University of Auckland
The practice of design has dramatically evolved in response to emerging technologies and the growing need for industries to respond to a rapidly changing world. Across all business sectors, employers seek designers who can create solutions to complex problems – through creative making, entrepreneurial thinking and consideration of all potential outcomes. There’s a wealth of opportunity for skilled designers in business, health, science, art, entertainment, manufacturing and other industries. By studying Design with the University of Auckland, you’ll become adept with new techniques, tools and methods. You’ll imagine, create and test solutions for both immediate and future scenarios. You’ll engage with real projects in partnership with both peers and industry professionals. In this way you’ll create positive change in local, communal and global contexts. Our studio-based learning environment, fully-equipped workshop and digital resources will help you to bring your ideas to life.
The Design Programme at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, sits within the Faculty of Engineering and Design.
Bachelor of Design (BDes)
Studying a Bachelor of Design at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, involves exploring new technologies, creative methods, and real-world challenges. You’ll design with people and for impact, contributing to innovation, equity, and sustainable futures. This degree suits those who enjoy collaboration, critical thinking, and developing design solutions that address complex social, ethical, cultural, and environmental challenges. Through real-world project briefs and studio-based learning, you’ll experiment with making, prototyping, and co-design. You’ll explore how design affects social, environmental, political, and cultural systems, using both digital tools and material practices. You’ll learn from leading researchers and industry specialists working across design, technology, sustainability, and social innovation. The BDes can also be studied as a conjoint degree, letting you combine design with Arts, Commerce, Engineering (Honours), or Science to broaden your career opportunities and impact.
Master of Design (MDes)
The Master of Design provides you with the means to navigate, engage with and design in a variety of professional contexts; for-profit, non-profit and governmental, bringing both theoretical and practical skills to bear on today’s most significant problems. The goal of the MDes is to enhance your employability. With the critical thought and practice that comes from postgraduate study, you’ll be well positioned to lead projects as a strategist and practitioner. You’ll have a strong working knowledge of current technologies and the ability to adapt to those which emerge. You’ll have a multidisciplinary mindset, able to frame issues from a social and economic standpoint, and be capable of customising and applying your skills to any employer’s needs. With live projects and current industry professionals contributing to your learning, the networks developed in the MDes will leave you well-placed to contribute design solutions locally and globally.
PhD in Design
Our research centres on the role of design in sustainable innovation at the complex intersection of socio-technical-ecological systems. Our focus areas include global challenges, emerging technologies, local community practices, and business. We offer two pathways for doctoral study: a traditional PhD by thesis, and a PhD by thesis with a creative practice component. The traditional PhD by thesis is a formal piece of advanced research, with a final examined thesis of up to 100,000 words. The PhD by thesis with creative practice component allows you to submit an exhibition, design or performance as examinable work alongside a thesis of up to 60,000 words.
