Master of Sustainable Design

Degree Level Postgraduate

Years

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMSU

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements
- Applicants should normally hold at least a three-year completed undergraduate degree or recognised equivalent in a related design discipline from a recognised higher education institution with a Grade Point Average of 5 or above or equivalent. Design disciplines may include: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Planning and Urban Design.
- Alternatively applicants who have completed the UniSA Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Design or a Graduate Diploma in a related design discipline from a recognised higher education institution with a Grade Point Average of 5 or above will be eligible for entry.
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To apply for the next intake, please see the Master of Design (Sustainable Design) [DMSP].

Aim

The aim of the program is to provide a cross-disciplinary postgraduate setting in which a deeper theoretical and practical knowledge of sustainable design can be developed. A significant proportion of the teaching and learning is undertaken in the studio environment through design projects.

Content & Structure

The Master of Sustainable Design subject areas include Design, Technology and Cultural Studies, focusing on their relationship with Sustainability. These areas are envisioned as indispensable elements for the design of sustainable environments.

The 1.5 year program is structured around four streams that complement and inform each other. These vertical streams comprise Design Studio, Theory, Research and Electives. Students are required to complete 54 units in order to complete the program.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Sustainable Design Studio A	ARCH 6011	4.5
Introduction to Sustainable Design	ARCH 6005	4.5
Consumer Culture, Technology and Sustainable Design	ARCH 6001	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Sustainable Design Studio B	ARCH 6012	4.5
Principles of Sustainable Design	ARCH 6006	4.5
Research in Sustainable Design	ARCH 6004	4.5
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 2
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Sustainable Design Research Project	ARCH 6002	9
Independent Sustainable Design Project	ARCH 6010	9

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Recommended Electives
Arts Environment	BUSS 5218	4.5
Environmental Management Systems	ENVT 3002	4.5
Planning and Professional Ethics	ARCH 3016	4.5
Sustainable Urban Design	ARCH 5013	4.5
Strategic Concepts	BUSS 5074	4.5
Energy Management for Sustainability	MFET 5029	4.5
Entrepreneurial Foundations	BUSS 5298	4.5
Aboriginal Futures	SOCU 5010	4.5
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing	SOCU 5011	4.5
Indigenous Perspectives on Globalisation	SOCU 5012	4.5
Law and Land	SOCU 5013	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. The Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Design nests with the Master of Sustainable Design (DMSU). Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Design with a GPA of 5 and above are eligible for entry to the Master of Sustainable Design and will qualify for the Masters by completing courses worth an additional 18 units.

Notes

1. Students are required to take two 4.5 unit elective courses, with approval of the Program Director. Any electives with prerequisites need to be negotiated with the specific school.

2. Not all electives will necessarily be available in any one calendar year and the decision on whether or not to offer a particular elective will depend on student demand in each School. Students may be allowed to substitute electives from other university programs with the approval of the Program Director.