About Graphic Design in Canterbury Christ Church University

Graphic design is deliciously diverse – it is used to inform and to influence, to entertain and to educate. Our course is far from ordinary; we regard you as a designer from the moment you arrive at our purpose-built studios, and by the time you leave you will be expert in your field, equipped to succeed in a competitive industry.

It is important to collaborate, to socialise and to be international in your approach. You can study abroad and we encourage and support you to put your learning into practice through extra-curricular placements with local design agencies, alumni and research-active staff. Our learning community includes previous graduates who love to share their post-university experience with you!

You will explore areas including:

You will start by gaining a thorough understanding of design principles, processes and history together with technical skills for print, web, image and motion graphic design creating portfolio pieces as you go. Our specialist staff assist you in developing your own expertise as you ‘think through making’ as you respond to themes such as interpretation, play, materials & processes, and provocation. You put your skills to use in the real world through live briefs and national competition briefs. To capitalise on your design work, you will learn business and entrepreneurial aspects of the industry from successful local designers.

Why games design

Graphic Design is the best job in the world. Not only do you get to be paid for being creative you also use your brain to influence human behaviour and action through visual and sensorial, communication. Good designers are in demand and provided you have the necessary skills, talents and determination you will always be able to find work. Added to that, no two days are the same. At CCCU from day one we regard you as a designer with thoughts and opinions as you develop a portfolio of work moving seamlessly from analogue to screens and back again. 94% of students agree that staff teaching Graphic Design are good at explaining things. It is true – we love what we do, but we love what you do even more.

At CCCU our emphasis is on building creative confidence, technical skills and critical understanding. The programme is designed for those with an interest in graphic design but who may not necessarily have studied it in the past. You should be willing to take calculated risks and to step out of your comfort zone in the quest to produce thoughtful work.

Top reason to choose this course

• From day one at CCCU we regard you as a designer with original thoughts and opinions and more than able to make a meaningful contribution in the world.
• You can combine output formats, or specialise – screen, web, motion, print, analogue, sensory – the choice is yours.
• You will develop a personality of resilience and a portfolio of brilliance in readiness for work.
• You will engage in team-working in a learning community through collaborative projects with other students, and with staff.
• You will undertake live briefs to broaden your client-facing skills and confidence.

What can i do next?

Graphic design is a creative professional discipline that remains in strong demand, due to the ways that its underpinning principles inform almost all visual communication. Graduates from the course have moved into a range of creative careers, including working as graphic designers either salaried within design agencies or on a freelance basis.

Our interdisciplinary ethos and approach assists graduates in working not only in prescribed work roles such as graphic designers, graphic artists and artworkers, but in working across the range of creative industries including graphic design, influencing, marketing, social media, web design and beyond.

Academic qualification equivalents:

• Successful completion of standard 12 th with 60% average and one further year of study

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS         :        6.0, with no less than 6.0 in Writing and no less than 5.5 in Reading, Speaking and Listening.
• TOEFL        :       Total minimum score of 80, with at least 19 in reading, writing and listening.
• PTE            :        overall score of 50 and no PTE communicative skills score below 42

Canterbury Christ Church University Highlights

Canterbury Christ Church University Tuition fee

Canterbury Christ Church University Living Cost

• The weekly living cost for an international student staying at a residential hall/flat/homestay is 384.50 NZD, 305.75 NZD, and 360 NZD, respectively.
• Application deadline for accommodation: December 1 (February intake); May 1 (June intake).