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Adelaide University

Master of Design Specialising in Fine Arts

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Push creative boundaries and contribute to Australia's cultural landscape through the fine arts.

Course overview

This degree gives you the platform to refine your artistic talents, develop business know-how and advance your research skills. Prepare to take creative risks and embrace new ways of thinking in your work.

From photography to ceramics and glassblowing, you’ll experiment and bring your ideas to life in Adelaide University's modern studios and workshops. This practical learning provides opportunities for collaboration and real-time feedback, along with access to the latest creative tools and technologies. Some courses are available online, giving you the flexibility to fit study around your schedule.

You’ll develop key professional practice skills in producing project proposals, collaborating with others and pitching ideas to clients.

A key focus of the degree is how you can translate your creative aspirations into sustainable practices. You’ll explore sustainability, ethics and legal considerations in art and design, setting your creative endeavours up for the best start.

Key features

  • Explore the studio areas and art forms you’re most interested in.
  • Join masterclasses led by visiting artists.
  • Have opportunities to exhibit your work or undertake an industry-based residency.
  • Choose electives aligned to your passions and career goals.
  • Study in world-class studios and workshops.
  • Gain business management skills relevant to the art industry.

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

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 months (Full time)
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Intake
July, 2026
Units
16
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to cover their student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

Students must complete 96 units comprising:

  • 66 units for all core courses.
  • 12 units for all specialisation courses.
  • 6 units for all work-integrated learning.
  • 12 units for electives.

Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.

Core courses

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
Specialisation courses
Work integrated learning
Electives

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

Career outcomes

You might start your own business, creating bespoke pieces in your chosen art form for hotels and other businesses. As a tattooist, you could use your skills to bring people’s vision to life in the form of body art. Perhaps you’ll work as a gallery manager, coordinating artists and artwork sales to ensure the gallery attracts visitors and buyers.

Graduates of this degree can work in art and design studios, galleries, museums, education, corporate environments and not-for-profit sectors.

You could also be a:

  • Photographer
  • Art Consultant
  • Designer
  • Creative Director
  • Community Arts Coordinator
  • Artist

Fees and CSP

Fee information not provided.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.