- Duration
- Full-time: varies Part-time: varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120 or 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught & research options available
Programme overview
A common assumption is that design is about solving problems in organisations and societies. Although this is part of what designers do, we are all increasingly engaged in complex situations for which no simple solution is possible. In these environments, the designer’s task is to identify and frame problems and devise and facilitate systems in which problems can be addressed, sometimes incrementally, by multiple stakeholders.
The Master of Design provides you with the means to navigate, engage with and design in a variety of professional contexts; for-profit, non-profit and governmental, bringing both theoretical and practical skills to bear on today’s most significant problems.
- Programme structure
- Subjects
- Entry requirements
- Fees and scholarships
- Key dates
- Postgraduate adviser
Programme structure
You can build an individualised programme based on your personal and professional interests, and supported by expert mentorship.
You can choose either a taught or research pathway.
Taught Masters
In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge with advanced specialist training in your chosen field. It is completed with courses only. You can also do a capstone project, which allows you to investigate a specific issue that would benefit from a design-based approach. Choose a topic which interests you, explore theoretically and conceptually, iterate and deliver a solution.
180 point Taught Masters:
- 135 points: DESIGN 700–702, 709, 710
- 45 points from DESIGN 704–706, 711
120 point Taught Masters:
- 75 points: DESIGN 709, 710
- 45 points from DESIGN 704–706, 711
Research Masters
The research masters gives you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the knowledge in your field by completing a substantial research thesis project.
180 point Research Masters:
- 60 points: DESIGN 700–702
- 30 points from DESIGN 704–706
- 90 points: DESIGN 794 Thesis
120 point Research Masters:
- 15 points: DESIGN 700
- 15 points from DESIGN 701, 704, 705
- 90 points: DESIGN 794 Thesis
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
180-point MDes - Taught
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 700
- Name:
- Design Research Methodologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 701
- Name:
- Design Practices
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 702
- Name:
- Design Technologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 709
- Name:
- Project Design
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 704
- Name:
- Design Impacts
- Type:
- Elective taught courses
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 706
- Name:
- Design Innovation
- Type:
- Elective taught courses
- Points:
- 30 pts
Year 2 60 points
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 710
- Name:
- Capstone Project
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 60 pts
Sample programme structure
120-point MDes - Research
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 700
- Name:
- Design Research Methodologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Design Elective Course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 794A
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- DESIGN 794B
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 60 pts
Subjects available in this programme
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
A Bachelors (Honours) and Postgraduate Diploma
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Bachelors degree from this University with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.
Or, completed a bachelor degree from this University and completed the requirements of a Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher. Provided the Postgraduate Certificate in Design has not been awarded.
You must have completed a Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Auckland with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II or above.
Other pathways to study
180-point MDes:
Alternatively, in exceptional circumstances, if you have extensive relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission to the 180-point MDes degree.
An interview will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your Application for Admission we will contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).
You will also likely need to supply the following as part of your application, and we will contact you directly with instructions about this once you have submitted your Application for Admission.
Written Statement
Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience and any other activities considered appropriate for your application (for example: participation in design projects (professional and amateur), involvement in community activities, details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes).
You may additionally be required to provide some examples of your design work and again we will work with you directly if this needed as part of your application.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
A Bachelor (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
A Bachelor (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher across your highest level of study, or a Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.
You need to have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, after an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.
Alternatively, you can gain entry to the 180-point MDes if you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.
Other pathways to study
180-point MDes:
Alternatively, in exceptional circumstances, if you have extensive relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission to the 180-point MDes degree.
An interview will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your Application for Admission we will contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).
You will also likely need to supply the following as part of your application, and we will contact you directly with instructions about this once you have submitted your Application for Admission.
Written Statement
Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience and any other activities considered appropriate for your application (for example: participation in design projects (professional and amateur), involvement in community activities, details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes).
You may additionally be required to provide some examples of your design work and again we will work with you directly if this needed as part of your application.
How much does a Master of Design cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$52,842*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,663.20 for full-time study (180 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in Design. Contact our postgraduate adviser:
Postgraduate Adviser
Aaron Fry
Email: aaron.fry@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
The goal of the MDes is to enhance your employability. With the critical thought and practice that comes from postgraduate study, you’ll be well positioned to lead projects as a strategist and practitioner. You’ll have a strong working knowledge of current technologies and the ability to adapt to those which emerge. You’ll have a multidisciplinary mindset, able to frame issues from a social and economic standpoint, and be capable of customising and applying your skills to any employer’s needs. With live projects and current industry professionals contributing to your learning, the networks developed in the MDes will leave you well-placed to contribute design solutions locally and globally.
Jobs related to this programme
- Design strategist
- Experience designer
- Service designer
- Design researcher
- Innovation manager
- Interaction designer
- Digital designer
- Product designer
Felicity shares her experience of balancing life’s commitments while studying the Master of Design part-time.
Watch Felicity's storyStudent career planning service
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Key Information for Students
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Do you need help?
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Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513