Master of Design (Communication Design), University of South Australia (UniSA). 2015 information for International students

International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMSP

Fees
AUD$ 25,500 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2015

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
082771M

Entry requirements
- Applicants must have completed a three-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution, or equivalent, in a related discipline. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.
- Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Design from the University of South Australia are eligible to apply and are not required to submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.
Related design disciplines include:

Communication Design: visual communication design, graphic design, graphic communication, communication design and illustration design.

Design and Construct: architecture, planning and urban design.

Industrial Design: industrial design, product innovation, product design, furniture design.

Interior Architecture: interior architecture, interior design, furniture design.

Sustainable Design: architecture, interior architecture, industrial design, furniture design, planning and urban design.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language test
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

This is a new program, from 2015.

Aim

The Master of Design (Communication Design) qualifies individuals who apply an advanced body of knowledge and specialist theoretical framework in professional design, communication, project management and research skills in response to the increasing demands and complexities of design practice in contemporary contexts, relative to communication design and its application for professional practice or scholarship, and as a pathway for further learning.

Content & Structure

Graduates of the Master of Design (Communication Design) will have a body of knowledge of the principles and practices of communication design to critically evaluate, identify, and develop progressive approaches to designing communications that extend beyond the visual for changing socio-cultural, economic and environmental contexts. Graduates will also have knowledge of research methods and principles applicable to communication design and its application.

Graduates will have advanced cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and propose solutions to a range of complex communication design challenges. Graduates will have developed verbal and written communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts applicable to communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas about design problems and responses to a variety of audiences. Graduates will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through a substantial research-based design practice project to demonstrate independent judgements and propositions relative to the effect and contribution of communication design practices in a range of settings.

The students will complete 72 units of study comprising 36 units of design research studio, 4.5 units of internship, 13.5 units of research methods and project, and 18 units of electives.

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.

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

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Design Research Studio 1	GRAP 5005	9
Design Internship	GRAP 5004	4.5
Elective		4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Design Research Studio 2	GRAP 5006	9
AAD Research Methods	VSAR 4003	4.5
Elective		4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Design Research Studio 3	GRAP 6001	9
Masters Project Report 1	ARCH 5036	4.5
Masters Elective		4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Design Research Studio 4	GRAP 6002	9
Masters Project Report 2	ARCH 5037	4.5
Masters Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,3

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Electives
Marketing Management	MARK 5025	4.5
Arts Environment	BUSS 5218	4.5
Energy Management for Sustainability	MFET 5029	4.5
Design, Production, Presentation	VSAR 5005	4.5
Aboriginal Futures	SOCU 5010	4.5
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing	SOCU 5011	4.5
Consumer Culture, Technology and Sustainable Design	ARCH 6001	4.5
Introduction to Sustainable Design	ARCH 6005	4.5
Principles of Sustainable Design	ARCH 6006	4.5
Masters Electives
Advertising: Planning and Buying Media	MARK 5079	4.5
e-Marketing	MARK 5080	4.5
Advertising: Theory and Practice	MARK 5024	4.5
Business Practice for Artists and Designers	VSAR 5006	4.5
AAD Professional Management	VSAR 5007	4.5
Entrepreneurial Commercialisation	BUSS 5299	4.5
Branding	MARK 5031	4.5
Strategic Concepts	BUSS 5074	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Within a particular year students may choose to vary the sequence of study, except where there are prerequisites for courses, but they are not permitted to take two Masters Design Studios concurrently.

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. At least two electives must be chosen from the Masters Electives list. Students may choose to enrol in alternative electives with approval from their Program Director.

2. Students may elect to enrol in this course in either the first or second semester.

3. 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.