Programme details

Master of Design Innovation – MDI

Build upon the foundation of your Bachelor's degree and gain a competitive edge in your career by pursuing advanced study and research in design. A Master's degree in design allows you to deepen your knowledge, refine your skills, and explore specialized

Course description

Acquire the specialized skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in the design industry through our intensive three-trimester program. Offered by the School of Design Innovation, this professional qualification focuses on mastering the process of transforming ideas into tangible designs, from initial conception through to final construction.

Immerse yourself in an area of your choice within this industry-focused program, where you’ll critically assess new technologies and explore how design impacts our social, cultural, environmental, and economic landscapes. Through a blend of coursework and supervised research, you’ll deepen your understanding of creating value through design.

A significant portion of your studies will take place within the Design Research Innovation Laboratory (DRIL), where you’ll collaborate within research groups. These groups provide a dynamic and supportive environment for inspiration and discovery. Choose a research group aligned with your current expertise, career aspirations, and research interests to shape your portfolio of work.

For more information about the School of Design Innovation’s research groups, key research areas, and faculty supervisors, visit the School’s dedicated Research site.

Engage directly with commercial and cultural organizations through applied research projects, enhancing your communication and collaboration skills. Prepare yourself for a rewarding career in the dynamic field of design.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Upon completion of the program, you’ll be prepared for a career across diverse design-oriented fields within both public and private sectors. Potential roles include industrial, interior, or product designer, art director, visual effects artist, jeweler, exhibition designer, digital animator, or web designer.

Given the comprehensive skill set you’ll acquire during your studies, you’ll also be equipped to explore opportunities in careers beyond traditional professions in design.

Entry requirements

To gain admission to this program, you must meet the following requirements:

– Possess a Bachelor of Design Innovation or Graduate Diploma in Design Innovation from this university, with a minimum B average, or an equivalent qualification approved by the university.

– Receive approval from the Head of School, demonstrating your capability to successfully undertake the proposed course of study.

EL requirement (any one of the following)
– IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0
– TOEFL (Internet-based test): Minimum score of 90, with at least 20 in writing
– Pearson Test of English: Minimum score of 58, with a ‘Communicative’ score of no less than 50
– EAP: Minimum final scores of 4, 4, 5, 5
– Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
– New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)
– NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3, with no skill lower than Level 2

Credits
180

Duration
1.5 years

Intakes

February

International fees
64500

Location

Qualification Type

Study level