Adelaide University
Master of Design
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Master design thinking and turn your creative projects into sustainable ventures.
Course overview
Adelaide University's Master of Design will extend your design expertise, business knowledge and research skills so you can thrive as a lead designer in diverse settings. Develop the skills to produce project proposals, collaborate with others and present ideas to clients. Learn about ethical practices and sustainability in design to understand and address global issues. Refine these skills through research-based and real-world projects, collaborating with industry professionals.
In Adelaide University’s Master of Design, you’ll combine your technical design expertise with key professional practice skills.
The curriculum is mostly studio-based, providing opportunities for collaboration and real-time feedback, along with access to the latest tools and technologies. Some courses are available online, giving you the flexibility to fit your study around your schedule. Learn to integrate societal trends with user-centred design principles to create impactful and relevant work. Develop your business acumen and financial awareness so you can manage projects effectively and make informed decisions.
By exploring legal considerations, you’ll be able to produce work that is ethically sound and legally protected. Our project-based courses connect you with industry professionals, providing a platform to enhance your research skills and showcase your design expertise. You’ll build an advanced design toolkit and graduate ready to tackle problems with critical and creative thinking.
Key features
- Deepen your design knowledge in the areas that interest you the most.
- Gain business management skills relevant to the art and design industry.
- Study in world-class facilities and professional studio spaces.
- Learn with teachers who are established designers.
- Work on real-life projects under the guidance of industry professionals.
- Study electives aligned to your interests and career goals.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 66 units for all core courses.
- 6 units for all work-integrated learning.
- 12 units for all discipline courses.
- 12 units for electives.
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Complete 66 units for all of the following:
- Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio (12 units)
- Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio (12 units)
- Art and Design Business Practices
- Art and Design Research Methods
- Art and Design Masters Project 1 (12 units)
- Arts and Design Masters Project 2 (12 units)
- Art and Design Masters Report
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
- A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher, or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- You’ll learn how to research and create design projects that consider environmental, cultural and ethical issues.
- You’ll also gain practical design experience through an internship or industry project.
- Through these project-based courses, you’ll learn to develop strategies and processes for working in interdisciplinary teams on creative projects.
Career outcomes
You might find yourself working as a sustainable design consultant, advising companies on eco-friendly practices, like biodegradable packaging. You could be an exhibition designer, turning complex ideas into interactive and educational displays for museums and galleries. Perhaps you’ll start your own creative agency and develop brand identities for local businesses.
Graduates can work in a range of settings, including private design studios, government departments, commercial organisations and cultural institutions.
Other careers to consider include:
- Brand Manager
- Design Strategist
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- Art Director
- Senior Graphic Designer
- Packaging Product Specialist
Fees and CSP
Estimated student contribution amount per 1.0 EFTSL (48 units) in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.