Master of Design (Contemporary Art)

This qualification provides graduates with advanced practical and theoretical skills and knowledge, advanced research skills and valuable business skills.

A key focus is on research, as it relates to your chosen specialisation. You will also study marketing and business, covering areas such as:
 

• grant sourcing and applications
• industry associations and professional recognition
• communication skills and marketing strategies
• copyright, trademarks, intellectual property and taxation

You will also acquire the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research, and will explore online art and design practice, online marketing, business management and self-employment practices related to the art and design industries. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand critical research methodologies.

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
• Masters Project 2
• Masters Project Report 2

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 art; contemporary art; illustration and animation. 

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$ 34,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Visual artists are highly creative, highly motivated, disciplined and committed. To succeed in this creative profession, you need to be willing to take risks, push boundaries and experiment with concepts, contexts and materials. If you think you've got what it takes, the job prospects for visual artists in Australia are looking great1.

Careers to consider:
 

• artist/designer: ceramicist, painter, illustrator, sculptor, jeweller, textile artist, printmaker, photographer, furniture designer, digital media
• arts administrator: responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of an arts organisation
• art historian: an authority on art history; you may work for a museum, library, art gallery or historical centre
• art critic: specialise in analysing, interpreting, and evaluating art