Master of Design – MDes

Program Overview

Massey University's Master of Design (MDes) is a 12- or 18-month program that focuses on advanced design research and culminates in a thesis project. Students benefit from industry-scale facilities, individual studio space, and real-world project connections. Graduates pursue careers in web design, creative direction, and other design-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Focus:
Advanced design research, culminating in a well-resolved thesis project.
• Duration:
18 months full-time (180 credits) or 12 months full-time (120 credits) for students with a relevant honours degree.
• Location:
Wellington campus.
• Benefits:
• Access to industry-scale facilities (green screen studio, Fab Lab, industry-standard workshops, digital imaging facilities, darkrooms).
• Individual studio space.
• Comprehensive technical expertise and support.
• Emphasis on real-world projects through the thesis project, including external industry connections.
• Potential for further research and knowledge development through a PhD pathway.
• Suitable for:
Students passionate about design, particularly those who enjoy exploring the horizon and tackling externally-connected projects (commercial, government, cultural, or community-based).

Outline:

• Part One (180 credit option):
• Compulsory (30 credits):
• Creative Research Practices I (30 credits): Advanced creative research methods, processes, technologies, and skills.
• Subject courses (30 credits):
• Choose one from:
• Creative Research Practices II (30 credits): Develop a creative research topic using advanced methods, processes, technologies, and skills.
• Creative Research Special Topic A (30 credits)
• Creative Research Special Topic B (15 credits)
• Choose one from:
• Independent Study (15 credits)
• Advanced Digital Fabrication for Creative Res 1 (15 credits)
• Advanced Digital Fabrication for Creative Res 2 (15 credits)
• Part One (120 credit option):
Entry for students with a relevant honours degree.
• Creative Research Practices I (30 credits)
• Creative Research Practices II (30 credits)
• Design Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 (60 credits)
• Part Two:
Focus on mastering the research proposal and thesis project.
• Design Thesis (120 credits): Completion of a supervised thesis project, focusing on a specific design-led research project and writing an exegesis.
• Design Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 (60 credits): Can be taken alongside Design Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 for the 120 credit option.

Assessment:

• Creative Research Practices courses:
assessed through a range of methods, including individual and group projects, presentations, and written assignments.
• Design Thesis:
assessed through the completed thesis project and exegesis.

Teaching:

• Taught by leading design researchers and practitioners.
• Emphasis on individual supervision and guidance.
• Strong focus on real-world projects and external connections.

Careers:

• Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:
• Web design
• Health care product manufacturing
• Creative direction
• Technical development consulting
• Design internships
• Art and design teaching
• Management roles at publishing houses
• Many graduates also start their own successful businesses.

Other:

• Selection:
Selected entry based on interview and portfolio of design work.
• Entry requirements:
• 180 credit option: Bachelor of Design or equivalent with at least a B grade average.
• 120 credit option: Relevant honours degree with a B grade average, research proposal, and creative portfolio.
• **Scholarships and awards available.

• **Ranked 3rd in Asia-Pacific by the International Red Dot Design Awards.