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Master of Design - Mdes (by thesis)

New Zealand

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What will I learn?

Extend your design knowledge and skills with advanced research at postgraduate level.

Advance your knowledge in the area of design that interests you, enhancing your theoretical and practical design expertise.

You’ll further develop your critical thinking and discussion skills, increase your understanding of design, and learn to express your own ideas and conclusions while producing a portfolio of design research.

Offered by the School of Design, the Master of Design is an opportunity to explore design-based research under the supervision of staff who are widely acknowledged as leaders in their fields.

You'll need a solid understanding of design research methodology to be successful in your studies. Explore your topic through a written thesis or a research project in the form of a design-based composition. If you want to do your Master’s via coursework, and work as part of a DRIL research group, you should explore the Master of Design Innovation.

Research topics: Consider your current knowledge of the intellectual, technical, aesthetic and cultural conditions of design theory and practice when choosing your thesis topic.

Past research areas include: design-led futures, gaming, interaction, digital imaging, live theory, design history, human factors in design research, design and culture.

You may be able to study the Master of Design by distance. Talk to the programme director to discuss this option.

Duration and workload:

The MDes can be completed within three trimesters of full-time study.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year.

Schedule: Self-directed with some supervision

Which department am I in?

Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation

Study options

Full Time (120 credit hours)

Tuition fees
NZ$44,300.00 (US$ 26,561) per year
NZ $44,300 for the full programme

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

Scheduled dates throughout the year

Venue

Kelburn Campus

Kelburn Campus,

Level 2, Easterfield Building, Kelburn Parade,

WELLINGTON,

Kelburn,

6012, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For international students

Bachelor’s or Honours degree in Design, or appropriate practical, professional, or academic experience.

Proof of English proficiency

To be accepted into this programme you will need one of the following:

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing

Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 58 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50)

EAP: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5

Flexible: Apply now and start studying once your application is accepted. Application deadlines: Trimester 1 - 1 Dec; Trimester 2 - 1 May.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington ranks in the top one percent of the world’s universities in 15 subject areas.

  • 5-Stars from the QS Stars Rating of Excellence
  • Number one in New Zealand for research intensity
  • 91 percent employment within six months of graduating
  • Located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city

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