Adelaide University
Master of Design Specialising in Industrial Design
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop the skills to reimagine the objects and experiences that shape our daily lives by blending cutting-edge technology, sustainable thinking and user insights to design solutions that are both functional and inspiring.
Course overview
In this Master of Design degree, you'll learn to create solutions that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and impactful. Master the latest digital design tools and tackle complex design problems, exploring sustainable materials and collaborating with industry partners.
Enhance your ability to create innovative products for today’s world with the Master of Design Specialising in Industrial Design. The university will provide you with a thorough understanding of the dynamic and ever-evolving field of industrial design, building upon your existing knowledge and skillset.
Learn in custom-built workshops, where you’ll work with laser cutters, CNC routers and 3D printers. Through core courses, electives and major projects, you’ll go beyond building your practical design skills, also developing your research capabilities and analytical thinking.
By combining hands-on studio work with theory and industry engagement, this Master of Design will empower you to shape the future of industrial design and make a lasting impact on how people interact with the world around them. You might design smart water bottles, multi-use furniture or even self-cleaning surfaces.
Graduate ready to drive innovation in established companies, launch entrepreneurial ventures or pursue further research in design.
Key features
- Develop advanced technical skills needed to design physical products, systems, interfaces and environments.
- Benefit from Adelaide University's global networks and relationships in industrial design.
- Learn from teachers who are currently practising and have strong links to industry.
- Work on real-life projects in custom-built on-campus workshops.
- Exit from your studies early and graduate with a graduate diploma qualification.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further studies, including PhD studies.
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
The skills acquired in this industrial design program are transferable to many industries, such as design agencies and government departments, along with scientific, technical, manufacturing and retail companies. This allows graduates to pivot into other design-related roles and increase employability.
Other careers to consider include:
- Industrial Designer
- Product Designer
- Furniture Designer
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.