Program Overview

Master of Design

Overview

The Master of Design is a postgraduate program that enables students to achieve excellence in their digital media practice through hands-on applied research relevant to their passion. The program focuses on 2D and 3D Design Media options, including illustration, branding, photography, publication (including digital), animation, interactive media, game design, and screen production.

Program Details

Level

• 9

International Start Dates

• 23/02/2026
• 06/07/2026

Duration

• 18 months, full-time (part-time options available)

Domestic Fees

• $13,709* (indicative for 2025 intake)

International Fees

• NZ $40,300* (indicative for 2025 intake)

Program Structure

The Master of Design comprises 180 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 8 and 60 at Level 9. It consists of a minimum of three semesters of study.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Build sustainable relationships through collaboration
• Critically evaluate the complexity and diversity of the context in which they work
• Explore, adapt, and apply selected methodologies evidencing diverse knowledge, research skills, and perspectives to solve problems in specialist areas of design

What You Will Learn

Design Media

Design media is the study of theory, craft skills, and professional practice of design and the creation of two-dimensional (e.g., illustration, digital painting, drawing, photography, publication design, and print making) and time-based design media (e.g., video, animation, interactive media, and web-design) as it applies to the Master of Design curriculum.

Compulsory Courses

• Advanced Methodologies for Design Research L8 - 30 Credits
  • Establish and articulate a philosophical orientation for their research and propose a research design and methodology supported by a rationale for the design choice
  • Write and present a research proposal for approval
  • Identify, evaluate, and respond to key ethical and cultural considerations within the field of study
  • Undertake a contextual review of the extant and seminal literature to identify or position a research question
• Development Studio L8 - 30 Credits
  • Critically evaluate specific areas of interest for concept research and articulate objectives and ideas for future projects
  • Explore inter-disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches
  • Undertake rigorous exploration of an extensive range of sources and technical applications and technologies relevant to their practice
  • Investigate and define the link between research practice and an appropriate industry/community context
  • Demonstrate professional studio practice in the documentation of idea development and technical exploration
• Creative Thinking L8 - 30 Credits
  • Initiate rigorous intellectual analysis and critical reflection of their own work and that of others
  • Articulate creative thinking methodologies appropriate to the context in which they work
  • Articulate a considered position in relation to their field of enquiry or professional practice, with a focus on both current and future practice
  • Apply creative thinking methodologies to developing unique solutions to industry challenges or opportunities
  • Critically evaluate and professionally document research relevant to their creative practice
• Studio Project L8 - 30 Credits
  • Advance and refine concepts for research and art/design projects as appropriate for industry/community, professional, and academic outcomes
  • Undertake extended exploration of inter-disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches to solve problems and achieve design solutions
  • Document the investigation and creative development process used to make specified project work
  • Compile and present a finished portfolio, exhibition, or show
• Dissertation and Implementation L9 - 60 Credits
  • Apply a methodology appropriate to the research enquiry
  • Refine and resolve a research enquiry that is positioned within an identified context
  • Produce a fully resolved body of work extending from praxis and demonstrating mastery within a specialist field
  • Document the research project and critically reflect on the methodology and creative process used to reach the final outcome
  • Create opportunities for community or stakeholders to meaningfully engage with completed works

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry into the Master of Design, applicants must have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, or a similar qualification in art or design, having achieved a minimum B- grade average over their highest level 120 credits of their qualifying degree, or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge.

International Students

• Minimum IELTS (academic) score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6, or equivalent

Selection Criteria

Each candidate will be required to submit a portfolio and a research proposal.

Portfolio

All students applying for the Master of Design need to submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates graduate-level engagement with design activity. Portfolios can take a number of different formats and each will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Portfolios can be submitted either in hard copy or digital format and could contain any combination of the following:

• Time-based design
• Print-based design
• Photography
• Visual arts and illustration
• Original film or video
• Web design and/or development
• Game design and/or other interactive media

Recognition of Prior Learning

Use the knowledge you already have to fast-track your qualification. Workplace-learning, volunteering, professional development, other provider qualifications, and online courses can be recognised as prior learning and put towards your qualification.