Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)
Learn how to generate ideas, solve problems and design innovative solutions in advertising, marketing and communication design.
Core skills taught include design strategies, graphics, branding and communication, typography, art direction, drawing and illustration. In addition, students will choose three courses from a range of electives, which will enable them to develop complementary skills in particular areas of interest.
As well as studio courses, students will complete a group of core courses in academic subjects. These include both professional and contextual studies, which will give them developed communication skills, a background in the history and sociology of creative practices, insights into contemporary professional ethics and some business skills.
Campus Information
Christchurch City
The Madras street campus is on the fringe of Christchurch’s CBD and within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, supermarkets, entertainment venues, parks and other attractions. It’s well serviced by public transport, and is just five minutes from the city’s main bus exchange. The Madras street campus is Ara’s largest. In addition to modern, purpose designed facilities, it also has a recreation centre, gym, health centre, a bookshop and a number of on-site cafes.
Intakes
- March
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Our Careers & Employment team provides free advice to current and prospective students, as well as our graduates. We can help you with:
- Exploring your career options
- Developing your employ-ability
- Job search, CVs, interviews and more
PSW Opportunity
- During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
- After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
- After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
OR New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Media (Level 5)
OR New Zealand Diploma in Digital Design (Level 5), or equivalent
OR New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media Design (Level 4)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
In addition you need to: Provide a written statement. You are required to answer three set questions based on their portfolio and future aspirations.
Submit a portfolio demonstrating your art/design work with your application.
The portfolio comprises up to 16 photographs of visual work including art, graphic or design work in any media, giving clear evidence of your ability to generate ideas and concepts towards a specific purpose.
Drawing (process, descriptive or imaginative), composition, and technical skills will be given special consideration.
You may be required to attend an interview if there are any questions raised by your portfolio or written statement.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
5.5 Listening
5.5 Reading
5.5 Writing
5.5 Speaking
- Course Code: CH3756
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Bachelors/UG Degree
- Duration: 03 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
69780 NZD
Annual Cost of Living: 20000 NZD
Application Fee: N/A
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