Masters (Coursework)
The UNSW Master of Public Relations & Advertising/Master of Design combines two postgraduate degrees over two or three years full-time.
The UNSW Master of Public Relations & Advertising/Master of Design combines two postgraduate degrees over two or three years full-time. You'll gain a unique combination of strategic communication skills and design practice, as well as a deep conceptual knowledge of media theory and design research.
The Master of Public Relations and Advertising/Design dual award is ideal for industry professionals from advertising or design seeking to advance their career, as well as career-changers wanting to enter vibrant and rapidly evolving industries. Graduates of this program are well-rounded communication professionals known for creativity, design thinking and entrepreneurship.
Use the latest media and design technology
You'll prepare to lead design innovation and creative approaches in the industry. Our digital facilities contain the most current technologies, including media production equipment and advanced design software, through which you can hone your design practice and strategic communication skills.
Specialised design studio practice
The Master of Design allows you to focus your studio-based courses on a specific area of design and digital media or to put together a suite of courses. Areas of practice include Graphic Communication, Spatial Experiences, Interaction Design and User Experience (UX) Design, Visualisation and Visual Effects and Future Making: Materials and Objects.
Build the right networks
Our strong industry connections can help you undertake real-world learning through placements and establish networks to boost your career. UNSW's focus on entrepreneurship provides programs and facilities to nurture start-up aspirations alongside our strong ties to larger media organisations.
Deep critical thinking
Our programs are led by academics with extensive years of industry experience. They'll guide you to think critically about methodologies and contemporary theories, including design thinking, advertising strategies and strategic communication. Your conceptual understanding will mean you understand the forces shaping the industry and build a career that moves with this exciting sector.
You must satisfy the entry requirements for the Master of Public Relations & Advertising and Master of Design and single award programs to enter the double award.
Depending on the level and nature of your prior qualifications and work experience, there are two streams in the Master of Public Relations & Advertising/Design with different entry requirements:
Applicants for the two-year stream (A) are required to have:
Applicants for the three-year stream (B) are required to have:
Relevant disciplines include: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Design, Creative Arts.
Depending on the level and related nature of your prior qualifications and experience, you may be required to submit a design portfolio. Portfolio submissions must include the following:
Alternative Entry
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:
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:
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, there are two streams in the Master of Public Relations & Advertising/Design with different entry requirements:
Applicants for the two-year stream (A) are required to have:
Applicants for the three-year stream (B) are required to have:
^Students from a non-211 university in China are now required to have a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW distinction average (75%).
Relevant disciplines include: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Design, Creative Arts.
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.
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:
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.
The Master of Public Relations and Advertising and Master of Design at UNSW will equip you with the confidence and capabilities to move into creative leadership roles. Your unique skillset as both a design and communication professional will open up diverse career opportunities.