Study Master of Design (Industrial Design) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMSP

SATAC Code
4CM131 (Internal)
4CM208 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree or Graduate Diploma from a recognised higher education institution, or equivalent, in a related discipline. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.

Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Design from the University of South Australia are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study, and are not required to submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree in a related discipline are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.

Related design disciplines include: industrial design; product innovation; product design; furniture design.

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Degree overview

Learn in our custom-built-art on-campus workshops.
Benefit from our networks and relationships with the industrial design industry – locally, nationally, and internationally.
Gain advanced design and research skills, as they relate to emerging materials, technologies, design methodologies and practices, and sustainability.
Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
Learn from teachers who are practising professionals with strong links to industry.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further study, including PhD studies.
UniSA is Top 5 in Australia for Art and Design facilities¹.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in product design is ranked world-class².
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities³, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Creative Arts – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). Public universities.
²Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
³UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

This hands-on postgraduate qualification will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the innovative, changing world of design. You will study emerging trends and technologies, contemporary design issues, design thinking methodologies, qualitative research practices and sustainability.

This degree explores the intricacies of product design, further building on your existing knowledge and skill set. You will develop the tools and techniques to investigate and analyse human centred design problems and develop techniques to manage complex design projects. You will also develop knowledge and skills in design thinking principles and practices as they are applied to industrial design projects. Emerging materials and processing technologies will be covered, as will manufacturing, technical skills and 3D design.

Much of your study will take place in our custom-built workshops that are fitted out with digital fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, CNC routers and 3D printers, as well as industry-standard motion-capture and virtual reality systems.

In addition to these fundamental practical skills, a key part of your learning will relate to advanced research skills and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research.

You may also complete an industry placement as part of your studies.

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree in the same specific discipline may be eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study. Applicants must submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.

2 years- SATAC CODE 4CM131

1 year- SATAC CODE 4CM208

What you'll learn

Human-centred research and design thinking processes, as applied to industrial design problems, are the core of your experience. You’ll use various techniques to investigate design problems, come to a deep understanding of the context, and then develop and implement innovative and appropriate solutions for the problem. Emerging materials, processing technologies and sustainability are also key focuses, and you will develop an advanced understanding of product design and graduate with the ability to develop and design:

physical products
systems
interfaces

You will also acquire:

high-level design thinking skills using a variety of methods and processes
high-level technical skills needed for digital prototyping and the development of 3D design
the ability to use knowledge of existing and emerging materials and processing technologies for high and low-volume manufacturing
the ability to work through complex industrial design problems
cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research

This degree comprises design research studio classes, research methods and a selection of electives.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Course name FIRST YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)			Reference
Course name Research Studio 1	Area and cat no. GRAP 5005	Units 9	Reference	Rule(s): 1
Course name Research Methods (Creative)	Area and cat no. CREA 4004	Units 4.5	Reference	Rule(s): 1
Course name Nature, Culture and Sustainability	Area and cat no. ARCH 6005	Units 4.5	Reference	Rule(s): 1
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Research Studio 2	Area and cat no. GRAP 5006	Units 9	Reference	Rule(s): 1
Course name Business Practice for Artists and Designers	Area and cat no. VSAR 5006	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Elective		Units 4.5	Reference Note(s): 1,2	Rule(s): 1
Course name SECOND YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)			Reference
Course name Masters Project 1	Area and cat no. GRAP 6001	Units 9	Reference
Course name Masters Project Report 1	Area and cat no. ARCH 5036	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Elective		Units 4.5	Reference Note(s): 1,2
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Masters Project 2	Area and cat no. GRAP 6002	Units 9	Reference
Course name Masters Project Report 2	Area and cat no. ARCH 5037	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Elective		Units 4.5	Reference Note(s): 1,2	Rule(s): 1

