Master of Design (Communication Design), University of South Australia (UniSA). 2017 information for International students

International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMSP

Fees
AUD$ 28,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2017

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

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree 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 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:
- 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

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, 13.5 units of research methods and project, and 22.5 units of electives.

What courses you'll study

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

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Electives
Advertising: Theory and Practice	MARK 5024	4.5
Marketing Management	MARK 5025	4.5
Arts Environment	BUSS 5218	4.5
Brand Management	MARK 5031	4.5
Design, Production, Presentation	VSAR 5005	4.5
Business Practice for Artists and Designers	VSAR 5006	4.5
Entrepreneurial Foundations	BUSS 5298	4.5
Entrepreneurial Commercialisation	BUSS 5299	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
Advertising: Planning and Buying Media	MARK 5079	4.5
e-Marketing	MARK 5080	4.5
AAD Internship	GRAP 5004	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.

2. 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.