Master of Design (Communication Design)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2020
You’re considered an International student if you are a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand.
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2020
Program Code
DMSP
Fees
2020: AUD$ 32,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
2021: AUD$ 34,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
082771M
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:
1Ranked equal 10th, 2019 QS Subject Rankings
2QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey and Course Experience Questionnaire 2016-18 – Overall Satisfaction and Teaching Quality Indicators (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
3Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
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
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:
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.
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:
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 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:
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
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:
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
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.
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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.
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.
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.
As a design student you will have access to:
I’m passionate about increasing awareness of Indigenous knowledges and providing expansive opportunities for students to engage in the educational process.
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.
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.
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.
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.