Master of Design
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Paddington
- Codes
- Program code 9313
- CRICOS code 082198B
-
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $10,000*
-
2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $19,500*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,500*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $101,500*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Studio-based coursework
-
Art & Design campus
-
Strong industry links
Application closures for 2026
International applications for all undergraduate programs, as well as postgraduate programs offered by the faculties of Arts, Design & Architecture, Engineering (excluding Master of Information Technology and associated programs) and Science are now closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) for 2026 intakes.
Postgraduate programs offered by the Business School and the faculties of Law & Justice and Medicine & Health remain open. Master of Information Technology (and associated programs) also remain open.
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- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Master of Design is an industry-engaged master's degree that provides a pathway to senior design roles. Whether you have a background in design and media practice or wish to enter these fields from another professional discipline, you'll gain the skills, capabilities and confidence needed for leadership roles in freelance, project, media and technology contexts.
Throughout the intensive two-year program, you'll complete core design courses and integrated, multidisciplinary studio-based projects, alongside a suite of design electives. These electives allow you to specialise in one or more design disciplines, such as communication design or interaction and UX design. Alternatively, you can select a mix of different electives to broaden your design practice.
Key features
Hands-on studio practice, tailored to your area of interest
Focus your studio-based courses on a specific area of design and digital media or put together a broad suite of studio courses. Design electives include Communication Design, Design Leadership, Immersive Design, Interaction and UX Design as well as Materials and Object Design.
Industry links and partnerships
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture has connections to 1,000+ industry partners. Throughout the Master of Design, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with and learn from non-profit, public sector and corporate organisations to understand their evolving design needs.
World-class learning tools and resources
From the day you start this master’s program, you’ll have access to the cutting-edge facilities within the specialist campus at UNSW School of Art & Design, including state-of-the-art workshops, open studios and research labs. You’ll also have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for the duration of your studies.
Why study at UNSW?
Join a top university
Study at a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026) and join the UNSW School of Art & Design – ranked =#2 in Australia for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Set yourself up for career success
Prepare for the next step in your career with the Master of Design. UNSW is known for having the most employable students for seven years in a row (AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026). UNSW is also ranked #1 in Australia and #32 globally for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2026).
Flexible study options
The Master of Design is a flexible program with a customisable structure and flexible entry and exit points. Study full-time or part-time and choose from a range of courses to tailor your master’s degree to suit your career aspirations.
Entry requirements
Depending on the level and nature of your prior qualifications, admission to the Master of Design has three entry points with different duration and units of credit (UOC) required for completion:
- 2 year program (96 UOC)
A recognised bachelor’s or honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any field with at least a credit average (65%). Applicants who apply from non-cognate will be admitted on successful assessment of a submitted portfolio. - 1.7 year program (72 UOC)
If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) you’ll be granted admission into the 1.7 year program. Related Bachelor’s degree programs include Architecture, Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior and Spatial Design, Industrial Design. - 1 year program (48 UOC)
If you have completed an Honours degree in a related field (see above) you’ll be granted admission into the 1 year advanced disciplinary component of program.
If you’re applying without a Bachelor’s degree you may be admitted into the Graduate Certificate of Design by the Program Director on the basis of a portfolio and relevant professional experience. If you complete the requirements for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) you’re also eligible for admission into the Master’s program with full credit for courses already completed.
Entry score calculator
If you’re uncertain whether you have the equivalent to a UNSW credit average, you can use the UNSW postgraduate entry score calculator to convert and scale other types of grading schemes into a percentage relatable to UNSW entry requirements.
Portfolio Entry to Master of Design
Depending on the level and related nature of your prior design qualifications and experience, you may be required to submit a portfolio. Portfolio submissions must include the following:
- A 10 page A4 digital portfolio of original design work undertaken by the applicant including a critically reflective text.
- A cover letter that explains your interest in studying at UNSW Art & Design, and your interest in the degree. The letter should tell us about your interests, achievements and experience and be no more than 400 words.
- Verified evidence of professional experience in a design or media-related field, in the form of a written statement of service from an employer, client or commissioning agent verifying the position, role, responsibilities, duration and/or project outcomes of employment, service contract or other professional design engagement.
A two page CV that details your experience in, or related to design including contact details for two referees.
Admission pathways
Our suite of programs is designed to build a pathway that increases your capabilities and expands upon your hard-earned experience. We offer the following options to optimise your time while undertaking postgraduate study and provide alternative entry into further qualifications:
- Entry into the Graduate Certificate in Design with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Applicants without a bachelor's degree but with a portfolio of work and professional experience may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
- Entry into the Graduate Diploma in Design with a bachelor's degree in any field or a Graduate Certificate in Design with at least a credit average grade.
