Stage Three courses

2025

Bachelor of Design students

Semester One:

Semester Two:

The BDes page has a degree structure diagram which can be used to help you plan your studies so you take these Stage Three courses at the correct time. 

Bachelor of Design conjoint students

You must complete DESIGN 300, 303, and 304 as part of the BDes requirements of your conjoint.

You need to carefully plan progresson through your conjoint degree to allow space for the completion of these courses, You should look to take DESIGN 304 towards the end of your conjoint to provide time for you to meet the prerequisites. 

DESIGN 300 - Design Research Methodologies

  • Course prescription: Introduction to a range of key design methodologies that inform contemporary design thinking, research and practice within Aotearoa New Zealand, with reference to Mana Moana philosophies of making and community. Drawing on methodological principles, students learn how to develop design strategies, apply design processes and test their design concepts. Consideration will be given to the phasing and planning of design investigations from data analytics to design concepts to practical methods and proposed solutions.
  • Semester availability: Semester One
  • Programme restriction: BDes and BDes conjoint
  • Prerequisites: DESIGN 100, 101 and 90 points from DESIGN 200-243
  • Points: 15

DESIGN 303 - Design Research Practice 

  • Course prescription: Explores design research methods for conducting practical, material, and technological investigations to test prototype concepts. Provides a framework for investigations to inform the development of a design project proposal in preparation for DESIGN 304.  
  • Semester availability: Semester One
  • Programme restriction: BDes and BDes conjoint
  • Prerequisites: DESIGN 200, 201
  • Corequisite: DESIGN 300
  • Restriction: DESIGN 302
  • Points: 15

DESIGN 304 - Advanced Design Methods Capstone

  • Course prescription: Facilitates completion of a major design project in collaboration with local stakeholders. Provides frameworks for development of a design strategy in response to a real-world issue. Design research methodologies, methods and tools are applied to prototype solutions and document studio practice. Presentation and critique skills are honed through interaction with design professionals.  
  • Semester availability: Semester Two
  • Programme restriction: BDes and BDes conjoint
  • Prerequisites: DESIGN 300, 303
  • Restriction: DESIGN 301
  • Points: 45