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.