Why Study/Key Benefits

• Personalised learning: the programme is tailored to students’ individual design interests, professional challenges and creative goals.

• Individual mentoring: students receive support from academic staff with practice-based research expertise while developing their own projects.

• Career-compatible timetable: MDS describes the programme as full-time, with classes on weekends, potentially allowing students to continue working during the week.

• Independent creative practice: students develop a self-initiated project rather than following only a fixed, prescribed design brief.

• Interdisciplinary learning: projects may involve print or digital communication, interactive experiences, objects, installations, services or other design outcomes.

• Research-led development: the final project draws on practical, methodological, theoretical and technical skills developed during the programme.

• Industry-informed teaching: MDS highlights its full-time faculty and their professional expertise.

• Flexible study options: the programme page lists on-campus and online study options; international students planning to relocate to New Zealand should confirm the appropriate delivery mode and visa implications with MDS.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme is structured around four components totalling 120 credits. Students complete two 30-credit Level 8 components from a list of six options, followed by two sequential Level 9 components.

Level 8 components

• Students choose two 30-credit components from the six non-sequential options listed by MDS.

• The retrieved programme outline does not name the six options, so the full list is Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

• The selected components are intended to build the skills and knowledge that students will apply to their individual master’s project.

Level 9 components

- Master Project Proposal — 15 credits

Students develop a brief for a self-initiated project. The project may be individual or collaborative, but team roles and assessment arrangements must be negotiated with MDS staff and approved. Possible outcomes may include print or digital work, interactive projects, objects, installations, services or experiences. Students receive mentoring from academic staff with practice-based research expertise.

- Master Project — 45 credits

Students develop and realise the project proposed in the preceding component. The project should demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary design communication and design thinking, including critical analysis, social engagement, reflective practice and a refined visual language. Students draw on practical, methodological, theoretical and technical skills developed during the programme, with academic mentoring. 

Disciplines/Specialisations

MDS does not advertise a fixed list of formal majors on the Master of Design page. Instead, the programme allows students to develop a specialism through their chosen design field and self-initiated project.

The published project examples indicate possible work across:

• Print and digital design communication.

• Interactive design.

• Objects and installations.

• Services and experiences.

• Contemporary design thinking and research.

• Design projects involving social engagement and critical reflection.

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 master’s qualification with 120 credits.

• A 30-week full-time programme with weekend classes.

• Two Level 8 components chosen from six options.

• A 15-credit project proposal followed by a 45-credit master’s project.

• One-to-one mentoring from academic staff with practice-based research expertise.

• Opportunity to develop an independent project aligned with professional interests.

• Project formats may include print, digital, interactive, object-based, installation, service or experience design.

• On-campus and online study options are listed by MDS.

• Suitable for applicants seeking to develop advanced design skills and move into more senior or specialised creative roles.

Career Outcomes

The Master of Design is intended to support professional development in design and creative practice. Depending on a student’s previous experience, chosen project and specialism, possible career directions may include:

• Design strategist or design consultant.

• Senior graphic or digital designer.

• User experience (UX) or interactive designer.

• Service designer.

• Product or experience designer.

• Design researcher.

• Creative or design project manager.

• Design lead or design manager.

• Independent designer or creative entrepreneur.

• Specialist roles in design innovation and interdisciplinary projects.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The MDS programme page lists intakes through September 2027. Applicants should verify availability and application deadlines before applying.

• MDS currently displays international tuition of NZD $38,278.60. As the page labels this “Course Fees (Year 1)” while the programme is 30 weeks long, applicants should request written confirmation of the total tuition for the full qualification and whether any other compulsory fees apply.

• Applicants must submit a portfolio and attend a selection interview, in addition to meeting the academic and English-language requirements.

• A suitable device capable of running the software required for the course is necessary.

• MDS advises international students to check recognition of its qualifications in their home country with the relevant education authorities and institutions. Recognition or equivalency outside New Zealand is not guaranteed by MDS.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students planning to live in New Zealand while studying should review Immigration New Zealand’s official Fee Paying Student Visa requirements. Visa approval is decided by INZ, not by MDS or IPU.

Main eligibility requirements

Applicants generally need to:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.

• Demonstrate that they can pay the required tuition fees or that an acceptable scholarship or other permitted funding arrangement covers them.

• Show that they have sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Demonstrate genuine reasons for studying in New Zealand.

• Have acceptable medical and travel insurance for the required period.

• Show that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay, for example with a ticket or sufficient additional funds.

• Provide the required passport, identity documents and supporting evidence.

• Meet the education provider’s academic and English-language requirements.

Living-cost funds

INZ’s published living-cost requirements for tertiary students are:

• NZD $20,000 for each year of study if the course lasts one year or longer; or

• NZD $1,667 per month if the course is shorter than one year.

Visa fees and processing

According to INZ’s current Fee Paying Student Visa page:

• Visa cost: from NZD $850.

• Processing time: 80% of applications within seven weeks.

• Recommended application timing: at least three months before intended travel.

• Maximum visa duration: up to four years, depending on the visa granted and the applicant’s circumstances.

• The visa is normally issued for the period of study paid for, although it may be shorter in certain circumstances, including where the passport expires sooner.

Work rights

A Fee Paying Student Visa may allow eligible students to work part-time for up to 25 hours per week and full-time during scheduled holidays. The exact conditions depend on the individual visa, so students should check their visa conditions rather than assume they have work rights.

Important point about online study

MDS lists an online option for this programme, but an online enrolment does not automatically qualify a student to live in New Zealand on a student visa. Applicants intending to relocate should confirm the delivery mode, attendance requirements and visa eligibility with MDS and INZ before making travel arrangements.