Master of Design

    Master of Design

    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 28,892 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026

    Master of Design

    About

    The Master of Design (MDes) is an exploration of 21st century creative practices suited to current or emerging designers who wish to become design leaders with social design skills. It provides a suite of courses to equip emerging designers with the necessary skills and existing designers with concepts, strategies, and technologies to solve real-life, complex problems while prioritising ethical and sustainable practices. This includes respecting First Nations cultures and perspectives, and embracing principles of environmental stewardship.

    The program offers students the opportunity to advance their skills and knowledge in multiple areas including strategic visual communication, experience and interaction design as well as leadership and social design. These courses are complimented by a range of practical/making courses and exposure to industry leaders through a lecture series. Furthermore, the program offers practical experience and industry exposure via a placement course while also providing access to executive business courses and a PhD pathway.

    Students will utilise both collaborative and individual working contexts to expand their knowledge of contemporary design processes at professional industry level. They will gain practical, strategic and critical thinking skills in tune with current and future industry needs. Via courses incorporating briefs, interaction with industry partners, practice-led work and design strategy components, graduates will be prepared for various levels of design.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Study option

    If you do not meet the academic entry criteria, you may be able to study the Masters Qualifying Program (9354) and qualify for entry into this Masters degree.

    To be eligible for admission to the Master of Design, you must have one of:

    Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP)

    • A Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution AND a minimum of 3 years professional experience.
    • OR a 3344 Graduate Certificate in Design

    Pathway 2 - 1.5 year program (120CP)

    • A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale
    • OR
    • have a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above

    Pathway 3 - 2 year program (160CP)

    • A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 58
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    English Program Requirements

    English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

    English test results must be no more than two years old.

    International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

    The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

    Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

    If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

    Career

    With a graduate portfolio demonstrating your innovative knowledge and skills, the Master of Design better prepares you for future jobs in a wide range of global industries and careers, including:

    • Experience Design
    • User Experience
    • Service Design
    • Graphic Communication Design
    • Digital Visual Design
    • Product and 3D Design
    • Design Management
    • Design Strategy
    • Creative Technologist
    • Design Research
    • User Research

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    28,892 / year
    Application Fee 50

    How to Apply

     

    1. Choose the degree

     

    At Griffith we offer hundreds of study options. Our study website will help you find the best degree for you.

     

    2. Entry requirements

     

    Check you meet the academic and English language entry requirements in the Degree finder.

     

    Consider a pathway option if you don’t meet the direct entry requirements.

     

    3. Check if you are eligible for credit

     

    If you have existing formal qualifications or relevant work experience, you may be eligible to receive credit which will reduce the duration of your study.

     

    To apply, provide details of your previous qualification or work experience in the ‘credit for previous study’ section when you submit your application. You may be required to supply detailed course outlines of your previous qualification(s) in English.

     

    4. Prepare supporting documentation

     

    Prepare supporting documentation including:

     

    • a certified* copy of your academic results (translated into English if applicable)

    • a certified* copy of your English test results (if available) and

    • if you are applying for a music or visual arts degree you may need to submit a portfolio of work, or audition (see individual program for details)





    •  
    •  
    •  
     

    Sponsored students

     

    Sponsored students must also supply documents confirming:

       

    *To certify your documents, a Justice of the Peace or other public notary—lawyer, policeman, solicitor, embassy official—must see your original documents, and sign and stamp the copies for you.

     

    5. Apply

     

    Apply online or through an international registered recruitment representative.

     

    If you are currently studying at an Australian high school you may apply through QTAC.

     

    Application dates

     

    We recommend you apply for undergraduate and postgraduate programs by:

     

    • 31 January (to start Trimester 1)

    • 3 June (to start Trimester 2)

    • 30 September (to start Trimester 3).





    •  
    •  
    •  
     

    You must allow enough time for your visa application to be processed, to allow you to arrive in time for Orientation. Some programs have different application closing dates. Check if this applies to your program on the 

     

    Track your application

     

    If you applied online, login to our International Application System.

     

    If you applied through an agent, check with your registered Griffith agent or provider.

     

     

    Master of Design

    Griffith University

    Griffith University

    Australia

    Australia, Southport