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 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, tackle complex design problems and explore sustainable materials while 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, ever-evolving field of industrial design, building on your existing knowledge and skill set.
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.
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
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
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
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 annual fee in 2026: From $9,537 up to $17,399 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 units (normally eight courses) per year.
Student annual 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 programs.
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.