Master of Design

Masters DegreeMDes

The Master of Design (MDes) is an advanced degree focusing on design theory, technology and original research. It builds on the unique combination of design skills developed during the Bachelor of Design (BDes).

180 points, 1.5 years

Hamilton

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Trimester A (March)

Why study the Master of Design?

A central aim of the Master of Design is to allow you to specialise in your chosen area of the design and creative practices industry and prepare you for the next steps in a career in academia or industry.

The Master of Design provides an opportunity for you to undertake taught courses, design research, and develop your understanding of advanced design theory and practice. You will be supported to plan, develop and carry out a large scale design research project.

Research topics are tailored to suit your interests, providing an opportunity for you to hone a particular aspect of design further, which could be a pathway to your chosen career. You will also have the full support, guidance and expertise of your supervisor during your research project. During your Master of Design at the University of Waikato you will collaborate with other students and academics, and have opportunities to work with members of the professional design industry.

Career Opportunities

Advertising Designer
Interaction Designer
Multimedia Specialist
Design Educator
Creative Entrepreneur
UI/UX Researcher

180 points, 1.5 years

Hamilton

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Trimester A (March)

Degree information

Master of Design
Master of Design (MDes)
Select a tile for more information.
180 points
DSIGN581 Design Research Methods (30 points)*
DSIGN581 Design Research Methods30 points This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in design and computing. The paper attempts to give students the conceptual and methodological resources needed to think and converse as researchers and to develop a certain level of competence in at least one research methodology/method. This is accomplished through the generation of a research proposal in a field of interest to the student and critiques of methodological approaches found in the academic literature.Full paper details
Choose either: DSIGN593 (90 points), or DSIGN594 (120 points)
Choose either:
DSIGN593 Design Thesis
DSIGN594 Design Thesis
60 or 30 points from 500 level taught papers**
*Students not wishing to complete a research-led MDes may take DSIGN591 (30 points) if DSIGN581 is in their programme of study, or take DSIGN592 (60 points). **To complete a MDes, students must complete 180 points at 500 level. If a student completes a 90 point thesis, they need a further 60 points from 500 level taught papers. If a student completes a 120 point thesis, they need a further 30 points from 500 level taught papers.
This information is provisional and subject to change.
Compulsory
Thesis
Elective
DSIGN593 Design Thesis
DSIGN594 Design Thesis
To enrol in the MDes you should have completed a Bachelor of Design (BDes) (or equivalent) and have achieved a B average over the course of your study.
If you are applying with an undergraduate or graduate qualification from another university you must also complete a portfolio containing ten pieces of art or design work. Please include the ID Number that you will receive during this online application process when naming your portfolio. Submit your Portfolio after you have completed an online application to enrol.
It is helpful if you can discuss the choice of your actual programme of study – that is, the courses you are going to take and the area in which you plan to write a thesis or dissertation with the graduate advisor in Design. We will go over your entire proposed graduate programme with you, not just the courses you plan to take in the first year. If you cannot come to the University in person, we can discuss your proposed programme by email or on the phone.
Estimated fees
$8,084 - $9,685 per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.

Select a tile for more information.

180 points

DSIGN581 Design Research Methods (30 points)*

Choose either: DSIGN593 (90 points), or DSIGN594 (120 points)

60 or 30 points from 500 level taught papers**

This information is provisional and subject to change.

Compulsory

Thesis

Elective

DSIGN593 Design Thesis
DSIGN594 Design Thesis

Practical experience

The Master of Design provides an opportunity for you to plan, develop and carry out a large scale design research project. This will enable you to collaborate with other students and academics, and to work with members of the professional design industry.

Design facilities at Waikato

Graduate Design students have a dedicated design lab space and access to all undergraduate facilities which include several labs fully equipped with Mac computers.