CourseMaster's Degree (Coursework)MDes

F6002 Master of Design

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

Master of Design (F6002) is a 2 years full-time, 96-credit-point, master's degree (coursework) course from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, taught at Caulfield. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points
96
Duration
2 years full time
4 years part time
Campus
Caulfield
On campus

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisite map

Overview

The Master of Design is a dynamic and forward-thinking program tailored for the rapidly evolving field of design. This course equips you with the skills and knowledge required to excel and lead in various design disciplines. You will delve into advanced principles of contemporary design, refine your design practice, and graduate with an industry-relevant qualification that positions you at the forefront of the profession.

At Monash University, we cultivate designers who are independent, inquisitive, and socially responsible. Our graduates emerge as vital contributors and potential leaders in sustainable design, addressing issues ranging from climate action to social and cultural equity. The Master of Design offers three specialisations:

  • Interaction Design
  • Multimedia Design
  • Design Research

These specialisations prepare graduates to play crucial roles in various domains of design, fostering innovative solutions and leadership. You can personalise your learning experience by selecting a specific design specialisation or opting for the Design Research specialisation. This specialisation allows you to concentrate on a design research project within any field of design, such as industrial, spatial, collaborative, communication, and motion design.

The program is structured around four core design studio units, spread across four semesters. These studios include both defined and self-directed design projects that span design systems, services, processes, environments, and artefacts. Through these projects, you will demonstrate high-level planning, resource management, implementation, and evaluation, leading to a thorough understanding of professional design processes.

In addition to the core studios and research units, you will complete three elective units that enhance your skills and knowledge in relevant disciplines. These electives are designed to complement and extend your core studies, providing a well-rounded education in design.

The Master of Design offers an enriching educational journey that prepares you to become a leading design professional. With a strong focus on advanced design principles, research, and industry relevance, this course empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the world of design.

Course structure

Part A. Fundamental studies for advanced design24 credit points
Part B. Advanced design studies24 credit points

Elective unit

6 credit points
You must complete one unit (6 credit points) at Level 2 or above, chosen from within the faculty - the faculty recommend you choose one of the following units to complement your course (not all of the suggested elective unit options may be available each semester or year).
Part C. Advanced design specialisation48 credit points

Core unit

6 credit points

Elective units

12 credit points
You must complete two units, including at least one at Level 5, chosen from within the faculty - the faculty recommend you choose from the following units to complement your course (not all of the suggested elective unit options may be available each semester or year). Enrolment in ADA5406 requires an application and approval. MON5750 is offered in Winter Semester.
The handbook's description of this structure

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Fundamental studies for advanced design; Part B. Advanced design studies; and Part C. Advanced design specialisation.

Part A. Fundamental studies for advanced design

These studies provide you with the conceptual thinking and technical skill set required for advanced postgraduate study in this area. 

Part B. Advanced design studies

In these studies you will focus on the application of conceptual thinking and technical skills to advanced design problem solving. You will analyse and create a project outcome based on research, critique, and the application of design processes appropriate to your specialisation. You will also choose a selective unit that will further build capacity in your chosen specialisation.

Part C. Advanced design specialisation

In these studies you will focus on the application of advanced design problem solving skills at a professional level. You will consolidate skills and practice of design research methodologies and may extend your research trajectory to further study. Part C is also supported by two selective units to allow you to build capabilities in your chosen specialisation.

In the final semester you will pursue a major design project or participate in a leading industry project. The design research documentation unit formalises the research component of Part C. The final semester brings together advanced technical ability, conceptual thinking, entrepreneurial studies and design management in practice.

Master's entry points

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

  • If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 credit points, comprising Part A, B and C
  • If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 72 credit points, comprising Part B and C
  • If you are admitted at entry level 3 you complete 48 credit points, comprising Part C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

A zero-credit-point unit in art, design and architecture occupational health and safety (OHS1000) will also be undertaken. This unit is required of all students in the Master of Design and must be completed even if credit is obtained for Parts A or B.

Course progression map

The course progression maps provide guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study. Please ensure that you refer to the correct course map for your semester of commencement:

Semester 1, 2025 intake

Semester 2, 2025 intake

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Fundamental studies for advanced design (24 points), Part B. Advanced design studies (24 points), and Part C. Advanced design specialisation (48 points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Fundamental studies for advanced design (24 points)

You must complete:

  • MDC4501 Advanced design studio 1 (18 points)
  • DGN4500 Design thinking approaches
  • OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)

Part B. Advanced design studies (24 points)

You must complete:

  • MDC4502 Advanced design studio 2 (12 points)
  • TAD5400 Design research methods

and one unit (6 points) at level 2 or above, chosen from within the faculty - the faculty recommend you choose one of the following units to complement your course (not all of the suggested elective unit options may be available each semester or year):

  • DGN4029 Designing multimedia systems
  • DGN4030 Information design for multimedia
  • DGN4201 3D modelling and virtual space
  • DGN4604 Digital audio/video 1

