The aim of the Bachelor of Design (Product) programme is to facilitate learning by design students in a creative, flexible and collaborative environment within a culture that promotes and supports design driven entrepreneurial opportunities. Graduates will be able demonstrate professional competency, specialised technical knowledge and conceptual skills and make a valuable contribution to the direction and advancement of the creative industries in New Zealand. Specifically, the programme aims to equip students with the tools, techniques and competence, required to work in their chosen career path within the extremely broad field of professional design. The whole model is cognisant of the fact that the design industry is becoming more complex and collaborative - no longer is it possible for any single designer to work in isolation or through all stages of a production process. Designers need to be broad based and have a good understanding of other related specialisations.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Product) will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a process of design that incorporates research, skills and techniques, experimentation, problem solving, development of ideas and consideration of users.
2. Integrate a process of design with production methods to contextualise, deliver and present a major body of work.
3. Apply self-analysis, critical thinking and reflection skills to recognise quality design outcomes.
4. Demonstrate independent learning skills and the ability to select, analyse and apply information and knowledge using sound academic practices that allow them to advance to postgraduate study and/or professional contexts.
5. Use a variety of verbal, visual and on-line techniques to communicate their design outcomes.
6. Develop and articulate the distinctive characteristics of their work and underlying design philosophy and position this within a contemporary local, national, and international context.
7. Demonstrate interpersonal capabilities for working in a professional context alone, or with others in diverse, disciplinary and/or multidisciplinary teams.
8. Integrate sustainability into practice and consider the social, environmental, cultural, and economic impact of their design decisions.
9. Practice ethically in the bicultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Treaty of Waitangi.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Product) will be able to progress to postgraduate study in a related field.

Applicants must meet the minimum entry criteria and submit a portfolio.
University Entrance with NCEA Level 3
Three subjects at Level 3 or above, made up of:
- 14 credits each, in three approved subjects, and
Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above , made up of:
- 5 credits in reading 5 credits in writing
Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
- unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
OR
Equivalent qualifications and experience.
Mature students with work and life experience are encouraged to apply.
In addition - for International students* Minimum entry criteria include:
Overall band score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS, (writing and speaking score no less than 6.0 and reading and listening bands no less than 5.5) or TOEFL 600 course, 237-250 computer, TWE 5.
For New Zealand Residents whose Background is Non-English Speaking:
In addition to meeting the academic entry criteria above, those for whom English is a second language must also meet the following International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (academic version) language requirement:
- Overall band score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS (writing and speaking score no less than 6.0 and reading and listening bands no less then 5.5).
Portfolio Requirements:
All applicants for the Bachelor of Design (Specialty) programmes are required to submit a portfolio unless they meet the criteria for automatic entry.
Automatic portfolio approval entry
If you have achieved University Entrance endorsed with excellence overall including merit or excellence in an approved art, design or technology subject at NCEA Level 3, you have automatic entry, and will not need to submit a portfolio. This also applies to applicants who have achieved Cambridge International AS grade A or B in an approved art, design or technology subject.