Master of Design

Achieve excellence in your digital media practice through hands-on applied research relevant to your passion. Focus on 2D and 3D Design Media options including illustration, branding, photography, publication (including digital), animation, interactive media, game design and screen production

The Master of Design, Level 9 comprises 180 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 8 and 60 at Level 9. It consists of a minimum of three semesters of study.

At the end of the programme graduates will be able to, build sustainable relationships through collaboration; critically evaluate the complexity and diversity of the context in which they work; and explore, adapt, and apply selected methodologies evidencing diverse knowledge, research skills and perspectives to solve problems in specialist areas of design.

What you will learn

Design media

Design media is the study of theory, craft skills and professional practice of design and the creation of two-dimensional (e.g. illustration, digital painting, drawing, photography, publication design, and print making) and time-based design media (e.g. video, animation, interactive media, and web-design) as it applies to the Master of Design curriculum.

Compulsory courses

Advanced Methodologies for Design Research L8 - 30 Credits

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Establish and articulate a philosophical orientation for their research and propose a research design and methodology supported by a rationale for the design choice;
• Write and present a research proposal for approval;
• Identify, evaluate and respond to key ethical and cultural considerations within the
  field of study;
• Undertake a contextual review of the extant and seminal literature to identify or position a research question.

Development Studio L8 - 30 Credits

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Critically evaluate specific areas of interest for concept research and articulate objectives and ideas for future projects;
• Explore inter‐disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches;
• Undertake rigorous exploration of an extensive range of sources and technical applications and technologies relevant to their practice;
• Investigate and define the link between research practice and an appropriate industry/community context;
• Demonstrate professional studio practice in the documentation of idea development and technical exploration.

Creative Thinking L8 - 30 Credits

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Initiate rigorous intellectual analysis and critical reflection of their own work and that of others;
• Articulate creative thinking methodologies appropriate to the context in which they work;
• Articulate a considered position in relation to their field of enquiry or professional practice, with a focus on both current and future practice;
• Apply creative thinking methodologies to developing unique solutions to industry challenges or opportunities;
• Critically evaluate and professionally document research relevant to their creative practice.

Studio Project L8 - 30 Credits

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Advance and refine concepts for research and art/design projects as appropriate for industry/ community, professional and academic outcomes;
• Undertake extended exploration of inter‐disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches to solve problems and achieve design solutions;
• Document the investigation and creative development process used to make specified project work;
• Compile and present a finished portfolio, exhibition or show.

Dissertation and Implementation L9 - 60 Credits

On completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Apply a methodology appropriate to the research enquiry;
• Refine and resolve a research enquiry that is positioned within an identified context;
• Produce a fully resolved body of work extending from praxis and demonstrating mastery within a specialist field;
• Document the research project and critically reflect on the methodology and creative process used to reach the final outcome;
• Create opportunities for community or stakeholders to meaningfully engage with completed works.