UnitLevel 4Postgraduate

MDC4501 Advanced design studio 1

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

MDC4501 Advanced design studio 1 is a level 4, 18-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units, leading on to 17 units in all.

Credit points
18
Offered in 2026
Semester 1, Semester 2
Caulfield
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Enrolment rules

You must be enrolled in the Master of Design (F6002).

Overview

This unit introduces you to key concepts, theories, and technical skills essential for design enquiry and intervention. Through hands-on exercises and project-based activities, you will engage with design composition, problem-solving, and digital production. You will learn to approach complex design challenges with confidence, gaining a solid understanding of the design process and the interdisciplinary nature of design. Emphasis is placed on developing foundational skills in using design technologies and tools, enabling you to create, communicate, and prototype design outcomes effectively across various media.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterCaulfieldBlended
Second semesterCaulfieldBlended

Assessment

  • Project 1Project
    30%
  • Project 2Project
    35%
  • Project 3Project
    35%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Identify the core elements and principles of design, including the technical processes involved in contemporary design production;

  2. 2

    Apply design principles and skills to create and manipulate images, shapes, and forms, and use established production methods to solve design problems;

  3. 3

    Integrate research with skills and technologies to create solutions for contemporary design challenges;

  4. 4

    Recognise the social, cultural, and ethical impact of design on diverse stakeholders;

  5. 5

    Recognise the role of design practice in ethically addressing a range of complex societal challenges;

  6. 6

    Develop strategies for self-directed learning and continuous improvement in design skills.

Workload and teaching

  • Studio activities96 hours

36 hours per week including 9 contact hours plus 27 hours of independent study.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Mr Jeffrey Janet
Unit Coordinators
Mr Samuel Berkoh

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MDC4501?

None, but you must take OHS1000 before or alongside it.

What can I take after MDC4501?

MDC4501 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including DGN4029, DGN4201, DGN4604 and MDC4502. Those lead on to 17 units in all.

When is MDC4501 offered?

In 2026, MDC4501 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield.

Does MDC4501 have an exam?

No. MDC4501 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
18
Level
4
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
Organisational unit
Department of Design
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.375
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available
Handbook years
202520262027