Master of Design (Sustainable Design)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
Program Code
DMSP
Fees
AUD$ 38,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
082768F
Successful completion of a Bachelor degree or Graduate Diploma 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 the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study, and are not required to submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.
Applicants who have completed a Master of Architecture 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.
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: architecture; interior architecture; industrial design; furniture design; planning and urban design; contemporary art.
1Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Creative Arts – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). Public universities.
2Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
This hands-on postgraduate qualification will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable design thinking as it relates to the changing world of design.
You will study a balance of sustainable design theory and practical design application, ensuring you build on your previously acquired knowledge and skill set.
Guided by your undergraduate training, you will have opportunities to explore emerging materials and new technologies, learn about Indigenous Knowledges and refine craft and design skills. In addition to these fundamental practical skills, a key part of your learning will relate to advanced research skills and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research.
Advanced Standing
Applicants who have completed a Master of Architecture 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.
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree in the same specific discipline may be 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 submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.
2 years- SATAC CODE 4CM131
1 year- SATAC CODE 4CM208
Sustainability, emerging materials, new technologies and research are key focal points of this degree.
You will also study:
Your first year will comprise multi-disciplinary design studio classes, professional client guided projects through Match Studio, sustainable design subjects, advanced research methods, and business practices.
This industry-relevant postgraduate qualification equips you with sustainable design knowledge – and with a strong focus on sustainable design theory, emerging technologies, and new materials you will graduate industry-ready.
As a design student at UniSA you will practice your skills in our custom-built, world-class design studios and five floors of impressive workshops that boast digital fabrication equipment such as:
You will also benefit from:
Our teaching staff have extensive professional design experience, so the curriculum is industry-relevant and mostly practical in nature. You will also work alongside world-class researchers in design1.
As Australia’s university of enterprise:
It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
3Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
Job prospects in this field are looking good, with strong growth in employment expected in Australia1.
This degree allows graduates to augment their existing qualifications and career paths to include a sustainable design perspective. This has relevance to both the government agencies and private sector industries. Graduates find work across a variety of industries and employment sectors, including:
1Australian Government, Job Outlook 2020
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 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
As a UniSA student, 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 and laboratories, as well as spaces 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 gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, 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 also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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.
Hear from David Gordon about workshop here at The University of South Australia's City West campus. The workshop gives students the equipment and plenty of space to work through the entire development process from concept, development to production giving them hands on experience with the machinery and materials.
Students building the UniSA Mobile Art, Architecture and Design Studio (MAADS).
Students building the UniSA Mobile Art, Architecture and Design Studio (MAADS).
Leading academics talk about art, architecture and design at the University of South Australia.
University of South Australia industrial design students Harry Dinnen, Alec Taverner, Luke Johnson and Finn Woodhouse have developed a range of sustainable furniture, including fences, bottle chandelier, seats and tables, for UniSA to have on display at WOMADelaide.