Name: Bachelor of Media Design (Graphic Design)
Price: 11990 NZD

Qualification

Three Academic Years
Degree NZQF Level 7

360 credits (1.0 EFTS per year)

Start Dates

17 February 2025

14 July 2025

23 February 2026

Course Fees (Year 1. See fees information.)

Domestic $12,300.00 NZD

International $34,550.00 NZD

Admission Requirements

NCEA Level 3, CIE or IB University Entrance or Level 4 or higher Qualification from related discipline (not required for students 20+)

Full details including discretionary entrance based on Level 2 Excellence Endorsement can be found here.

Study On Campus or Online

Portfolio Requirements

General Portfolio

Click here to access key information about this qualification

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Put your mark on the world

Graphic Design teaches you how to communicate using text, image and form to make visual connections and craft the seeds of ideas and information into meaningful interactions. By the end of your third year at MDS, you will have designed, constructed and documented an industry-standard body of work that represents your perspective as an emerging professional designer.

See some recent student work here.

This programme is available both on campus and online.

What you'll cover in this course

Dive head-first into the field with an introduction to graphic design disciplines, historical influences and the theories, principles and processes of graphic design. Advanced ideation and creative problem-solving strategies are also covered in this incredibly thorough course. Theory is nothing without practical experience, and with Media Design School you'll be immersed into a project-based environment to put your knowledge into practice, ensuring you'll develop technical solutions to design briefs.

Component Name	Credits	Toggle
Design Theory	10
Students begin to develop a common vocabulary and understanding of the major motivations and concerns of media designers, enabling them to collaborate across majors in interdisciplinary teams to develop effective media designs in future joint projects such as Interdisciplinary Group Project. Level 5 BMD1R1 PC3994

Design Studio	20
Students put theories and principles learnt in Design Principles (BMD1R1) into practice. They are introduced to a range of analogue tools and creative problem-solving methods using a combination of guided class exercises, group work, class discussions and self-directed investigative tasks. Students develop creative solutions in response to briefs, critique and reflect on each others work within a workshop environment. Level 5 BMD1R2 PC3994

Contextual Studies 1	10
In combination with other components, students are introduced to the idea of using a critical position in response to contextual study to develop imaginative and socially relevant approaches to visual communication. Students also acquire the knowledge and skill to identify the content, media, processes and context of a chosen subject and relate it to contemporary practices. Level 5 BMD1R3 PC3994

Photographic Studies	10
Students focus on developing fundamental technical photographic skills and identify contexts for the work to operate. Students can use photography to explore concepts and contexts, or develop their own subject matter and approach. A series of images will be created as a visual response to the exploration of a predetermined subject and position. Level 5 BMD1R4 PC3994

Digital Image Foundation	10
Digital Image Foundation focuses on providing a basic technical vocabulary and skillset for digital image making, providing a foundation for effective practices in all media design disciplines. Through practice exercises students are introduced to industry-standard software packages used in the production of digital imagery such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Level 5 BMD1R5 PC3994

Interdisciplinary Design Foundation	30
Students independently implement a multi-part interdisciplinary project integrating practices from all majors. The project is carried out within tight technical and creative limitations, giving students practical experience working in a commercial design environment. Independent and reflective thinking, personal responsibility, time management and practical skills are developed using a project-based learning approach. Level 5 BMD1R6 PC3994

Graphic Design Principles of Practice 1	10
Students are introduced to graphic design disciplines, historical influences and the theories, principles and processes of graphic design. Some of the topics include market research, typography, brand identity and wayfinding. Advanced ideation & creative problem-solving strategies, including methods for generating & evaluating effective concepts of graphic design communication, are also incorporated. Students also strengthen their abilities to prepare effective convincing briefs. Level 5 BMD1GD1 PC3994

Graphic Design Studio 1	20
Classes focus on developing creative and technical solutions in response to graphic design briefs through technical demonstrations and practical work. Level 5 BMD1GD2 PC3994

Through a combination lectures, group work and discussions you are introduced to graphic design from a historical viewpoint. You'll develop a vocabulary and understanding of the concerns of graphic design, to better analyse work and respond to creative briefs. This knowledge is put into practice as part of the studio component of your graphic design degree.

Component Name	Credits	Toggle
Creative Media Strategies	15
Students are introduced to different areas of marketing communications, the media involved, the concept of creative advertising, the creative brief and the importance of ideas and insights in enabling integrated and transmedia communication. Level 6 BMD2R1 PC3994

Professional and Academic Practice 1	15
This component introduces students to the subjects of project management, interpersonal communication and scholarly investigation. Students are encouraged to examine assumptions and personal biases that effect their investigative practice. Industry guests also provide live case studies to promote student engagement and develop authentic dialogues. Various presentation formats, strategies and conventions are presented. Level 6 BMD2R2 PC3994

Contextual Studies 2	10
This component introduces students to a specific contemporary issue in Media Design. Learning will be supported with guest lectures, critique sessions and reading groups introducing students to multiple perspectives, encouraging independent critical thinking and helping them develop in depth dialogues with the topic. Level 6 BMD2R3 PC3994

Special Topic Project	20
Students engage in an investigative project that effectively explore concepts and contextual knowledge. The projects can be weighted differently depending on the goals of the student. Two project types are available: Interdisciplinary Project, for students who want to develop knowledge across majors in a practical project; and Specialist Investigation, for students who choose to deepen knowledge within their own major. Level 6 BMD2R4 PC3994

Principles of Practice 2	20
Students gain advanced knowledge of graphic design theory and are introduced to deeper understanding of graphic design applications, ethics and sustainability. Students continue to develop a common vocabulary and understanding of the major concerns of graphic design enabling them to better analyse and implement work. Level 6 BMD2GD1 PC3994

Graphic Design Studio 2	40
Students explore practical approaches to providing a design-led solution. Creative briefs are delivered in a studio environment and students develop a better understanding to work confidently, individually and as a team. This provides students with a holistic understanding of the creative process. Level 6 BMD2GD2 PC3994

Through work on your final portfolio, reflect on your own specific strengths and weaknesses, self-promotional skills and develop awareness of how you could fit into industry as a professional. This helps to prepare you for the Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry and future employment.

