Massey University New Zealand

Bachelor of Design with Honours – BDes(Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon November 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with the Bachelor of Design with Honours – BDes(Hons) at Massey University, a programme crafted for aspiring innovators and creative thinkers. This undergraduate degree immerses you in the dynamic world of design, where you will explore fundamental principles and specialized studio practices across disciplines like visual communication, fashion, industrial, and spatial design. You will develop a critical understanding of design thinking, learning to address complex societal needs and opportunities through thoughtful, impactful solutions. This degree is ideal for those eager to shape the future through creative practice and strategic problem-solving.

Your BDes(Hons) will be studied full-time on campus over four years, providing a structured yet flexible pathway through foundational courses, major specializations, and elective studies. You will engage in hands-on studio work, develop key techniques and processes, and collaborate across different design fields. The final year culminates in a significant design research and development project, preparing you for professional practice. Graduates from Massey University’s renowned School of Design are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in the creative industries, armed with a comprehensive portfolio and the advanced skills demanded by employers worldwide.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design with Honours program offers a comprehensive four-year curriculum designed to cultivate fundamental design skills and principles in the first year, progressing to specialized techniques and critical design issues in the second. The third year emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration across various design majors, culminating in a significant design research and development project in the fourth year. Core courses provide a foundation in creative communication, cultural contexts, and studio practice, while elective options allow for specialization in areas such as digital fabrication, interaction design, and social interventions.

1 Year One: Fundamental design skills & principles

2 Year Two: Techniques, skills, processes in your major and key design issues

3 Year Three: Collaboration across majors

4 Year Four: Design research & development project

5 Schedule A: Core Courses

Communication for Makers
Conversations in Creative Cultures
Studio I (Object)
Studio I (Dress)
Studio I (Art Lab)
Studio I (Art Place)
Studio I (Lens)
Studio I (Screen)
Studio I (Type)
Studio I (Material)
Studio I (Space)
Studio I (Imagine)
Creative Cultures & Contexts I
Creative Collaboration
Creative Cultures & Contexts II
Creative Cultures & Ideas
Creative Communities
Creative Cultures & Display
Creative Leadership
Exhibition
Creative Exposition

6 Schedule B: Majors

7 Schedule C: Elective Courses

Coding for Creative Practice
Digital Fabrication
Visual Identity Systems
Interaction and Interface I
Internship
Social Interventions Through Design
Design for Festivals and Events

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,767.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,767.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,767.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,767.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 99,067.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 536.00 - USD 1,139.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,402.00 - USD 2,804.00
Transport USD 701.00 - USD 1,052.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,507.00 - USD 1,884.00
Estimated Total USD 3,610.00 - USD 5,363.00

Living cost estimates are based on Mawatu Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

67%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Artificial Intelligence & Machine LearningBlockchain & Emerging TechnologiesConsumer Finance & Credit ServicesDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringEducational Support ServicesHardware & Semiconductor EngineeringInvestment Management & Asset ManagementNuclear EnergyPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalQuantity Surveying & Cost Estimation

Top Employers Hiring for this course

ASB Bank

Beca

Massey University

Microsoft

Why Study Bachelor of Design with Honours – BDes(Hons) at Massey University

What makes this program stand out

November 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in November 2026

Fast Application response time

Massey University typically responds to applications within a week, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Massey University in New Zealand

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bachelor of Design with Honours – BDes(Hons) at Massey University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work part-time during term time and full-time during breaks, depending on their course level. For Level 9 courses or above, there are no limitations on work hours.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need to meet specific English test requirements. Possible tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, with scores varying for each.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as fashion designers, industrial designers, graphic designers, photographers, and concept designers.

What will I actually study in this course?

As a design student, you'll engage in hands-on projects within studios and workshops while exploring fields like visual communication design and industrial design. You'll also participate in real-life briefs and collaborate with external clients in your final year.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Bachelor of Design with Honours program at Massey University has an intake month in November. Be sure to prepare your application materials ahead of time to meet the deadlines.
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