Master of Design Level 9

at Universal College of Learning

This programme consists of 180 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 8 and 60 at Level 9. 

COMPULSORY COURSES:

Advanced Methodologies for Design Research (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• 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 (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• 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;
• InvestigateExplore 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 (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• 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 (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• 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 (60 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• 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.

Domestic 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.

Applications must be made on the standard UCOL Student Application Form and provide information on relevant experience, academic qualifications and academic record. 

Applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio of original, developmental and finished work.

Selection critera:

Applicants are selected in order of receipt of their completed enrolment application and all entry requirements have been met. Each candidate will be required to submit a professional portfolio and a research proposal.

Portfolio

The portfolio of work needs to demonstrate 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. They 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 

Research Proposal

• Statement of your research question and your objectives

• Other key questions and sub-questions you want to address in the research

• The research methodology you will use and your reasons for using these particular methods

• How your research is important and what gaps you hope to fill within current knowledge

• Identification of current developments in your chosen research topic

• A realistic time plan for carrying out all your research

• A short list of references to key articles and texts included in the application

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5 with no band score less than 6 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency

International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Domestic Fees: *
$8451.00

International Fees:*
$25,000.00

Graduates of UCOL's Master of Design will be able to:

• Understand the historical, social, bi-cultural and multi-cultural context in which they work
• Provide evidence of effort and application in successfully completing the learning outcomes
• Apply knowledge, research skills and attitudes learned through problem solving projects in selected areas of design
• Understand the importance and use of a design theory and methodology as a way of working
• Show evidence of exploration, experimentation and applied innovation through research
• Have considerable experience in the operation of hardware and software
• Positively evaluate their own work and that of others
• Negotiate commitments and meet deadlines
• Apply an integrity of approach to materials, process and intention

Graduates will be suitably equipped to work in a variety of roles in the design based industries, including:

• Advertising
• Consultancy
• Art/Design education
• Art/Design studios
• Fashion Studios
• Galleries and museums
• Set design and styling
• Television and video production
• Printing, publishing and illustration
• Research and development
• Self-employment
• Graphic design
• Textile design
• Visual communications
• Website design
• Object and craft design
• Practicing artist
• Doctoral study