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 Interaction Design and Electronic Arts enables you to design for the future using the emergent technologies of today.
This program infuses technological innovation with human‑centred design thinking. The result is an understanding of ways to design interactive products and systems that will have lasting cultural and commercial importance.
Learn to design across multiple platforms and scales – from wearable computing and mobile applications to interactive architecture, responsive environments and urban informatics. Your ideas may become the basis of prototype products, patents or startup services.
Through a series of collaborative design studios and technical workshops, you will acquire the essential knowledge and skills for envisioning, creating and evaluating innovative solutions to a range of design challenges.
You can adapt this program to suit your interests by taking electives from other faculties. You will also build a compelling portfolio showcasing not only your design skills but also your understanding of how best to convey the user experience of new products and services.
The course culminates in a capstone research project, industry internship or graduation design project.
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.
Standard 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.
Standard 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)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts, a candidate must complete 72 credit points, including:
(a) minimum 18 credit points of core foundational units of study; and
(b) minimum 18 credit points of core advanced units of study;
(c) minimum 12 credit point capstone unit of study; and
(d) maximum 24 credit points of elective units of study
The following is an indicative progression for the Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts:
Year 1
Unit code |
Unit of study |
Sem |
CP |
IDEA9103 |
Design Programming |
1 |
6 |
IDEA9105 |
Interface Design |
1 |
6 |
IDEA9106 |
Design Thinking |
1 |
6 |
ARIN6905 |
New Media Audiences** |
1 |
6 |
IDEA9201 |
IDEA Laboratory* |
2 |
6 |
IDEA9202 |
IDEA Studio* |
2 |
12 |
DESC9117 |
Sound Design for New Media** |
2 |
6 |
Year 2
Unit code |
Unit of study |
Sem |
CP |
IDEA9301 |
Graduation Studio |
1 |
12 |
IDEA9311 |
IDEA Research Internship |
1 |
12 |
Credit points required per semester: 24
Indicative progression based on a 72 credit point master’s degree with a Semester 1 enrolment.
* These units are corequisites
** These units are electives; you can choose other options.
Note: In Year 2, Semester 1, you may pursue a capstone research project as a pathway to PhD research instead of the Graduation Studio unit.
You can further tailor your degree by replacing either of the 12 credit point capstone units (Graduation Studio or IDEA Research Internship) with two 6 credit point electives.
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts will have a bachelor's degree with a credit average.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
You will become proficient in the design of interactive experiences and the creative use of new technologies for application in a wide range of professional, design and industry settings.
By adding a specialisation in Audio and Acoustics or Illumination Design, you can diversify your course. This will differentiate your skill set and enable you to work in the emerging area of interactive sound and lighting in entertainment, buildings and public spaces.
Embarking on a research degree at the University of Sydney is an opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s brightest and most accomplished academics.