Master of Design Innovation - MDI

Summary

Expand on your Bachelor's degree and get a head start in your career with advanced study and research in design.

Get the specialist skills and knowledge you need to be a successful professional in the design industry. In this three-trimester programme, you'll learn the art of bringing ideas to life from conception to design to construction.

Choose one of three majors Industrial Design, Media Design, and Culture Context Design in this industry-focused, professional qualification with the School of Design. Assess new technologies and investigate the social, cultural, environmental and economic implications of design on our world.

Through a combination of coursework and supervised research you'll gain a greater understanding of the process of creating value through design.

Research groups

You’ll do much of your work as part of a group in the Design Research Innovation Laboratory (DRIL). These groups provide a stimulating and supportive environment for inspiration and discovery. Choose a research group that fits with your current knowledge, your career goals, and your intended research portfolio topic.

Work with commercial and cultural organisations on applied research projects, build your communication and collaboration skills and get ready for an exciting career in design.

Careers

You'll be ready for a career in many design-oriented fields within the public and private sectors. You might work as an industrial, interior or product designer, an art director, visual effects artist, jeweler, exhibition designer, digital animator or a web designer.

Because you'll gain a broad range of skills during your studies, you'll also be able to find opportunities for careers beyond the mainstream profession.

What you'll study

In Trimester 1, you'll study the 30-point Research Methods course in addition to a 30-point elective course. Examine a variety of design research techniques to help inform and guide your research project. Gain the skills you need to identify a design research topic, frame a research question, define the scope, and develop your proposal.

In Trimester 2, you'll further develop your knowledge and expertise in design research. You can join a Design Research Innovation Laboratory (DRIL) and nominate a supervisor, so you can begin your 90-point research portfolio. You'll also complete one 400-level, 30-point elective course in your major subject area, while continuing to work on your research project within your DRIL.

In Trimester 3 and in Trimester 1 of the following year, you'll focus on completing your design research portfolio with the guidance and support of your DRIL stream coordinators and supervisor.