What is a Master of Design?
A Master of Design encourages students to explore advanced design knowledge and studio practices to develop human-centred solutions to complex problems. Our Master of Design offers a variety of pathways and electives to choose from, allowing you to design your course to suit your career goals.Learning outcomes
- Critically analyse current practices and trends in design as they relate to social, cultural, economic, technological and environmental contexts.
- Research complex problems, information and theoretical concepts to inform the development of design outcomes and solutions through independent analysis and synthesis.
- Communicate advanced concepts and processes to justify design outcomes or solutions.
- Exemplify informed judgement and effective management to facilitate collaboration across diverse global teams and communities.
- Practice critical and advanced creative thinking to define and solve problems through complex design projects.
- Demonstrate ethical, responsible design leadership and practices that safeguard individuals, enterprises and societies.
Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence
You'll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you're studying Design with us.
DIA-recognised courses
Certain courses are recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, so you know your education is of the highest industry standard.
This is an AQF Level 9 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd T/A Billy Blue College of Design.

Career opportunities
This program will help you progress to senior roles within the design sector, industries that use design services or areas related to research, development and innovation worldwide. It will also help you become an entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial, successful problem-solver who can create and contribute to a variety of solutions. You’ll graduate with skills and knowledge to take your career to the next level, plus an impressive portfolio that will help you secure work at the highest levels anywhere around the world.
Potential career paths
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Creative Director
Average salary: $130,000 - $172,824 -
Startup Founder
Average salary: $56,000 - $82,300 -
Senior Service Designer
Average salary: $119,122 - $137,791 -
Senior Product Designer
Average salary: $127,686 - $160,000

Subjects and units
For cognate entry (with a design qualification or background) the course comprises of eight core subjects and one elective subject.
For non-cognate entry (with no design qualification or background) the course comprises of 11 core subjects and two elective subjects.
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising three hours of facilitated study and seven hours self-directed study.
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Core
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Electives
Requirements
To qualify for a Master of Design (2 Year Non-Cognate Program), complete 11 core subjects. Additionally, you're required to select two electives from the electives tab.
Alternatively, if you’re eligible for a Master of Design (1.5 Year Cognate Program), complete 8 core subjects. Additionally, you're required to select one elective from the electives tab.
2 Year Non-Cognate Program
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Professional Identity | DSG401
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Design Methods | DSG402
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Design Communication | DSG403
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Design and Business Strategy | DSG404
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Service Design | DSG405
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Design Studio | DSG406
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Design for Social Innovation | DSG501
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Open Studio (pre-requisite DSGN6032B Design Studio) | DSG502
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Research and Innovation | DSGN6029
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Design Leadership | DSG503
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Advanced Design Studio | DSG504
1.5 Year Cognate Program
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Design and Business Strategy | DSG404
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Service Design | DSG405
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Design Studio | DSG406
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Design for Social Innovation | DSG501
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Open Studio (pre-requisite DSGN6032B Design Studio) | DSG502
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Research and Innovation | DSGN6029
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Design Leadership | DSG503
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Advanced Design Studio | DSG504
Requirements
For a Master of Design, select one elective subject for a cognate entry (with a design background) or two elective subjects for a non-cognate entry (with a non-design background).
Elective subjects
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User Research | DSG407
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User Experience Design | DID602A
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Multi-Platform Experience Design | DID603A
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Management, People and Teams | MGT600
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Principles of Project Management | PROJ6000
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Financial Management | FIN600
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Principles of Programming | MIS501
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Marketing | MKT600
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Business Environment | MGT501
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Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship | MGT607
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Management Perspectives | MGMT6012
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Dynamic Leadership | MGMT6000
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Organisational Best Practice | MGMT6014
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Contracts and Procurement | PROJ6004
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Project Planning and Budgeting | PROJ6002
Technology
Learn with industry standard technologies



Industry partners and work placements
Complete a capstone unit to showcase your understanding of design practice and theory in context within the industry.




Entry details
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Domestic
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International
Fees
Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.
FEE-HELP
Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.
Scholarships
If you are truly passionate about Design and Creative Technology, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of Design and Creative Technology scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the Design and Creative Technology industry:Admission criteria
Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.
Completion of any Bachelor degree or equivalent are eligible to enter the 2 Year Non-Cognate Program
OR
Completion of a Bachelor of Design degree or equivalent, or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Design are eligible to enter the 1.5 Year Cognate Program
OR
Completion of any recognised Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 5 years of work experience demonstrated by a resume or portfolio.
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.Fees
Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.
Fee payment
Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.
Scholarships
We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.Admission criteria
Before you begin your course application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements below.
Completion of any Bachelor degree or equivalent are eligible to enter the 2 Year Non-Cognate Program
OR
Completion of a Bachelor of Design degree or equivalent, or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Design are eligible to enter the 1.5 Year Cognate Program; or
OR
Completion of any recognised Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 5 years of work experience demonstrated by a resume or portfolio
Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent or, alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.How to apply

Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.

Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
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What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
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How do I apply for a scholarship?
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Want to find out more?
Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.