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
July, 2026
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.
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
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
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.