Overview
The Master of Design is industry-engaged, intellectually rigorous and professionally relevant. As a Master of Design student you will extend and develop your practice through advanced practical design knowledge and skills. This will equip you with the personal confidence and professional capabilities needed to move into creative leadership roles in … For more content click the Read More button below.
The Master of Design has two main components: a core of design studio classes and courses in design contexts, and the choice to specialise in a design area of practice.
In the design core you will learn to integrate technology, design thinking, experimentation, strategy and communication, with a deep understanding of the role of design in innovation and the global economy.
The studio-based areas of practice enable you to either focus on a specific area of design and digital media practice, or to put together your own suite of courses from across design, material practice, and digital media.
Studio-based design courses can be taken in the following Areas of Practice:
Graphic Communication addresses graphic design for paper and print, the screen and broadcast, encompassing contemporary typography, graphic design and cross-cultural communication strategies in designing for different audiences.Spatial Experiences engages with the design of processes, services, events and environments, with a focus on the quality of the user experience .Interaction Design covers visual communication and user-experience across graphics, media and emergent inter-actives.Visualisation and Visual Effects focuses on the practices of designing for animation, 3D, sound, film, video, illustration and computing.Future Making: Materials and Objects focuses on the making of objects, with new materials and digital technologies and craftsmanship. It addresses the integration of technical knowledge and skills with material and contextual understanding. Future Making works with ceramics, jewellery, metal, textiles, furniture and lighting.
Learning Outcomes
1.
Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner
- Professionals
- Global Citizens
2.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of concepts and principles of design as an integrated practice
- Scholars
3.
Apply research principles and methods applicable to contemporary design practices
- Professionals
- Scholars
4.
Demonstrate the qualities of an ethical practitioner
- Professionals
5.
Demonstrate cultural awareness, environmental and social responsibility, and a respect for diversity
- Global Citizens
6.
Plan and execute a substantial research-based professionally-focused project in design
- Scholars
7.
Justify, interpret and communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Global Citizens
- Leaders
- Professionals
8.
Critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply established theories to design practice
- Professionals
- Scholars
Program Structure96 Units of Credit:
Students must complete 96 UOC as a standalone program.
Core Courses
Students must take 66 UOC of the following courses.
Art & Design Prescribed Elective
Students must take at least 6 UOC of the following courses.
Design Areas of Practice Electives
Students must take 24UOC from the following Areas of Practice. Note: Units can be taken in a single Area of Practice or across multiple Areas of Practice.
Future Making: Materials and Objects
Students can take up to a maximum of 24 UOC of the following courses.
Graphic Communication
Students can take up to a maximum of 24 UOC of the following courses.
Interaction and User Experience (UX) Design
Students can take up to a maximum of 24 UOC of the following courses.
Spatial Experiences
Students can take up to a maximum of 24 UOC of the following courses.
Visualisation and Visual Effects
Students can take up to a maximum of 12 UOC of the following courses.
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements
Program Requirements
Progression Requirements
Pathways
Post Graduate
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1292 - PhD Art, Design and Media
Articulation Arrangements
Graduate Diploma in Design - GradDipDes5306 - Design
Graduate Certificate in Design - GradCertDes7306 - Design
Recognition of Achievement
Award with Excellence
For more information, please visit the link above.
The Award with Excellence is awarded in coursework masters programs, including Masters (Extension) but with the exception of Masters (Extended) such as JD and MD, when a Weighted Average Mean (WAM) of at least 80% has been achieved and at least 50% of the requirements of the award are completed at UNSW. All eligible programs will award 'with Excellence' except in special circumstances where approval of Academic Board has been given for a program to opt out.
Additional Information
Portfolio Submission Minimum Requirements
- A 10 page A4 digital portfolio of original design work undertaken by the applicant including a critically reflective text.
- A cover letter that explains your interest in studying at UNSW Art & Design, and your interest in the degree. The letter should tell us about your interests, achievements and experience and be no more than 400 words.
- Verified evidence of professional experience in a design or media-related field, in the form of a written statement of service from an employer, client or commissioning agent verifying the position, role, responsibilities, duration and/or project outcomes of employment, service contract or other professional design engagement.
- A two page CV that details your experience in, or related to design including contact details for two referees.
Program Fees
At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:
Pre-2019 Handbook Editions
Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)