Master of Design (Communication Design)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2020
You're viewing degree information for International students
You’re considered an International student if you are a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand.
Program Code
DMSP
Fees
2020: AUD$ 32,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
082771M
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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.
- Contemporary Art : visual art; contemporary art; illustration and animation.
- 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; architecture.
- Sustainable Design: architecture; interior architecture; industrial design; furniture design; planning and urban design; contemporary art.
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 testSee equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Degree overview
- Study at a School that has its degrees ranked in the World Top 150 for art and design1.
- We are No. 1 in South Australia for art and design2.
- Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in communication design is ranked world class3.
- Gain advanced design and research skills.
- Learn in our state-of-the-art campus workshops and studios.
- Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
- Benefit from our networks and relationships with industry – locally, nationally and internationally.
- Learn from teachers who are established designers.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further study.
1 2019 QS Subject Rankings
2 2019 QS Subject Rankings
3 Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Snapshot
This hands-on postgraduate qualification will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the innovative, changing world of communication design.
With a strong focus on adaptability and the importance of being able to respond to changing design issues, you will gain advanced skills in areas such as web and print design, as well as emerging technologies and research processes.
In conjunction with industry, you will also be given the opportunity to work on creative projects, developing skills in writing project proposals and presenting information.
In addition to the necessary practical skills, a key part of your learning will relate to advanced research and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse information.
You may also complete an industry placement as part of an elective.
Advanced Standing
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.
2 years- SATAC CODE 4CM131
1 year- SATAC CODE 4CM208
What you'll learn
To be an effective communication designer you need to be able to identify problems, and to examine and develop strategies and approaches to overcome them. This qualification addresses design issues that you may be faced with in the workplace, such as:
- socio-cultural change
- economic constraints
- environmental impacts
You will also develop an advanced understanding of communication design principles and graduate with the ability to develop and design effective communications for a range of audiences. Cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research will also be developed.
This master degree comprises design research studio classes, advanced research skills and a choice of electives, including an internship.
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 and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). 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:
- design studio project work
- project analysis, documentation and management
- placement reports
- research proposals
- literature/artefact reports
There may also be essays, assignments and examinations.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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 (Communication Design)
This unique qualification will extend your knowledge and skills in graphics and illustration. It will also provide you with advanced research skills.
The Master of Design (Communication Design) builds on knowledge and skills already attained and will extend your learning in preparation for a rewarding career across of a range of creative employment sectors, including:
- advertising
- branding
- merchandising
- communication
- publication design
The School of Art, Architecture and Design boasts award-winning, purpose-built studio spaces and five floors of impressive workshops that feature state-of-the-art digital equipment.
You will also benefit from:
- our strong industry links when you embark on industry placements
- our world-class teaching staff
- industry master classes hosted by national and international industry professionals
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 communication design1.
As Australia’s university of enterprise:
- 100% of our assessed research is rate at or above world-class2
- We are ranked 25th in the world's top 50 under 503
It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.
1 Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
3 2019 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50
Your career
This industry is expecting strong growth in long-term employment prospects Australia-wide, with the number of job openings over the next few years, until November 2019, expected to be above average1.
Graduates from this degree enjoy careers in a variety of roles, such as:
- animation and motion designer: use graphic software to create animated images
- art director: responsible for the visual aspects of a publication, campaign, or other published material; a chief liaison between the client and designers
- graphic designer: create visual concepts to inspire, inform or captivate an audience
- communications designer: use software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, web developers and multimedia companies
- illustrator: produce still drawings for use in advertisements, magazines, on packaging, greeting cards and in newspapers
- typographer: create the typeface that graphically reflects a client’s brief
- web designer: create and maintain websites, this may include the design, layout and coding
Creativity, patience, motivation, commitment and, of course, excellent communication skills, are all qualities of a successful communication designer.
1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015
Industry facts
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
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
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.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.
Your study experience and support
As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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
International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:
- careers advice
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- services offered through our student association, USASA
- accommodation services
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
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 study spaces
As a design student you will have access to:
- state-of-the-art on-campus design studios and workshops
- the South Australian School of Art Gallery
- the University library’s collection of art, craft and design resource materials, 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.
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How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.