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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

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 months (Full time)
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Intake
July, 2026
Units
16
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to cover their student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

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.

Core courses

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
Specialisation courses
Work integrated learning
Electives

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

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.