Adelaide University
Master of Design Specialising in Graphic Communication Design
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Redefine how typography, imagery and layout work together to deliver powerful messages and shape perceptions.
Course overview
Reimagine your creative career with Adelaide University’s Master of Design, specialising in Graphic Communication Design.
Extend your design practice, exploring innovative techniques and sustainable ways of designing. Deepen your understanding of communication design from a cultural and ethical standpoint. Build essential business management and collaborative skills to thrive in the industry or launch your own creative enterprise. Gain expertise in planning and implementing your own design project and put your skills into practice through real-world industry experience. Develop your research and critical thinking skills to prepare you for an advanced professional career or further study.
Graphic communication designers work across fields including advertising and marketing, publishing and media, digital design, retail, entertainment, education and more.
Key features
- Gain advanced technical skills and knowledge in contemporary design practice.
- Build key business management and research skills relevant to the design industry.
- Tailor your degree with elective courses aligned to your interests and career goals.
- Collaborate with peers on real-world, professional projects in purpose-built studio spaces.
- Grow your network through relationships with key cultural institutions and local industry partners.
- Use this qualification as a pathway into further study, including PhD studies.
Key facts
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 could launch your own design consultancy startup, where you'll guide clients in crafting innovative visual identities and make strategic business decisions to bring your visions to life. You might lead cross-disciplinary collaborations between designers, engineers and researchers, driving innovations in areas like wearable technology or augmented reality. Or perhaps you'll champion ethical and sustainable design practices, becoming a thought leader and advocate in the global design community.
As a graphic communication design expert, you could consider careers as a:
- Art/Creative Director
- Design/Brand Consultant
- Graphic Designer
- Animation And Motion Designer
- Visual Communications Manager
- Studio Manager
- Web Designer
- Campaigns/Advertising Manager
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.