About

Learn in our custom-built-art on-campus workshops.
Benefit from our networks and relationships with the industrial design industry – locally, nationally, and internationally.
Gain advanced design and research skills, as they relate to emerging materials, technologies, design methodologies and practices, and sustainability.
Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
Learn from teachers who are practising professionals with strong links to industry.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further study, including PhD studies.
UniSA is Top 5 in Australia for Art and Design facilities¹.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in product design is ranked world-class².
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World's Top Young Universities³, we'll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it'll feel like you're studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Creative Arts – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). Public universities.
²Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
³UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Human-centred research and design thinking processes, as applied to industrial design problems, are the core of your experience. You'll use various techniques to investigate design problems, come to a deep understanding of the context, and then develop and implement innovative and appropriate solutions for the problem. Emerging materials, processing technologies and sustainability are also key focuses, and you will develop an advanced understanding of product design and graduate with the ability to develop and design:

physical products
systems
interfaces

You will also acquire:

high-level design thinking skills using a variety of methods and processes
high-level technical skills needed for digital prototyping and the development of 3D design
the ability to use knowledge of existing and emerging materials and processing technologies for high and low-volume manufacturing
the ability to work through complex industrial design problems
cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research

This degree comprises design research studio classes, research methods and a selection of electives.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

English Requirements

PTEMin 58
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career

Job prospects in this field are looking good, with strong growth prospects in the sector¹.

Careers to consider:

industrial designer: develop concepts and designs for manufactured products, such as cars
furniture designer: develop design concepts, experiment with different materials, liaise with clients and build sample models for either mass produced furniture prototypes or one-off exclusive pieces
product designer: use your design skills to make existing products more effective

¹Australian Government, Job Outlook 2020

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates of this program are eligible for Graduate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia. Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia after two years of professional practice.

Fee Information

How to Apply

Set off on a new course in life by applying to become an international student at the University of South Australia. Just follow these four steps.

The University of South Australia does not charge an application fee.

Find the best program for you

Start your search and discover the possibilities

Check entry requirements

Make sure you are aware of entry requirements for the University as well as individual program requirements.

English language requirements
Guidelines on genuine temporary entry
Guidelines on living costs and evidence of funds

Undergraduate – you must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 program or an equivalent program in your home country or a recognised Pathway or Foundation Studies Program. If you are an international student studying Year 12 in Australia you need to apply via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).

Postgraduate – At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

See if you need to apply through a registered UniSA Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through a registered UniSA education agent unless you are already onshore in Australia. View the full list of countries by citizenship here.

You will also find a full list of registered UniSA agents on our website (Find an agent).

Find an agent

Apply using our online International Application System

Once you have found the program you wish to study, from the program's home page click 'apply online' which will take you to our easy to use online International Application System. What can you expect from UniSA’s new International Application System:

A quick and easy to use online application form
Ability to track the progress of your application throughout the submission, assessment, offer and acceptance stages
Ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment through our secure online system

Accept your offer

Follow our step-by-step guide to accepting your offer, then get excited preparing for student life in Adelaide.

Important information

There is no closing date for submitting your application. Application outcomes will be advised within one to two weeks from the date we receive your application and all required supporting documentation. If you require a student visa, you will need to allow additional time to apply for a student visa.

Master of Design (Industrial Design)