Grow your skills in Communication Design
Postgraduate Communication Design extends beyond traditional practices of graphic design and illustration to explore new horizons in visual communication.
Our research delves into the intersection of personal narrative and expression with emerging technologies in time-based and computational design.
Depending on your previous study or experience, you may choose to get up to speed with a few courses, build practical industry skills, develop a portfolio, or dive into an area of research.
Resources and expertise
Throughout your study, you’ll have access to workshops and dedicated design resources like:
- woodworking, metalworking, and hand tools
- a specialist photography studio and equipment
- a purpose-built fashion studio with digital and traditional pattern-making resources
- 3D printing digital-fabrication suites, with Stratasys voxel printers and a large-scale BigRep 3D printer
- facilities for recycling plastics into 3D printing filament
- facilities for working with bio-based materials
- a robotic arm
- film-editing suites.
Whatever your level of experience, our specialist technicians help you to get the most out of these resources.
Choose your study path
There are several ways that you can study Postgraduate Communication Design with us.
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
Add Design Innovation to your toolkit
A diploma in Design Innovation allows you to study a new area, add depth to your previous degree, or prepare for Master's study.
- Graduate Diploma in Design Innovation
Focus on creative or coursework
Refine your skills, master your practice, and prepare for a career in the creative industries through one of our Master's degrees.
- Master of Design Innovation
- Master of Design Technology
- Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice)
Focus on research
Go deeper in your specialist area. You may want to build on your Bachelor's degree, or be working as designer.
- Master of Design
- Doctor of Philosophy
Change your focus to UX
If you don't have a design background, or you've studied a different area of design or worked in an area adjacent to user experience (UX) design but without formal study, we also offer the one-year, 180-point Master of User Experience Design.
It's a conversion degree for people wanting to move into UX design or extend their skillset, consisting of coursework along with a capstone project or research portfolio.
Research an area that interests you
Our postgraduate study options that include research allow you to deep-dive into an area of Communication Design that interests you. You’ll need to find an academic supervisor who supports the area of research you choose.
Your research will be mostly practice-based. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues and industry partners through creative work, critique, and collaborative projects.
Research areas
Communication Design research delves into the intersection of personal narrative and expression. Explore new visual perspectives across various media and use an innovative approach that redefines the scope of visual communication.
You’ll be able to address complex issues like world-building, sustainability, and emerging technologies and identities.
You might explore the areas of:
- visual narrative
- typography
- comics
- animation
- book design
- photography
- illustration.
Research topics
You might consider research topics such as:
- Design for Health and Environment
- Illustration and drawing
- Typography and Publishing
- Visual Effects and Digital Media
- Narrative Design for Games
- Art and Design in Society
- Indigenous and Cultural Design
- Design and Technology
- Visual Narratives and Storytelling.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Communication Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
After postgraduate study in Communication Design you might work as a:
- art director
- concept artist
- graphic designer
- brand manager
- marketing specialist
- graphic novelist
- illustrator
- motion designer
- visual storyteller.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
-
This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.