Media DesignSubject regulations

Media Design combines elements of design, as well as screen and media studies within a single major. It offers students a comprehensive education in the theory, research and design of multi-modal media content for screen and multi-media platforms.

Media Design is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Design (BDes). Media Design may also be included as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Media Design as a single major for the BDes, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Media Design, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete DSIGN141, MEDIA100, DSIGN242, MEDIA202, MEDIA220, either MEDIA301 or MEDIA309, MEDIA302, MEDIA305 and DSIGN360.

To complete Media Design as part of a second major, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Media Design, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete DSIGN141, MEDIA100, DSIGN242, MEDIA202, MEDIA220; and 45 points from MEDIA301 or MEDIA309, MEDIA302, MEDIA305 and DSIGN360.

To complete a minor in Media Design, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Media Design major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note:

Candidates who wish to structure a strong qualification that will prepare them well for the creative industries should consider a double major pathway.

Consider pairing Media Design with Communication Design or another major to create a qualification that sets you apart from other Design graduates in Aotearoa. Discuss these options with the Design undergraduate advisor.

Other qualifications

Prescriptions for:

A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Media Design at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the Division of STEM.
The qualification regulations define the subject requirements for the Bachelor of Design with Honours.

Media Design papers

Code and paper title	Points	Occurrence/Location The study locations.
COMPX101Introduction to Programming This paper introduces computer programming in C# - the exciting challenge of creating software and designing artificial worlds within the computer...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25B (Secondary School - Unistart) & 25X (Hainan University, Haikou China) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
COMPX161Introduction to the Web This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25I (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
CSMAX170Foundations in Computing and Mathematical Sciences The objective of this paper is to provide students with the academic foundations for computing and mathematical sciences. The paper will cover the...	15	No occurrences
DSIGN125Introduction to Communication Design Production This paper enables students to perform basic computing operations and to operate software packages for the manipulation of visual images and text for...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online) & 25A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN141Principles of Form and Design This paper develops the student's ability to recognise and utilise the basic elements and principles of design both two and three dimensionally. It...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN142Beyond the Basics of Design This paper develops the student's ability to put into graphic application the basic elements and principles of design. It will also provide an...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN151Design History Students journey through a thematic history of design and its interplay with society and technology by studying historical artefacts that influence...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN161Introduction to the Web This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design...	15	25B (Hamilton)
MEDIA100Understanding Visual Culture Our lives are dominated by still and moving images and visual technologies. This paper will constitute an important first step in learning to...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
MEDIA102Film Production 1: Telling Stories A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)

Code and paper title	Points	Occurrence/Location The study locations.
DSIGN242Interactive Environments This paper presents the students with the challenge of designing interactive media environments of different types. The students are challenged to...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN251Applied Computing Tools 1 This paper enables students to widen their experience of design relevant computer software using an intensive laboratory programme. Students select...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25H (Hamilton)
DSIGN252Cultural Perspectives for Design The paper provides students with an understanding of culture-specific perspectives on design issues and the ability to apply these in diverse...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN271Design Thinking The paper presents the iterative process of design, used to understand users, challenge assumptions and redefine problems through empathising with...	15	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN290Directed Study A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report.	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)
MEDIA202Film Production 2: Experimentation and Creativity Students are challenged to extend their creative practice beyond the conventions of narrative film making. Working with moving image and sound...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
MEDIA203Digital Arts and Cultures The 21st century has seen a fundamental shift from analogue to digital media systems. This paper will discuss some major aesthetic approaches and...	15	25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
MEDIA220Creative Media Production This paper will engage students with a client-based approach to media production. Students will be asked to produce creative projects adhering to...	15	25A (Hamilton)

Code and paper title	Points	Occurrence/Location The study locations.
CREAT301Creative Technologies and Creative Practice Project Students participate in a group creative project that will be audio-visual in nature, comprising of either a film, sound-installation, interactive...	15	25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN350Design Internship This paper will induct the design student into the professional environment where the student applies design skills, research methodology and...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN360Capstone Project In this paper students plan, develop and execute a small scale design project with relative independence alongside the guidance of a supervisor.	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
DSIGN361Portfolio Project This paper is an opportunity for students to develop and refine a professional portfolio showcasing their design work.	15	25B (Hamilton)
DSIGN390Directed Study A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report.	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN397Work Integrated Learning Directed Study A directed study undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner involving the development of a design project and the production of a formal...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN398Work Integrated Learning Directed Study A directed study undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner involving the development of a design project and the production of a formal...	30	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)
MEDIA301Animation While providing a broad critical and historical context of animation and animated films, this paper introduces students to key principles...	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
MEDIA302Film Production 3: From Concept to Screen Do you want to create a festival-ready short film? Develop your creative practice in filmmaking and challenge yourself with a hands-on practical...	15	25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
MEDIA305Interactive Media Design Create your own interactive projects that expand your creative practice. Students will engage with contemporary arts practices to devise audio-visual...	15	25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China)
MEDIA309Game, Play and Society This paper examines interactive digital gaming as a technological, aesthetic and social phenomenon that constitutes a distinct form of expression and...	15	25G (Online)

Code and paper title	Points	Occurrence/Location The study locations.
COMPX581Research Methods This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in design and...	30	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN532Information Visualisation This paper aims to provide an awareness of the potential offered by information visualisation techniques, a familiarity with the underlying concepts...	15	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN551Design Project Management This paper covers the management of design projects in the studio. It is intended for those aiming for a future senior position in a design studio...	15	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN581Research Methods This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in design and...	30	25A (Hamilton)
DSIGN589Directed Study Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.	15	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton)
DSIGN590Directed Study Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.	30	25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton)
DSIGN591Design Dissertation Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	30	25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN592Design Dissertation Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	60	25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN593Design Thesis Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	90	25X (Hamilton)
DSIGN594Design Thesis Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor...	120	25X (Hamilton)
MEDIA501Critical and Creative Approaches to Research This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and...	30	25A (Hamilton)
MEDIA504Design and Aesthetics In both Creative Practice and written graduate research choices between theoretical paradigms, research methods and the presentation of research...	30	25B (Hamilton)
MEDIA507Theory and Research in Action In this supervised paper, students will produce a pilot study utilising appropriate research frameworks and methodologies to form the basis of a...	30	25B (Hamilton)
MEDIA508Creative Practice Research Are you a creative practitioner that wants to experiment with practice related research? This supervised paper offers a site for experimentation and...	30	25A (Hamilton) & 25C (Hamilton)

2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 7 May 2025 01:00am

Media DesignSubject regulations

Other qualifications

GradCert(MedDes) and GradDip(MedDes)

BDes(Hons)

Media Design papers