Bachelor of Design (Honours)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design (Honours) at Otago Polytechnic is a postgraduate qualification designed for students with a strong undergraduate degree in design. The program provides an in-depth understanding of design research methods and professional design practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the field or further postgraduate study. Through a multi-disciplinary environment and industry connections, students develop advanced skills and knowledge, culminating in a major research project that addresses sustainability and showcases their creativity.

Program Outline

Bachelor of Design (Honours) - Otago Polytechnic

Degree Overview:

This postgraduate qualification is designed for students who have already achieved excellence in their undergraduate degree. It provides an opportunity to extend and deepen knowledge and understanding of design research methods and professional design practice. The program prepares graduates for further postgraduate study or employment in a design creative lead role.

Objectives:

• To further develop understanding of design research methods and professional design practice through advanced research and engagement with contemporary thinking.
• To provide a multi-disciplinary environment where design projects can focus on a single discipline or span and connect multiple disciplines.
• To prepare graduates for further postgraduate study or employment in a design creative lead role.

Outline:

The one-year, full-time program is comprised of 120 credits at Level 8, divided into two semesters of 60 credits each.

Semester 1:

• Professional Design Context (15 credits): Develops an understanding of professional design practices, conventions, and professional and legislative frameworks applicable to specific design disciplines.
Examines what it means to be a sustainable design practitioner from multiple perspectives - cultural, social, environmental, and economic.
• Design Research Methods (15 credits): Explores a range of design research methods and methodologies.
Develops an understanding of the context in which research takes place in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. Students use this background exploration to develop a literature/context/artefact review and proposal for an applied design project/major research project which incorporates appropriate methodologies.
• Applied Design Project 1 (30 credits): This project, either individual or team-based, employs relevant skills and techniques and explores ideas and issues applicable to the student's design discipline.
Students research and analyze information from a range of sources, and incorporate critique and iteration to arrive at a resolved final design outcome. Sustainability is addressed throughout the applied research process from cultural, social, environmental and/or economic perspectives.

Semester 2:

• Major Research Project 2 (60 credits): This major research project allows students to develop a design brief or expand an existing project exploring skills, techniques, ideas, and issues relevant to their design discipline.
Through advanced research and systematic engagement with contemporary practice and critical thinking in their chosen field, students develop a design-led project that addresses sustainability from multiple perspectives and is presented in a public forum. The work is supported by a dissertation of 5,000-8,000 words or equivalent e.g. supporting writing for a documentary. Projects can be self- or client-driven, individual or team-based, studio- or workplace-based.

Teaching:

• The program is taught in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Students benefit from the expertise of award-winning staff and leading industry researchers.
• Students have access to exhibitions and international competitions to showcase their creativity.
• Local, national and international collaboration and partnerships are at the heart of the learning philosophy.
• The program offers extensive industry connections and strong links with international design networks including the Cumulus Association and The Designers Accord.
• The program is full of individual, team and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• Students enjoy studio-based learning with access to specialized equipment and spaces.

Careers:

Successful completion of this qualification prepares students for further postgraduate study in the Master of Design or Master of Design Enterprise qualifications (or equivalent), or for a career in design or design management roles.

Other:

• The program is also offered part-time over two years.
• Students are expected to spend around 12 hours per week in directed study and work-based learning, and a further 26 hours a week in self-managed study.
• The program is delivered on campus in Dunedin.
• Intakes are in February.
• The program is open to both domestic and international students.
• The program is taught in English.
• Students may be required to undertake an interview and/or entry task.
• Recognition of prior learning including Cross Credit or Credit Transfer is offered for up to 60 credits in this program.
• Advanced Standing is available for up to 60 credits of this program through the process of Assessment of Prior Learning.
• The Major Research Project is not eligible for credit recognition.

Domestic fees

Full tuition Standard $8,414

International fees

Full tuition Standard $32,500