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
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 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
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.