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Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
Universal College of Learning (UCOL) logo

Master of Design

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Master's Degree

Duration

18 months

Next start date

Expected Feb 2024

Campus

UCOL Whanganui Campus

Summary

UCOL's highly skilled lecturers deliver the art/design theory and original academic/applied research required for you to create advanced projects of your choice in either time-based/print-based design, object design/visual arts or fashion/textile design.

Master of Design graduates will excel in a range of industries such as galleries, fashion houses, graphic design studios, film and television, printing and publishing, web design, art studios, set design and much more.

Candidates for this programme must undertake and complete a written thesis based on their research initiatives and prepare a body of work for final exhibition. They must possess an exceptional degree of motivation and a strong enthusiasm for art/design.

Course Information

This programme consists of 180 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 8 and 60 at Level 9.

COMPULSORY COURSES:

  • Advanced Methodologies for Design Research (30 Credits)
  • Development Studio (30 Credits)
  • Creative Thinking (30 Credits)
  • Studio Project (30 Credits)
  • Dissertation and Implementation (60 Credits)

Career & Study Outcomes

Graduates of UCOL's Master of Design will be able to:

  • Understand the historical, social, bi-cultural and multi-cultural context in which they work
  • Provide evidence of effort and application in successfully completing the learning outcomes
  • Apply knowledge, research skills and attitudes learned through problem solving projects in selected areas of design
  • Understand the importance and use of a design theory and methodology as a way of working
  • Show evidence of exploration, experimentation and applied innovation through research
  • Have considerable experience in the operation of hardware and software
  • Positively evaluate their own work and that of others
  • Negotiate commitments and meet deadlines
  • Apply an integrity of approach to materials, process and intention

Graduates will be suitably equipped to work in a variety of roles in the design based industries, including:

  • Advertising
  • Consultancy
  • Art/Design education
  • Art/Design studios
  • Fashion Studios
  • Galleries and museums
  • Set design and styling
  • Television and video production
  • Printing, publishing and illustration
  • Research and development
  • Self-employment
  • Graphic design
  • Textile design
  • Visual communications
  • Website design
  • Object and craft design
  • Practicing artist
  • Doctoral study

Entry criteria

Applicants must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree, or a similar qualification in art or design, or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge.

Applications must be made on the standard UCOL Student Application Form and provide information on relevant experience, academic qualifications and academic record.

Applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio of original, developmental and finished work.

English language Requirement: IELTS - Academic: Academic: Score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6; TOEFL (iBT) - Score of 79 (with a writing score of 21); Cambridge English Qualifications - C1 or C2 with score of 176; no less than 169 in each skill; OET - Minimum Grade C+ or 300 in all subtests; NZCEL - Level 5; and Pearson Test of English (Academic) - Score of 58 with no band less than 50.

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