Design visuals—from print to pixels
Bring a fresh design perspective to surfaces, screens, and spaces. You might design posters, packaging, or displays—for physical or virtual spaces.
As a student in Communication Design, you’ll explore graphic design, typography, branding, illustration and concept art, motion graphics, and storytelling—including comics and visual narratives.
You’ll graduate with a range of visual communication tools and a unique body of work, ready for your career.
Choose your study path
You can major in Communication Design as part of the Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI).
You could also choose to study it as a minor, or combine it with another subject with a double major or a conjoint degree.
How you’ll study
Your learning will mostly take place in the studio. You’ll also take part in lectures, workshops, and group work.
You’ll hone your craft with the latest software and digital equipment, and work closely with lecturers and tutors through one-on-one mentorship and critique sessions.
Wellington connections
Wellington is a world leader in digital innovation and creative technology. You’ll study in the creative and cultural capital of Aotearoa New Zealand with a range of professional design studios around you. Wellington is also the heart of local government and councils that commonly employ design graduates.
Take advantage of the School of Design Innovation’s connections with industry partners like Callaghan Innovation, PikPok, Te Papa, Weta Digital, and Weta Workshop.
You’ll also have the chance to study with experts in their field.
- Listen to guest speakers from local industries.
- Get experience in the local design industry.
- Submit your creations to exhibitions and competitions.
- Interact with professional designers and potential employers.
There are also a range of industry awards available for student excellence.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Communication Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Communication Design prepares you for one of the largest sectors in the global design workforce.
Your degree could lead to 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 in design.
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 first year and school-leaver 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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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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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$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also offer 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
-
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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To encourage postgraduate research in architecture, construction, building science, design, design technology and user experience at Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa – the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, the faculty offers scholarships to students about to begin a full-time master’s by research degree.
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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.
Student work showcase
Browse a range of student talent across the different year levels from Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa—Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.
Postgraduate study
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study a Master’s or PhD. There are different Master’s options based on your interests.
- The Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice)—Design (Visual Narrative) is a specialised pathway for Communication Design graduates to study visual narrative.
- Our Master of User Experience Design is another good option for Communication Design students.
Find out more about your postgraduate study options.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.