You can articulate into the Master of Design after completing the Graduate Certificate in Design with at least a credit average grade.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Depending on the level and nature of your prior qualifications, admission to the Master of Design has three entry points with different duration and units of credit (UOC) required for completion:
- 2 year program (96 UOC)
A recognised bachelor’s or honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any field with at least a credit average (65%). Applicants who apply from non-cognate will be admitted on successful assessment of a submitted portfolio. - 1.7 year program (72 UOC)
If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) you’ll be granted admission into the 1.7 year program. Related Bachelor’s degree programs include Architecture, Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior and Spatial Design, Industrial Design. - 1 year program (48 UOC)
If you have completed an Honours degree in a related field (see above) you’ll be granted admission into the 1 year advanced disciplinary component of program.
If you’re applying without a Bachelor’s degree you may be admitted into the Graduate Certificate of Design by the Program Director on the basis of a portfolio and relevant professional experience. If you complete the requirements for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) you’re also eligible for admission into the Master’s program with full credit for courses already completed.
Entry score calculator
If you’re uncertain whether you have the equivalent to a UNSW credit average, you can use the UNSW postgraduate entry score calculator to convert and scale other types of grading schemes into a percentage relatable to UNSW entry requirements.
Portfolio Entry to Master of Design
Depending on the level and related nature of your prior design qualifications and experience, you may be required to submit a portfolio. Portfolio submissions must include the following:
- A 10 page A4 digital portfolio of original design work undertaken by the applicant including a critically reflective text.
- A cover letter that explains your interest in studying at UNSW Art & Design, and your interest in the degree. The letter should tell us about your interests, achievements and experience and be no more than 400 words.
- Verified evidence of professional experience in a design or media-related field, in the form of a written statement of service from an employer, client or commissioning agent verifying the position, role, responsibilities, duration and/or project outcomes of employment, service contract or other professional design engagement.
A two page CV that details your experience in, or related to design including contact details for two referees.
Admission pathways
Our suite of programs is designed to build a pathway that increases your capabilities and expands upon your hard-earned experience. We offer the following options to optimise your time while undertaking postgraduate study and provide alternative entry into further qualifications:
- Entry into the Graduate Certificate in Design with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Applicants without a bachelor's degree but with a portfolio of work and professional experience may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
- Entry into the Graduate Diploma in Design with a bachelor's degree in any field or a Graduate Certificate in Design with at least a credit average grade.
You can articulate into the Master of Design after completing the Graduate Certificate in Design with at least a credit average grade.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
The UNSW Master of Design includes a mix of core courses, studio-based courses (also known as practice courses) and contextual courses. You’ll engage with contextual and critical approaches to design, sustainable practice, entrepreneurship and design research methods in the classroom, and get the chance to apply these principles through Work Integrated Learning. You can also take design electives in specialist areas to hone a specific design discipline.
Design electives are available in the following specialist areas:
- Communicative Design
- Design Leadership
- Immersive Design
- Interaction and UX Design
- Materials and Object Design
- Spatial and Experience Design
If you’d prefer to keep your options open, you can take a mix of electives to broaden your design practice.
Full program structure
Students must complete 96 units of credit (UOC) comprising core courses, art & design prescribed electives and design electives. All courses are worth 6 UOC each.
Core courses – 54 UOC
- Research Foundations in Art and Design
- Histories and Theories for Design
- Creativity and Entrepreneurship
- Design Concepts and Communication
- Critical Approaches to Design
- Designing in Context
- Design Studio Project 1: Proposal
- Design Studio Project 2: Final Design
- Imperatives for a Sustainable Future
Art & design prescribed electives – 6 UOC
Students must take at least one of the following:
- Work Integrated Learning
- Research Paper
- Leadership in the Cultural and Creative Industries
Design electives – 36 UOC
Students must take 36 UOC from any of the design elective groups below:
- Communication Design
- Design Leadership
- Immersive Design
- Interaction and UX Design
- Materials and Object Design
- Spatial and Experience Design
For more information on the different program structures, please visit the Handbook.
Future careers
Graduates of the Master of Design go on to work in diverse settings, including large corporates, global institutions, government, not-for-profits, media and technology companies and creative and bespoke agencies. From film and television to architectural design to arts, galleries and museums, this program can prepare you for a wide range of industries and opportunities.
Senior design roles offer competitive salaries in Australia. The average salary is $160,000 for a Design Lead and $170,000 for a Design Manager (Seek, 2026).
Potential careers
- Advertising creative director
- Animation director
- Brand strategist
- Communications designer
- Creative director
- Creative producer (Film and Media)
- Data visualisation designer
- Design consultant
- Design lead
- Design manager
- Design researcher
- Exhibition designer
- Experience designer (UX/UI)
- Fashion designer
- Film and television production designer
- Graphic designer
- Industrial designer
- Interior designer
- Jewellery designer
- Motion designer
- Product designer
- Spatial designer
- Textile designer
- Web designer
Double degrees
The Master of Design can be combined in the following double degree:
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply, please ensure you preference the CSP code in UAC to be considered. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
UNSW is ranked #20 university in the world
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award seven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