Part C. Advanced design specialisation (48 points)

You must complete:

  • TAD5500 Design research documentation

and one specialisation studio 3 unit (12 points):

  • MDC5210 Interaction design studio 3 (12 points) or
  • MDC5220 Multimedia design studio 3 (12 points) or
  • MDC5240 Design research studio 3 (12 points)

and one specialisation studio 4 unit (18 points):

  • MDC5310 Interaction design studio 4 (18 points) or
  • MDC5320 Multimedia design studio 4 (18 points) or
  • MDC5340 Design research studio 4 (18 points)

and two units (12 points), including at least one unit at level 5, chosen from within the faculty - the faculty recommend you choose from the following units to complement your course (not all of the suggested elective unit options may be available each semester or year):

  • ADA5406 Art, Design and Architecture internship *
  • DGN5201 3D animation
  • DGN5203 Design for culture and heritage
  • DGN5204 Design for social impact
  • DGN5604 Digital audio/video 2
  • PPR5500 Design management and entrepreneurship
  • MON5750 Monash Innovation Guarantee (offered in Winter only)

* ADA5406 requires an application and approval

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. 1

    Engage critically and reflectively with advanced design theories, concepts, and methods, demonstrating a deep understanding of their application in contemporary practice;

  2. 2

    Apply advanced design principles and skills to produce and implement innovative ideas, concepts, and solutions to complex design challenges;

  3. 3

    Integrate advanced research methodologies to analyse, synthesise, and evaluate diverse and innovative solutions for contemporary and future design challenges;

  4. 4

    Work collaboratively to assess the needs, deliverables, and constraints of complex design projects, while demonstrating an understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical impact of design on diverse stakeholders;

  5. 5

    Critically analyse and contextualise design practices within cultural (including Indigenous and First Nations knowledges), environmental, ethical, technological, and professional contexts, recognising their societal and environmental impacts, and fostering a commitment to sustainable and ethical design solutions;

  6. 6

    Demonstrate the capacity to navigate change by committing to continuous professional development and critically integrating emerging trends, tools, and technologies shaping the field of design;

  7. 7

    Identify, evaluate, and apply appropriate occupational health and safety measures appropriate to the area of study.

Entry requirements

English language

Monash Level A, that is: IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 58 overall with no band lower than 50; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18; or Equivalent approved English test

More information

Progression to further studies

Successful completion of the Master of Design (F6002) may provide a pathway to further postgraduate study.

Notes for students

You can enrich your degree by honing your academic and professional skills through the Monash Innovation Guarantee (MIG). The MIG is your unique opportunity to collaborate with renowned industry leaders and design innovative solutions that result in real social change. MIG will give you the leadership skills you will need to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world and is your chance to make connections before you graduate. The MIG is a 6 credit point unit option. Please refer to the course requirements to see how MIG may fit into your degree. For information on eligibility please see FREE.

Other information

The Master of Design is a dynamic and forward-thinking program tailored for the rapidly evolving field of design. This course equips you with the skills and knowledge required to excel and lead in various design disciplines. You will delve into advanced principles of contemporary design, refine your design practice, and graduate with an industry-relevant qualification that positions you at the forefront of the profession.

At Monash University, we cultivate designers who are independent, inquisitive, and socially responsible. Our graduates emerge as vital contributors and potential leaders in sustainable design, addressing issues ranging from climate action to social and cultural equity. The Master of Design offers three specialisations:

  • Interaction Design
  • Multimedia Design
  • Design Research

These specialisations prepare graduates to play crucial roles in various domains of design, fostering innovative solutions and leadership. You can personalise your learning experience by selecting a specific design specialisation or opting for the Design Research specialisation. This specialisation allows you to concentrate on a design research project within any field of design, such as industrial, spatial, collaborative, communication, and motion design.

The program is structured around four core design studio units, spread across four semesters. These studios include both defined and self-directed design projects that span design systems, services, processes, environments, and artefacts. Through these projects, you will demonstrate high-level planning, resource management, implementation, and evaluation, leading to a thorough understanding of professional design processes.

In addition to the core studios and research units, you will complete three elective units that enhance your skills and knowledge in relevant disciplines. These electives are designed to complement and extend your core studies, providing a well-rounded education in design.

The Master of Design offers an enriching educational journey that prepares you to become a leading design professional. With a strong focus on advanced design principles, research, and industry relevance, this course empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the world of design.

Contacts

Academic Coordinator
Mr Jeffrey Janet

Common questions

How long is Master of Design?

2 years full time, 96 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 4 semesters of full-time study.

Where can I study Master of Design?

At Caulfield.

How do I plan my Master of Design units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification
Master's Degree (Coursework)
AQF level
Level 9
Credit points
96
Full time
2 Years
Part time
4 Years
Maximum time
6 years
Faculty
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
CRICOS code
089737A
Abbreviation
MDes
Award title
Master of Design