Master of Design MDes

    Master of Design MDes

    Duration18 month(s)
    Tuition Fee
    NZD 52,842 / Year

    Master of Design MDes

    About

    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.

    Disciplines

    Creative Arts and Industries

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    2025 entry requirements

    My highest qualification is from:

    Programme requirements

    Minimum programme requirements

    Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

    • Study option
      Taught 180 points
      Grade required
      GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

      A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design

    • Study option
      Taught 120 points
      Grade required
      GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

      A Bachelors (Honours) and Postgraduate Diploma

    Further programme requirements

    Select your study option:

    Written Statement

    Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

    Curriculum Vitae (CV)

    Your CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience and any other activities considered appropriate for your application (for example: participation in design projects (professional and amateur), involvement in community activities, details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes).

    You may additionally be required to provide some examples of your design work and again we will work with you directly if this needed as part of your application.

    Other pathways to study

    You must have completed a Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma from the with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II or above.

    Or, completed a bachelor degree from this University and completed the requirements of a Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher (provided the Postgraduate Certificate in Design has not been awarded).

    If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

    180-point MDes:

    An interview will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your Application for Admission we will contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).

    Programme requirements

    Minimum programme requirements

    Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

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

      A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design

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

      A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design

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

      A Bachelor (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma

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

      A Bachelor (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma

    • Qualification
      IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
      Score required
      6.5

    Further programme requirements

    Select your study option:

    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.

    You need to have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, after an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.

    Alternatively, you can gain entry to the 180-point MDes if you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.

    Other pathways to study

    If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

    180-point MDes:

    An interview will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your Application for Admission we will contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).

    You will also likely need to supply the following as part of your application, and we will contact you directly with instructions about this once you have submitted your Application for Admission.

    Written Statement

    Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

    Curriculum Vitae (CV)

    Your CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience and any other activities considered appropriate for your application (for example: participation in design projects (professional and amateur), involvement in community activities, details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes).

    You may additionally be required to provide some examples of your design work and again we will work with you directly if this needed as part of your application.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 58
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 90

    Career

    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 strategist
    • Experience designer
    • Service designer
    • Design researcher
    • Innovation manager
    • Interaction designer
    • Digital designer
    • Product designer

    Felicity shares her experience of balancing life’s commitments while studying the Master of Design part-time.

    Watch Felicity's story

    Student career planning service

    Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

    Key Information for Students

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    Fee Information

    Master of Design MDes

    University of Auckland

    University of Auckland

    New Zealand

    New Zealand, Auckland