The Master of Design is an interdisciplinary, industry-engaged degree that integrates technology, design thinking, conceptual exploration, strategy and communication with practical skills. It focuses on the role of design in innovation and the global economy. You will extend and develop your theoretical, research, professional and practical design knowledge to an advanced level. This degree is anchored by our multidisciplinary studios, which underpin the development of your professional skills and confidence needed for creative leadership in design. The studios will enable you to either focus on a specific area of design and digital media practice or to put together your own suite of courses. Studio specialisations include Experience Design, Interaction Design, Visualisation and Visual Effects, Future Making and Graphic Communication.

Depending on the level and related nature of your prior qualifications, admission to the Master of Design makes provision for four entry points:

(1) Bachelors degree [AQF Level 7] or Honours degree [AQF Level 8] in any field with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) as determined by the UNSW postgraduate entry score calculator. This provides admission into the foundational disciplinary course component of the program - requiring completion of 96 UOC (2.0 years). Applicants who apply from non-cognate fields will be admitted on successful assessment of a submitted Portfolio.

(2) Bachelor’s degree in Design [FOE code 1005], Media [FOE code 1007] or Architecture [FOE code 0401] with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) as determined by the UNSW postgraduate entry score calculator, provides admission into the disciplinary course component of the Master of Design - requiring completion of 72 UOC (1.5 years).

(3) Honours Degree [AQF Level 8] or equivalent in Design [FOE code 1005], Media [FOE code 1007] or Architecture [FOE code 0401], permits admission to the advanced disciplinary component of the Master of Design - requiring completion of 48 UOC (1 year).

(4) Applicants who apply with a Bachelors degree [AQF Level 7] in any field with a record of achievement below a UNSW credit average (65%) as determined by the UNSW postgraduate entry score calculator, a Bachelors degree [AQF Level 7] in any field completed more than 10 years ago, or without a Bachelors degree, can be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Design on successful assessment of a submitted Portfolio.

Students may articulate into the Master of Design upon completion of the Graduate Certificate with a credit average (65%).

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.

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

^There is a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places available for this degree. The indicative tuition fee for domestic postgraduate students shown is for fee paying students, not students in Commonwealth Supported Places. To find out more about the student contribution amounts for Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year). Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.