University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau Design Programme
mission statement
The University of Auckland Design Programme fosters a whānau (community) of practitioners and researchers who will contribute to a new era of purpose-led design.
international role
Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland (UoA) is ranked 13th in Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2024. It is also top 100 in QS World University Rankings 2025, placed 65th in the world, the only New Zealand university in the top 100.
The Design Programme at UoA has strong connections with other universities and employers, as well as creative, professional, government and business organisations throughout New Zealand and the world.
national role
We build local, national and international presence through innovative collaborations and partnerships. These are described in detail on our Creative and Community Partnerships website page.
main focus
In 2020 the cross-disciplinary Design Programme was launched within the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industry. In 2025, the Design Programme transitioned into a new faculty home with Engineering and the School of Architecture and Planning, to form the Faculty of Engineering & Design. The Design Programme encompasses teaching and supervision from undergraduate to PhD. It focuses on pedagogies and approaches of critical importance to contemporary design education, practice and strategy to support our students in gaining conceptual and technical skills relevant to an ever-changing world. To view examples of past graduate student work please visit: https://redesign.ac.nz/
faculties and departments
- Design Programme
bachelor level programs
- Bachelor of Design (BDes) - 3 years full-time
master level programs
- Master of Design (MDes) - varies
- Postgraduate Certificate in Design (PGCertDes) - 6 months full-time
research activity and main areas
The majority of our research is transdisciplinary with a particular focus on the role that design plays in sustainable innovation at the complex intersection of socio-technical-ecological systems. Design research focus areas include global challenges, emerging technologies, local community practices, and business.
doctorate level programs
- Doctor of Philosophy in Design (PhD) can include Scholarly Creative Work - 3 years full-time
subject areas for exchange students
There are various exchange offerings, please visit the University's Study Abroad and Exchange website for more information.
application deadlines
Various
teaching languages
English
semester dates
Semester 1: 3 March - 30 June
Semester 2: 21 July - 17 November
cost of living per month (studying and living)
In addition to your fees for study, you will need between NZ$20,000 and NZ$25,000 per year (NZ$380–480 per week) for basic costs. Up-to-date information can be found on the Cost of living in Auckland website.
