Design MDes

University of Auckland

New Zealand, Auckland

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University of Auckland

New Zealand , Auckland

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Credit point

120 Points

Campuses

City

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines3-Mar-2025

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 48,622 / year

Next Intake 3-Mar-2025

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.

Advance your design abilities and develop the specialist skills to solve future challenges and deliver positive change.

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

Read our postgraduate course descriptions.

Note: If you intend to continue on to doctoral study, you must complete the research masters pathway.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

180-point MDes - Taught

Year 1 120 points

Code:

DESIGN 700

Name:

Design Research Methodologies

Type:

Compulsory core course

Points:

15 pts
Code:

DESIGN 701

Name:

Design Practices

Type:

Compulsory core course

Points:

15 pts
Code:

DESIGN 702

Name:

Design Technologies

Type:

Compulsory core course

Points:

30 pts
Code:

DESIGN 703

Name:

Project Design

Type:

Compulsory core course

Points:

30 pts
Name:

Design Elective Course

Type:

Elective course

Points:

30 pts

Year 2 60 points

Code:

DESIGN 708

Name:

Capstone Project

Type:

Compulsory core course

Points:

60 pts

Sample programme structure

120-point MDes - Research

Year 1 120 points

Code:

DESIGN 700

Name:

Design Research Methodologies

Type:

Compulsory core course

Points:

15 pts
Name:

Design Elective Course

Type:

Elective course

Points:

15 pts
Code:

DESIGN 795A

Name:

Research Portfolio

Type:

Research portfolio

Points:

30 pts
Code:

DESIGN 795B

Name:

Research Portfolio

Type:

Research portfolio

Points:

60 pts

Subjects available in this programme

Design

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2023 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

University of Auckland Another tertiary institution

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

Research 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) or Postgraduate Diploma
Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

A Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

Taught 180 points Research 180 points Taught 120 points Research 120 points

You must have completed a Bachelors degree from this University with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points at Stage Three, 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.

You must have completed a Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Auckland 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 (PGCertDes) with the required grade point average.

You must have completed a Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Auckland 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 (PGCertDes) with the required grade point average.

Disciplines

Creative Arts and Industries

Requirements

Entry Requirements

This normally requires a completed bachelor degree or postgraduate certificate from New Zealand, or an acceptable equivalent qualification from a recognised university (or similar) overseas. Previous work experience may be taken into account.

Career

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

Further study options

Doctor of Philosophy

See all study options

Nazia Ahmed

Nazia Ahmed has a background in Public Health and looked to design as a way to improve patient care.

Read Nazia'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.

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

NZD 48,622 / year

How to Apply

Register for a new account:
- Click ‘Sign up for a new account’ below the Password field.
- A confirmation message will ask you to confirm sign up for a new account. Select ‘Confirm’.
- The 'Register for a new account' page will appear. Enter your email address, name and a password and click ‘Register’ (After accepting the IT Acceptable Use Policy and Disclaimer).
- On the next page provide your contact details, date of birth, citizenship and ethnicity. Please also indicate if you have a disability so we can better meet your needs.
Complete all your Application for Admission sections, including:
- ‘Academic History’: Enter all qualifications you completed or are currently completing.
- ‘Programme Selection’: Select your intended programme.
- Upload any documents requested (e.g. transcripts from your prior study)
Submit your application.
- Ensure you have read the Declaration section. Click, ‘I Agree’ and ‘Submit application.’