University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Master of Design
Masters (Coursework)
This intensive program provides a pathway to advanced industry opportunities, whether you have a background in design and media practice or if you wish to enter these fields from other professional backgrounds.
Key details
About this course
Entry requirements
Depending on the level and nature of your prior qualifications, admission to the Master of Design has three entry points with different duration and units of credit (UOC) required for completion:
- 2 year program (96 UOC)
A recognised bachelor's or honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any field with at least a credit average (65%). Applicants who apply from non-cognate will be admitted on successful assessment of a submitted portfolio. - 1.7 year program (72 UOC)
If you have completed a Bachelor's degree in a related field with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) you'll be granted admission into the 1.7 year program. Related Bachelor's degree programs include Architecture, Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior and Spatial Design, Industrial Design. - 1 year program (48 UOC)
If you have completed an Honours degree in a related field (see above) you'll be granted admission into the 1 year advanced disciplinary component of program.
If you're applying without a Bachelor's degree you may be admitted into the Graduate Certificate of Design by the Program Director on the basis of a portfolio and relevant professional experience. If you complete the requirements for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) you're also eligible for admission into the Master's program with full credit for courses already completed.
Entry score calculator
If you're uncertain whether you have the equivalent to a UNSW credit average, you can use the UNSW postgraduate entry score calculator to convert and scale other types of grading schemes into a percentage relatable to UNSW entry requirements.
Portfolio Entry to Master of Design
Depending on the level and related nature of your prior design qualifications and experience, you may be required to submit a portfolio. Portfolio submissions must include the following:
- A 10 page A4 digital portfolio of original design work undertaken by the applicant including a critically reflective text.
- A cover letter that explains your interest in studying at UNSW Art & Design, and your interest in the degree. The letter should tell us about your interests, achievements and experience and be no more than 400 words.
- Verified evidence of professional experience in a design or media-related field, in the form of a written statement of service from an employer, client or commissioning agent verifying the position, role, responsibilities, duration and/or project outcomes of employment, service contract or other professional design engagement.
A two page CV that details your experience in, or related to design including contact details for two referees.
Our suite of programs is designed to build a pathway that increases your capabilities and expands upon your hard-earned experience. We offer the following options to optimise your time while undertaking postgraduate study and provide alternative entry into further qualifications:
- Entry into the Graduate Certificate in Design with a bachelor's degree in any field. Applicants without a bachelor's degree but with a portfolio of work and professional experience may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
- Entry into the Graduate Diploma in Design with a bachelor's degree in any field or a Graduate Certificate in Design with at least a credit average grade.
You can articulate into the Master of Design after completing the Graduate Certificate in Design with at least a credit average grade.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Depending on the level and nature of your prior qualifications, admission to the Master of Design has three entry points with different duration and units of credit (UOC) required for completion:
- 2 year program (96 UOC)
A recognised bachelor's or honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any field with at least a credit average (65%). Applicants who apply from non-cognate will be admitted on successful assessment of a submitted portfolio. - 1.7 year program (72 UOC)
If you have completed a Bachelor's degree in a related field with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) you'll be granted admission into the 1.7 year program. Related Bachelor's degree programs include Architecture, Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior and Spatial Design, Industrial Design. - 1 year program (48 UOC)
If you have completed an Honours degree in a related field (see above) you'll be granted admission into the 1 year advanced disciplinary component of program.
If you're applying without a Bachelor's degree you may be admitted into the Graduate Certificate of Design by the Program Director on the basis of a portfolio and relevant professional experience. If you complete the requirements for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma with a record of achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average (65%) you're also eligible for admission into the Master's program with full credit for courses already completed.
Entry score calculator
If you're uncertain whether you have the equivalent to a UNSW credit average, you can use the UNSW postgraduate entry score calculator to convert and scale other types of grading schemes into a percentage relatable to UNSW entry requirements.
Portfolio Entry to Master of Design
Depending on the level and related nature of your prior design qualifications and experience, you may be required to submit a portfolio. Portfolio submissions must include the following:
- A 10 page A4 digital portfolio of original design work undertaken by the applicant including a critically reflective text.
- A cover letter that explains your interest in studying at UNSW Art & Design, and your interest in the degree. The letter should tell us about your interests, achievements and experience and be no more than 400 words.
- Verified evidence of professional experience in a design or media-related field, in the form of a written statement of service from an employer, client or commissioning agent verifying the position, role, responsibilities, duration and/or project outcomes of employment, service contract or other professional design engagement.
A two page CV that details your experience in, or related to design including contact details for two referees.
Understand what we expect from your portfolio and how it can help you secure a spot in your desired UNSW degree from our Postgraduate Portfolio Guide. Get useful tips on creating an outstanding portfolio.
Our suite of programs is designed to build a pathway that increases your capabilities and expands upon your hard-earned experience. We offer the following options to optimise your time while undertaking postgraduate study and provide alternative entry into further qualifications:
- Entry into the Graduate Certificate in Design with a bachelor's degree in any field. Applicants without a bachelor's degree but with a portfolio of work and professional experience may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
- Entry into the Graduate Diploma in Design with a bachelor's degree in any field or a Graduate Certificate in Design with at least a credit average grade.
You can articulate into the Master of Design after completing the Graduate Certificate in Design with at least a credit average grade.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.