Faculty of Architecture and Design

Summary

Mission

Digital technology is our future. Increasingly it is raises questions about what we design, as well as influencing the way we understand design, the way we undertake design, and the way we collaborate and communicate in the act of designing. This changing context has not only inspired the unique character of the Digital Media programme, it is also redefining Industrial Design at VUW and preparing the way for the creation of interaction design collaboration. However, the notion of design as a cultural imperative also brings a human touch to our commitment to digital technologies. While technology inspires and shapes us, it is also the role of design to inspire and shape technology, in the name of humanity. For it is at the point where the human influence, the social, behavioural and cultural insights meet technology that truly innovative, unexpected and meaningful designs emerge.

International role

The School of Design has a commitment to international exchanges as a valuable educational exercise in engendering global perspective amongst its students.
Current university partners are:
Technical University of Eindhoven
Carnegie Mellon University
Pforzheim University School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design
School of Design is a founding member of a Network of Leading Design Research and Innovation Centres (NELDRIC) coordinated by the Designium, the New Centre of Innovation in Design at the University of Art and Design Helsinki.
The School has established significant community engagement regionally, nationally and internationally.
Current relationships with industry are:
Nike Inc USA
Vodafone NZ + UK
The School of Design is currently reconfiguring its qualification to a 3 year undergraduate degree followed by a 2 year Masters to better align with international trends in design education.

National role

The School has established relationships with Government organizations, Cultural organizations and Local Body Organisations as well as NZ Industry.
NZ Industry:
Fisher & Paykel, Weta Worshop, Methven, Macpac, Next Window, Wellington Drive Technologies, Formway, Design Model, Phil & Ted, Ponoko

Main focus

BDes, MDes in Digital Media Design, Industrial Design, Design Culture and Context, Interaction Design

Education

Faculties and departments

School of Design

Bachelor level programs

Bachelor of Design in Digital Media Design, Industrial Design
4 year undergraduate degree

Master level programs

Master of Design in Digital Media Design, Industrial Design
1 – 2 years

Research

Research activity and main areas

Digital Media Design, Industrial Design, Design Culture and Context, Interaction Design

Doctorate level programs

PhD in Digital Media Design, Industrial Design
3 – 5 years

Exchange

Subject areas for exchange students

Industrial Design and Digital Media Design

Application deadlines

Enrollment accepted to start of trimester
Trimester 1 commences 21 February
Trimester 2 commences 04 July
Trimester 3 commences 07 November

Teaching languages

English

Semester dates

First Trimester: February – June
Second Trimester: July - November

Cost of living per month (studying and living)

$NZ 1,220 (living costs)
Exchange students pay tuition fees to their home university