Universities New Zealand University of Auckland Courses Master of Design MDes

Master of Design MDes

University of Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Tuition Fee NZ$ 46,752
Country Rank#1
Duration12 Months
Score IELTS: 6.5

Program Overview

A common assumption is that design is about solving problems in organisations and societies. Although this is part of what designers do, we are all increasingly engaged in complex situations for which no simple solution is possible. In these environments, the designer’s task is to identify and frame problems and devise and facilitate systems in which problems can be addressed, sometimes incrementally, by multiple stakeholders.

The Master of Design provides you with the means to navigate, engage with and design in a variety of professional contexts; for-profit, non-profit and governmental, bringing both theoretical and practical skills to bear on today’s most significant problems.

Course Content
Programme structure

You can build an individualised programme based on your personal and professional interests, and supported by expert mentorship.

You can choose either a taught or research pathway.

Taught Masters

In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge with advanced specialist training in your chosen field, and is completed by courses only. You can also do a capstone project, which allows you to investigate a specific issue that would benefit from a design-based approach. Choose a topic which interests you, explore theoretically and conceptually, iterate and deliver a solution.

180 point Taught Masters:
- 150 points: DESIGN 700–703, 708
- 30 points from DESIGN 704–707
120 point Taught Masters:
- 90 points: DESIGN 703, 708
- 30 points from DESIGN 700–702, 704–707
Research Masters

The research masters gives you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the knowledge in your field by completing a substantial research thesis project.

180 point Research Masters:
- 60 points: DESIGN 700–702
- 30 points from DESIGN 704–706
- 90 points: DESIGN 794 Thesis or 795 Research Portfolio
120 point Research Masters:
- 15 points: DESIGN 700
- 15 points from DESIGN 701, 704, 705
- 90 points: DESIGN 794 Thesis or 795 Research Portfolio
Entry Requirement
Programme requirements

Study option
Taught
180 points
Grade required
GPE
Grade Point Equivalent
5.0

A Bachelor degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design

Study option
Research
180 points
Grade required
GPE
Grade Point Equivalent
5.0

A Bachelor degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design

Study option
Taught
120 points
Grade required
GPE
Grade Point Equivalent
5.0

Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma

Study option
Research
120 points
Grade required
GPE
Grade Point Equivalent
5.0

Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma

Qualification
IELTS Academic
International English Language Testing System
Score required
6.5

Further programme requirements

You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher across your highest level of study, or a Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.

Alternatively you can gain entry to the MDes if you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Design (PGCertDes) with the required grade point average.
Fees & Scholarships
2022 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,728.40

International students
NZ$46,752

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.16 per point, estimated at $1,468.80 for full-time study (180 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Career Prospect
Where could this programme take you?

The goal of the MDes is to enhance your employability. With the critical thought and practice that comes from postgraduate study, you’ll be well positioned to lead projects as a strategist and practitioner. You’ll have a strong working knowledge of current technologies and the ability to adapt to those which emerge. You’ll have a multidisciplinary mindset, able to frame issues from a social and economic standpoint, and be capable of customising and applying your skills to any employer’s needs. With live projects and current industry professionals contributing to your learning, the networks developed in the MDes will leave you well-placed to contribute design solutions locally and globally.

Jobs related to this programme
- Design researcher
- Design strategist
- Digital designer
- Experience designer
- Innovation manager
- Interaction designer
- Product designer
- Service designer

Cost Of Studying At University of Auckland

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

Check Loan Eligibility