Master of Design (Communication Design)

at University of South Australia

To be an effective communication designer you need to be able to identify problems, and to examine and develop strategies and approaches to overcome them. This qualification addresses design issues that you may be faced with in the workplace, such as:
 

• socio-cultural change
• economic constraints
• environmental impacts

You will also develop an advanced understanding of communication design principles and graduate with the ability to develop and design effective communications for a range of audiences. Cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research will also be developed.

This master degree comprises design research studio classes, academic research skills, introduction to sustainable design, business practice and a choice of electives.

Degree structure

FIRST YEAR
 

• Research Studio 1
• Research Methods (Creative)
• Nature, Culture and Sustainability
• Research Studio 2
• Business Practice for Artists and Designers

SECOND YEAR
 

• Masters Project 1
• Masters Project Report 1

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree or Graduate Diploma from a recognised higher education institution, or equivalent, in a related discipline. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.

Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Design from the University of South Australia are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study, and are not required to submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree in a related discipline are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.

Related design disciplines include: visual communication design; graphic design; graphic communication; communication design.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test
 

• IELTS total [6.5]
• IELTS reading [6.0]
• IELTS writing [6.0]

FEES 

AUD$ 36,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

This industry is expecting strong growth in long-term employment prospects Australia-wide.

Graduates from this degree enjoy careers in a variety of roles, such as:
 

• animation and motion designer: use graphic software to create animated images
• art director: responsible for the visual aspects of a publication, campaign, or other published material; a chief liaison between the client and designers
• graphic designer: create visual concepts to inspire, inform or captivate an audience
• communications designer: use software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, web developers and multimedia companies
• illustrator: produce still drawings for use in advertisements, magazines, on packaging, greeting cards and in newspapers
• typographer: create the typeface that graphically reflects a client’s brief
• web designer: create and maintain websites, this may include the design, layout and coding