In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
The Master of Design provides new skills for industry leaders of tomorrow. The degree will introduce you to the principles of design-led innovation, strategic design and leadership, and design research methods, equipping you with the ability to lead by design in challenging environments and global economies.
Learn how to apply design processes to tackle complex problems, develop strategies for innovation and devise practices that lead to a strategic advantage in the market. You’ll be engaged in both analytical and creative thinking, and acquire broad skills in communication, information literacy, inventiveness and critical thinking.
At the master’s level, this degree can be taken over 1.5 or 2 years respectively. You can also elect to specialise in only one area:
The program can also be taken at the level of:
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
This program includes foundational core units, advanced core units, capstone units in Design Innovation and Strategic Design, and electives you can take with different faculties. In your capstone project, you can focus on either Design Innovation, which covers the use of design methods for creating human-centred products, services and systems; or Strategic Design, focusing on designing products, services and systems that achieve social, environmental or commercial goals. Your choice of capstone specialisation will determine whether you graduate with a Master of Design (Design Innovation) (Strategic Design) or a Master of Design (Strategic Design) (Design Innovation).
You can take either or both specialisations, over 1.5 or 2 years respectively. We also offer this program in part-time mode to meet the needs of students already working in the industry.
You may also choose to exit with a Graduate Diploma after completing 48 credit points or with a Master of Design in a single specialisation after completing the relevant 72 credit points.
In the Master of Design double degree, you are able to further develop your skills through suite of capstone units. These units explore industry- or research-based design problems or situations, and enable you to interact with professionals and real-world problems from the design industry. The capstone units will allow you to specialise in a particular area or topic. You can also choose to complete your capstone research project along with a Design Dissertation to gain deeper knowledge of research and practice in research methods.
No previous experience or knowledge in design is required.
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants in the order in which complete applications are received, according to the admissions criteria listed below.
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed to be equivalent.
To complete the double specialisation you must enrol in the 96-credit point degree.
Graduates of the Master of Design (Design Innovation) (Strategic Design) will be prepared to perform roles in organisations that incorporate design skills, design innovation and strategic design into their ways of doing business. These roles include: