Master of Design
The Master of Design (MDes) is an advanced degree focusing on design theory, technology and original research. It builds on the unique combination of design skills developed during the Bachelor of Design (BDes).
Why study a MDes?
A central aim of the MDes is to allow you to specialise in your chosen area of the design and creative practices industry and prepare you for the next steps in a career in academia or industry.
The MDes provides an opportunity for you to undertake taught courses, design research, and develop your understanding of advanced design theory and practice. You will be supported to plan, develop and carry out a large scale design research project.
Research topics are tailored to suit your interests, providing an opportunity for you to hone a particular aspect of design further, which could be a pathway to your chosen career. You will also have the full support, guidance and expertise of your supervisor during your research project. During your MDes at the University of Waikato you will collaborate with other students and academics, and have opportunities to work with members of the professional design industry.
Career Opportunities
- Advertising Designer
- Interactive Designer
- Motion Graphics Designer
- TV Graphics Designer
- Web Designer
Degree information
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Subjects Choose a subject
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information.
Browse MDes subjects Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
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Plan your study -
Entry Requirements To enrol in the MDes you should have completed a Bachelor of Design (BDes) (or equivalent) and have achieved a B average over the course of your study.
If you are applying with an undergraduate or graduate qualification from another university you must also complete a portfolio containing ten pieces of art or design work. Please include the ID Number that you will receive during this online application process when naming your portfolio. Submit your Portfolio after you have completed an online application to enrol.
It is helpful if you can discuss the choice of your actual programme of study – that is, the courses you are going to take and the area in which you plan to write a thesis or dissertation with the graduate advisor in Design. We will go over your entire proposed graduate programme with you, not just the courses you plan to take in the first year. If you cannot come to the University in person, we can discuss your proposed programme by email or on the phone.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$7,626 - $9,137 per year
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Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees-free study.
Estimated fees
$41,730 (120 pts) $62,600 (180 pts) per year
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International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
To enrol in the MDes you should have completed a Bachelor of Design (BDes) (or equivalent) and have achieved a B average over the course of your study.
If you are applying with an undergraduate or graduate qualification from another university you must also complete a portfolio containing ten pieces of art or design work. Please include the ID Number that you will receive during this online application process when naming your portfolio. Submit your Portfolio after you have completed an online application to enrol.
It is helpful if you can discuss the choice of your actual programme of study – that is, the courses you are going to take and the area in which you plan to write a thesis or dissertation with the graduate advisor in Design. We will go over your entire proposed graduate programme with you, not just the courses you plan to take in the first year. If you cannot come to the University in person, we can discuss your proposed programme by email or on the phone.
Estimated fees
$7,626 - $9,137 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees-free study.
Estimated fees
$41,730 (120 pts) $62,600 (180 pts) per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Practical experience
The MDes provides an opportunity for you to plan, develop and carry out a large scale design research project. This will enable you to collaborate with other students and academics, and to work with members of the professional design industry.
Design facilities at Waikato
Graduate Design students have a dedicated design lab space and access to all undergraduate facilities which include several labs fully equipped with Mac computers.