Major in Graphic Design

Bachelor of Media Design

Course Overview

Work across a wide variety of mediums from print to packaging to digital as you develop strong conceptual and technical skills, as well as pre-press experience. The major is built around industry standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite and has a strong focus on production to ensure you are primed for industry placement. The course is led by an accomplished team of international design professionals with close connections to industry.

Student Work

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Infinite Career Opportunities

• Students work with industry standard software giving them a technical edge
• Degree culminates in an industry showcase
• Opportunities to collaborate with other major streams – interactive design and motion graphics
• Students gain industry experience working on live briefs
• Career pathways include creative director, art director, brand specialist, studio manager, in-house designer.

Course Breakdown

Year 1

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. You are then immersed into a project-based environment to put this knowledge into practice and develop technical solutions to design briefs.

Year 2

Through a combination lectures, group work and discussions you are introduced to graphic design from a historical viewpoint. You will 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.

Year 3

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.

Intake Calendar

Entry Requirements

NCEA University Entrance or equivalent, such as CIE or IB University Entrance. English Language (international applicants): Academic IELTS 6.0 (minimum), or equivalent

Special Admission (age over 20)

Applicants who do not meet requirements for general admission, are age 20 or more, and have relevant experience and skills may apply for special admission, which must be supported by a professional portfolio or documented industry experience.

Discretionary Admission (under age 20)

Applicants who do not meet requirements for general admission, and are at least 16 and under age 20, may apply for discretionary admission. Discretionary admission applicants should have reached a significant level of achievement in year 12, or have successfully completed a relevant foundation programme or tertiary qualification.

Cross Crediting

Applications for cross crediting are considered on a case-by-case basis. Media Design School graduates may be granted advanced standing based on academic performance and may be required to complete additional course components.

Portfolio Requirements

• Traditional art
• Digital art
• Photography
• Painting
• Drawing
• Graphic Design
• Download Portfolio Guidelines

Application Process

Complete an online application and our staff will be in touch within a few days to assist you through the process. We will require some documentation and a portfolio to support your application and you may be required to complete an interview. More information can be found on the enrolment page.

Get in touch with the team

Our admissions department are here to help with any questions you have. Please let us know if you can’t find the information you are looking for.

phone +64 9 3030 402 mail info@mediadesignschool.com View Further Contact Details ▻