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Electives
Course name Communication Contexts	Area and cat no. COMM 5004	Units 4.5
Course name Campaigns and Crises	Area and cat no. COMM 5005	Units 4.5
Course name Entrepreneurial Foundations	Area and cat no. BUSS 5298	Units 4.5
Course name Entrepreneurial Commercialisation	Area and cat no. BUSS 5299	Units 4.5
Course name Consumer Culture, Technology and Sustainable Design	Area and cat no. ARCH 6001	Units 4.5
Course name Principles of Sustainable Design	Area and cat no. ARCH 6006	Units 4.5
Course name Professional Placement or Project	Area and cat no. GRAP 5004	Units 4.5
Course name Construction on Site: Advanced	Area and cat no. BUIL 5041	Units 4.5
Course name Construction in the Workshop: Advanced	Area and cat no. BUIL 5040	Units 4.5
Course name Social Media Management	Area and cat no. COMM 5069	Units 4.5
Course name Managing Digital Design	Area and cat no. COMM 5068	Units 4.5
Course name Communication and Media: Advanced	Area and cat no. COMM 4005	Units 4.5
Course name Industry 4.0 and Society	Area and cat no. COMM 4006	Units 4.5
Course name Digital Entrepreneurship	Area and cat no. COMM 4004	Units 4.5
Course name Content Creation	Area and cat no. COMM 5084	Units 4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) in a related discipline are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study.

Notes

1. Electives are selected from those listed above. Electives are designed to extend and expand students' intellectual and professional abilities in core and cognate areas of the curriculum and to provide scope for individual development in particular areas of professional and academic interest. A selection of electives will be offered each year, depending on staff availability and student demand. Students may choose to enrol in alternative electives with approval from their Program Director.

2. Students who have a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or more and wish to independently pursue a topic of interest not available in the electives offered in any one study period may choose a research or project based individual elective with the approval of the Program Director.

3. This program forms part of a nested suite of programs consisting of 72 units as follows: Graduate Diploma in Design comprising 36 units; Master of Design comprising a further 36 units.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

proposals
projects
literature/artefact reviews
research proposals
essays and assignments
physical artefacts
video presentations explaining design concepts
visual explanations of design proposals
3D computer models
oral presentations
exhibitions

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Master of Design (Industrial Design)

This industry-relevant postgraduate qualification will give you with a competitive advantage when seeking professional employment.

As a design student, you will practice your skills in our world-class design studios and workshops that boast digital fabrication equipment such as:

laser cutters
water-jet cutters
CNC routers
3D printers
industry-standard motion-capture and virtual reality systems

You will also benefit from:

our strong industry links when you embark on industry placements
our award-winning teaching staff

Our teaching staff are professional designers, so the curriculum is industry-relevant and mostly practical in nature. You will also work alongside world-class researchers in design¹.

We are fast becoming a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors that will drive Australia's future, including smart manufacturing. It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.

The Program works closely with real-world companies to provide students with hands-on industry-relevant projects work. As an example, we are currently working with Beam Micromobility on future mobilty solutions.

^{1 Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)}

Real-world connections

Our teaching staff are highly trained industry professionals who bring with them years of experience. They have strong industry links, and many hold professional positions with national and international organisations. For you, this means links to industry and the opportunity to build important networks.

UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge

Career outcomes

Your career

Job prospects in this field are looking good, with strong growth prospects in the sector¹.

Careers to consider:

industrial designer: develop concepts and designs for manufactured products, such as cars
furniture designer: develop design concepts, experiment with different materials, liaise with clients and build sample models for either mass produced furniture prototypes or one-off exclusive pieces
product designer: use your design skills to make existing products more effective

¹Australian Government, Job Outlook 2020

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates of this program are eligible for Graduate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia. Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia after two years of professional practice.

Thinking of studying soon?

2025

Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.

When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

2026

Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.

Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Graduate Diploma in Design
Bachelor (Honours) degree in a related discipline

This degree is part of a nested suite of degrees, which means you may be able to exit early and graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Design.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As a design student you will have access to:

custom-built on-campus design studios and workshops
the University library’s collection of art, craft, and design resource material, which is the largest in the state

Your program director

I’m passionate about increasing awareness of Indigenous knowledges and providing expansive opportunities for students to engage in the educational process.

Mr Peter Walker

Program Director

Enquire

Mr Peter Walker

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

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