Adelaide University
Master of Design Specialising in Graphic Communication Design
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop your research and critical thinking skills to prepare you for an advanced professional career or further study.
Course overview
Extend your design practice by exploring innovative techniques and sustainable design approaches. 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. Graphic communication designers work across fields including advertising and marketing, publishing and media, digital design, retail, entertainment, education and more.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 66 units for all core courses.
- 12 units for all specialisation courses.
- Six 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
Your previous studies can be credited towards your postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
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.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.