Component Name	Credits	Toggle
Professional and Academic Practice 2	15
In this component students continue to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake postgraduate studies or pursue a career of life-long learning, critical thinking and inquiry within their professional domain. Students are introduced to portfolio development strategies, studio management theory and small business concerns. They also extend their understanding of project management, creative strategies and academic practice. Level 7 BMD3R1 PC3994

Interdisciplinary Group Project	30
This component consists of a single major interdisciplinary group project, where students collaborate to conceive and produce an integrated media marketing campaign. They are organised into groups comprising members from across the different major streams and are provided with a client brief. Level 7 BMD3R2 PC3994

Graphic Design Portfolio	15
Portfolio development focuses on developing students’ insight into their own specific practice, their self-promotional skills, and awareness of how, and where, they could fit into industry as professionals, preparing them for their Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry (BMD3GD2) and future employment or self directed practitioner or further study. Level 7 BMD3GD1 PC3994

Graphic Design Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry	60
Students design, construct and document a body of work that addresses the proposal for an end-of-year exhibition. Students will be able to collaborate in pairs or on team projects as long as their role in the project and their specific individual aims are clearly expressed in their project brief. This final body of work will represent the culmination of the degree process and should also represent the students’ perspective as emerging professional designers. Level 7 BMD3GD2 PC3994

Qualification Requirements

NCEA

You are advised to take a combination of traditional and digital art subjects (these could include Art, Digital Technologies, Digital and Visual Communications, or Ngā Toi).

CIE

You are advised to take at least one Art-related subject.

Your IB Diploma must include an arts-related subject. A portfolio showcasing your design skills is also required.

International Students

To apply for this degree, you'll need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or CIE (University of Cambridge International Examination) or IB (International Baccalaureate) or equivalent overseas secondary school qualification or have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution.

Please Note: Entry requirement may vary based on your country of citizenship. Please refer to our International Page for entry requirements at mediadesignschool.com/international-students. If you country is not on the list, please email international@mediadesignschool.com for further information.

All international students must be 18 years of age when the programme commences (on- campus or online). International applicants can start their application before they turn 18 years of age.

Special Entry Discretionary Entry and Cross Credits

You may be eligible for discretionary entrance if you have:
- An Excellence Endorsement in art/design subjects at Level 2, AND
Literacy and Numeracy requirements (i.e.: 10 credits in Maths at Level 1 and 10 credits in English at Level 2 (5 reading/5 writing))

You may be eligible for Special Admission if you:
- Are over 20 years old
- Have relevant or applicable experience and a portfolio

Click the title for more info!

Quotas

Please note, quotas may apply to some programmes. Where demand exceeds the number of available places, applicants who meet entry requirements will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Language Requirements

As an international student, you'll need to prove you have sufficient English language skills in order to complete this course. We'll be looking for Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 (minimum) with no band less than 5.5, or equivalent test result.

We accept a range of internationally recognised English Language proficiency test. Find out more on the NZQA website or download the NZQA list HERE.

Portfolio type:

General Portfolio

File format:

PDF, Website URL or JPGs

Your portfolio is a selection of work that shows your skills and talents. It introduces you and your ideas, and shows us you have the creativity and imagination to be a student at Media Design School. There are no strict rules about what you should include in your portfolio. As a guide, it should include a range of 12 - 20 pieces of your best works that represent who you are as a creative person. We recommend including a range of media and styles. It is not imperative you include digitally rendered artworks.

How to prepare your portfolio

Things you could include:

    •    Pencil drawings and illustrations
   •    Painting
   •    Photography
   •    Graphic or Digital design
   •    3D models or visualisations
   •    Concept art and characters
   •    Video or moving images

For more information about how to build your portfolio, head over to our portfolio tips page.

BYOD Requirements

Before you begin your study with us, you will need to have a suitable device that has the functionality to run the programmes required for your course.

Follow this link to find course-specific requirements and recommendations, along with links to more information about hardware specifications. We have prepared these recommendations to help our students equip for flexible, blended learning.

Student Success Stories

View all Alumni

Audrea Ridwan

Junior Graphic Designer

Morgan Furniture Int. Ltd. | LA-Z-BOY

I’ve gained so much than just broader knowledge on the many aspects of media design but I’ve also gained a design family that had made my whole design course experience an unforgettable one!

Bachelor of Media Design - Graphic Design

Tom Graham

Creative Lead

Front Room

I was looking for a course that would be hands-on, industry-led and fast-paced. I found the Bachelor of Media Design [at Media Design School] ticked these boxes

Bachelor of Media Design - Graphic Design

Dannah Soriano

Product Designer

Lightspeed Commerce

I chose MDS because of its reputation being the #1 digital school in Asia Pacific.

Bachelor of Media Design - Graphic Design

Alexandria Hodge

Creative Developer/Graphic Designer

FINCH

Always go to class. Never get set on an idea because it will always grow and change and that will be a better idea. Always discuss your idea with others, and expand your horizons. Document your work/process as you go.

Bachelor of Media Design - Graphic Design

Meet the Faculty

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Bachelor of Media Design - Graphic Design