is a leading research university in New Zealand with strong connections to the creative and design industries. Studying the BA/BDes conjoint here offers the benefit of cross-disciplinary learning—access to humanities teaching alongside practice-focused design studios—within a major metropolitan campus.

Students have access to dedicated design studios, workshops and digital fabrication facilities, and benefit from opportunities for industry projects, internships and collaborative research across faculties. The University's location in Auckland provides proximity to a vibrant creative sector and design community, offering networking and employment opportunities in New Zealand and the wider Asia–Pacific region.