Staff from three New Zealand tertiary institutions providing design degrees have expressed surprise at the University of Otago plans to downgrade its design programme.
The senate, the university's main academic committee, recommended last week the design studies department be disestablished and design be deleted as a major subject at undergraduate level.
However, design would still be available as a minor subject and the master of design studies degree would remain, with supervision spread across more than one department.
De-emphasising the degree stunned University of Waikato computer sciences and computer graphic design head Associate Prof Sally Jo Cunningham.
"Here, design is doing well. It has a slightly growing stream of students who are really, deeply passionate about design, and we have a very high percentage of graduates. I would be surprised if the situation were different at Otago."
Design graduates were highly entrepreneurial, and in business they were able to "make a world of difference" at making businesses look professional, she said.
Victoria University School of Design head of department Prof Simon Fraser believed design degree graduates contributed to the New Zealand economy, and their importance in business and industry was increasing.
Design was also necessary to keep New Zealand businesses competitive in the global market, he said.
Otago Polytechnic head of design Alistair Regan said the institution would support University of Otago students unable to major in design there.
"We have a very proud record and are pleased to work with the university to ensure design students are well supported in Dunedin," he said.
Otago Polytechnic offers degrees in fashion, product, communication and interior design.
About 400 students are enrolled this year.
It also offers graduate certificates, and a master's programme in design enterprise.