Name: Bachelor of Media Design - Interactive (UX/UI Design)
Price: 11990 NZD

Qualification

Bachelor of Media Design

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

Study on campus Study online

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Love technical design?

The Interactive Design major prepares you for the technical demands of the web and mobile development industries. As you move along the course, you’ll experiment with a variety of interactive and dynamic design theories and be immersed in fundamental digital design processes, such as front-end web development, interactive programming, and content management systems.

See some recent student work here.

This programme is available both on campus and online.

What is interactive media?

Interactive media typically refers to digital products and services that require user input in order to complete certain tasks and actions. Interactive media may combine a range of visual elements like text, images, menus and animations. How well these elements are combined greatly determine the ease and accessibility of the user experience.

What you'll cover in this course

In your first year, you'll be introduced to the theories and principles of interactive design methodologies with a focus on goal-centric, platform-agnostic and user experience design. A significant emphasis will be placed on project-based learning through the development of interactive design and technical solutions in response to creative and technical briefs. This is how we make sure our students get ahead!

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

Interactive Design Theory 1	10
Students are introduced to theories and principles of interactive design methodologies, with a focus on goal-centric, platform-agnostic and user experience design. They also learn concepts and processes relating to ideation, planning and prototyping of interactive design solutions. Students will develop their ability to prepare effective proposals and provide purposeful interactive experiences. Level 5 BMD1WI1 PC3994

Interactive Design Studio 1	20
A significant focus will be placed on project based learning through development of interactive design and technical solutions in response to creative and technical briefs. Level 5 BMD1WI2 PC3994

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

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
In this component, students develop their own parameters for significant studio projects by interpreting open briefs, set briefs are provided for smaller tasks. Artefacts reflecting these briefs are developed in the studio component. Students experiment with a variety of interactive and dynamic design theories, in concept and through reflection on practical work done in studio. Level 6 BMD2ID1 PC3994

Interactive Studio 2	40
Projects and exercises can be linked to creative briefs set in Creative Media Strategies (BMD2R1). Students can interpret these and respond with interactive design and technical proposals, developed in Interactive Design Principles of Practice 2 (BMD2ID1), which can be implemented in this component. Solutions can dovetail with projects from other majors to produce integrated campaigns, providing students with holistic understanding of the creative process. Level 6 BMD2ID2 PC3994

Through work on your final portfolio, reflect on your 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 your final capstone project as well as the realities of 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

Interactive Design Portfolio	15
Portfolio development focuses on developing students’ insight into their own specific strengths and weaknesses, their self-promotional skills, and awareness of how they could fit into industry as professionals, preparing them for their Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry (BMD3ID2) and future employment. Level 7 BMD3ID1 PC3994

Interactive 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 BMD3ID2 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.

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.

Industry Insights

Interactive Design will give you the fundamentals in both user-interface and user-experience design; two highly sought after specialist skills for Front-End Developers, Website Developers, and Mobile Application Designers.

Career paths include:
Web Designer, Front-End Developer, Mobile Application
Developer, User Interface Programmer

You'll develop the skills to learn concepts and processes relating to ideation, planning and prototyping of interactive design solutions, as well as the ability to prepare effective proposals and provide purposeful interactive experiences.

A significant focus will be placed on project-based learning through the development of interactive design and technical solutions in response to creative and technical briefs.

We have hired several Media Design School graduates now (we try and get one each at the start of each year). I usually email my contact at Media Design School and ask him who the top students were for the year, then interview them. They are always young, enthusiastic about digital and the course has given them a good working knowledge of front-end, backend, design and the general direction of the industry, which means that they usually know where their strengths lie and what role they are interested in. We have had great success so far with our Media Design School graduates and we plan to keep hiring them!

Student Success Stories

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Ryan (Jung Hwan) Baek

Experience Designer

Datacom

When I was looking for an institution for a design degree, MDS held the best reputation in digital media design, and I found out the reasons why during my MDS life.

Bachelor of Media Design - Interactive (UX) Design

Mona Gabr

Design Lead

Smartly

Media Design School was the best decision I ever made.

Bachelor of Media Design - Interactive (UX) Design

Meet the Faculty

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Bachelor of Media Design - Interactive (UX) Design