Program Overview

Master of Product Design

The Master of Product Design (MProdDesign) is a postgraduate degree that presents an opportunity for students to prepare for the ever-changing consumer market with advanced design, manufacturing, and business analysis skills.

Introduction

Postgraduate studies in Product Design provide a mixture of practical work and theory with original supervised research. The University of Canterbury houses specialized on-campus facilities for students to research, create, test, and market their own products.

Why Study a Master of Product Design at UC?

• UC's Te Kura Hanga Otinga | School of Product Design has a growing reputation in Aotearoa New Zealand for research in product quality, engineering innovations, customer trends, and emerging needs.
• Students will have use of dedicated facilities for creating and testing their product ideas, including design studios, laboratories, workshops, 3D printers, and a gaming lounge with AR and VR spaces and equipment.

What Will My Study Involve?

Through the MProdDesign, students will gain:

• Advanced knowledge of product design practice
• A self-critical approach to their own design practice
• Mastery of sophisticated knowledge in their area of design specialism
• Ability to research and analyze leading-edge literature related to design
• Advanced problem-solving skills
• Ability to plan and complete a piece of original research or creative work
• Capability to apply skills and knowledge to novel situations

Entry Requirements

Entry to the Master of Product Design requires an appropriate design-related degree (e.g., the Bachelor of Product Design) with a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses, or other qualifications of an equivalent standard.

• International students may need to study one of UC's International Pre-Master's pathways to gain entry into this degree.
• If English is not the first language, students are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

The Master of Product Design is made up of 180 points of courses, including compulsory courses (30 points), elective courses (30 points), and a research thesis (120 points).

• The program can be completed within 18 months of full-time study or up to 3 years part-time.
• Beginning in February or July, students can plan their degree according to their interests and expertise.

Subjects and Courses

The Master of Product Design includes both compulsory and elective courses that allow personalized study into the commercial lifecycle of particular kinds of products, followed by a research thesis.

Compulsory Courses

• PROD601 Design Critique and Research Methods
• PROD614 Design Ethics

Elective Courses

Students select two courses that best suit their interests and expertise:

• PROD602 Systems Thinking for Product Design
• PROD611 Design and Manufacture
• PROD612 Bio-Inspired Design
• PROD613 Development of Interdisciplinary Practice and Self
• PROD621 Games for Health & Wellbeing
• PROD622 Immersive Collaborative Play and Design
• PROD623 Gamification for Enterprises
• PROD631 Fragrance Design
• PROD632 Special Topics in Cosmetic Product Formulation
• Any approved 400-level course

Thesis

• PROD690 Product Design Thesis

Fees

Domestic Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $14,810 (180 points)
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $15,699 (180 points)

International Students

• 2025 Special Programme Fee: $63,000 (180 points)
• 2026 Special Programme Fee: $66,000 (180 points)
• 2027 Special Programme Fee: $69,900 (180 points)

Student Services Levy (SSL)

• 2025 SSL: $9.72 per point ($1,166.40 per 120 points)
• 2026 SSL: $10.30 per point ($1,236.00 per 120 points)

Further Study

Students may go on to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in Product Design.

Career Opportunities

This Master's program will prepare students for innovation in the modern, dynamic economy. Product Design graduates with business sense as well as technical skills will suit any part of the product creation lifecycle – designing concepts, testing prototypes, pitching to sellers, and marketing to consumers.

• Product Designers may find work in commercial, educational, IT, consultancy, quality assurance (QA), government, and design and advertising sectors.
• UC's graduates are also prepared to begin their own business enterprise.