Duration
Full-time: varies Part-time: varies
Next start date
2027 Semester One – 1 March
2028 Semester One – 28 February
Available locations
City
Points
180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

A common assumption is that design is about solving problems in organisations and societies. Although this is part of what designers do, we are all increasingly engaged in complex situations for which no simple solution is possible. In these environments, the designer’s task is to identify and frame problems and devise and facilitate systems in which problems can be addressed, sometimes incrementally, by multiple stakeholders.

The Master of Design provides you with the means to navigate, engage with and design in a variety of professional contexts; for-profit, non-profit and governmental agencies, bringing both theoretical and practical skills to bear on today’s most significant problems.

Programme structure

You can build an individualised programme based on your personal and professional interests, and supported by expert mentorship.

You can choose either a taught or research pathway.

Taught Masters

In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge with advanced specialist training in your chosen field. It is completed with courses only. You can also do a capstone project, which allows you to investigate a specific issue that would benefit from a design-based approach. Choose a topic which interests you, explore theoretically and conceptually, iterate and deliver a solution.

180 point Taught Masters:

  • 135 points: DESIGN 700–702, 709, 710
  • 45 points from DESIGN 704–706, 711

Research Masters

The research masters gives you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the knowledge in your field by completing a substantial research thesis project.

180 point Research Masters:

  • 60 points: DESIGN 700–702
  • 30 points from DESIGN 704–706
  • 90 points: DESIGN 794 Thesis

Read our postgraduate course descriptions.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

180-point MDes - Taught

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    DESIGN 700
    Name:
    Design Research Methodologies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    DESIGN 701
    Name:
    Design Practices
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    DESIGN 702
    Name:
    Design Technologies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    DESIGN 709
    Name:
    Project Design
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    DESIGN 704
    Name:
    Design Impacts
    Type:
    Elective taught courses
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    DESIGN 706
    Name:
    Design Innovation
    Type:
    Elective taught courses
    Points:
    30 pts

Year 2 60 points

  • Code:
    DESIGN 710
    Name:
    Capstone Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

Subjects available in this programme

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

2027 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    A Bachelors (Honours) and Postgraduate Diploma

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 180 points

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience and any other activities considered appropriate for your application (for example: participation in design projects (professional and amateur), involvement in community activities, details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes).

You may additionally be required to provide some examples of your design work and again we will work with you directly if this needed as part of your application.

Other pathways to study

You must have completed a Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Auckland with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II or above.

Or, completed a bachelor degree from this University and completed the requirements of a Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher (provided the Postgraduate Certificate in Design has not been awarded).

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

An interview will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your Application for Admission we will contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, or Zoom).

 

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    A Bachelor (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    A Bachelor (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher across your highest level of study, or a Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.

You need to have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, after an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.

Alternatively, you can gain entry to the 180-point MDes if you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

180-point MDes:

An interview will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your Application for Admission we will contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).

You will also likely need to supply the following as part of your application, and we will contact you directly with instructions about this once you have submitted your Application for Admission.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience and any other activities considered appropriate for your application (for example: participation in design projects (professional and amateur), involvement in community activities, details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes).

You may additionally be required to provide some examples of your design work and again we will work with you directly if this needed as part of your application.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Design cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$11,545.20*
International students
NZ$55,484*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,699.20 for full-time study (180 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2027
8 December 2026

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in Design. Contact our postgraduate adviser:

Postgraduate Adviser
Aaron Fry
Email: aaron.fry@auckland.ac.nz

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The goal of the MDes is to enhance your employability. With the critical thought and practice that comes from postgraduate study, you’ll be well positioned to lead projects as a strategist and practitioner. You’ll have a strong working knowledge of current technologies and the ability to adapt to those which emerge. You’ll have a multidisciplinary mindset, the ability to frame issues from a social and economic standpoint, and skills in customising and applying your knowledge and experience to any employer’s needs. With live projects and current industry professionals contributing to your learning, the networks developed in the MDes will leave you well-placed to contribute design solutions locally and globally.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Design strategist
  • Experience designer
  • Service designer
  • Design researcher
  • Innovation manager
  • Interaction designer
  • Digital designer
  • Product designer

Further study options

See all study options
Headshot of Genyuan Shi

Genyuan Shi

Genyuan (Eden) shares her experience of being an international student studying the Master of Design.

Watch Genyuan's story

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0800 61 62 63
International:
+64 9 373 7513