Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop advanced design thinking across disciplines, including human-centred design, systems thinking and emerging technologies.

• Work on live industry briefs and real-world design projects that help build a professional portfolio.

• Explore how design can influence products, services, interfaces, environments, behaviour and sustainability.

• Learn in a studio-like environment that encourages experimentation, critical thinking, collaboration and innovation.

• Study through weekend classes, which MDS says can enable students to work full-time while studying.

• Learn alongside people from different design backgrounds and benefit from industry connections.

• Students may access selected MDS undergraduate courses to top up their skills for free, subject to demand and available spaces.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Students complete any four of the six 30-credit components listed below, for a total of 120 credits. The components are offered in different trimesters, so students should confirm the available combination and sequence for their intended start date with MDS.

• Design Research: Connecting Texts, Deciphering Context — explores how different types of texts and contexts can inform design research. Students work with real-world projects and industry briefs to develop research and portfolio skills.

• Interdisciplinary Design Project: Emerging Contexts — focuses on analysing research data and applying visual research and emerging technologies to understand people, audiences and cultural phenomena.

• Contemporary Design Issue: Creative Futures — examines how designed products, services, interfaces and environments shape behaviour and society. Students explore contemporary design approaches, sustainability and the potential long-term effects of design interventions.

• Special Topic Project: Creative Entrepreneurship — uses design thinking, research and innovation methods to develop responses to real-world challenges, often requiring both independent and team-based work.

• Special Topic Project: Design and Economies — investigates the relationship between design and economic systems, including how design might contribute to more sustainable economic models.

• Interdisciplinary Design Theories: Dialogues — explores ideas from areas such as philosophy, sociology, anthropology, technology, history and media, and how they can inform collaborative solutions to complex problems.

 

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme is interdisciplinary rather than being advertised as a diploma with a fixed list of formal majors. Its published content spans:

• Design research and critical design thinking.

• Human-centred and systems-led design.

• Interdisciplinary design and visual communication.

• Emerging technologies and digital design.

• Design for sustainable futures.

• Creative entrepreneurship and innovation.

• Design, society and economic systems.

• Design strategy and real-world problem-solving.

 

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification with 120 credits.

• 30-week programme with weekend classes.

• Four 30-credit components selected from six published options.

• Industry briefs and project-based learning.

• Interdisciplinary approach to design, research, technology and sustainability.

• Portfolio development through practical design work.

• Option to study on campus or online, as listed by MDS.

• Potential to continue from MDS’s Postgraduate Certificate in Design with credit applied toward the diploma, subject to confirmation

Career Outcomes

MDS lists potential career pathways in design studios, companies and consultancy agencies. These include:

• Design Project Manager.

• Systems Designer.

• Merchandising and Branding Developer or Strategist.

• Sustainability Designer.

• Interactive Designer.

• Mobile Technologies Designer.

• User Experience (UX) Designer.

• Design Analyst.

• Screen Designer.

• Digital Animator.

• Information Designer.

• Product Designer and Developer.

• Service Designer.

• Transmedia Designer.

• Packaging Designer.

• Secondary Design Teacher.

• Design Consultant.

• Design Manager.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The official programme page lists start dates through September 2027. Applicants should confirm that their preferred intake is running and that places remain available.

• The current programme page lists international tuition of NZD $38,278.60. Older search results display a different figure, so use the current programme page and request a written fee quotation before accepting an offer.

• MDS requires a creative portfolio, statement of intent, CV, two recommendation letters, academic records and a selection interview.

• Students need a suitable device capable of running the software required for the programme. Check the current MDS BYOD recommendations before purchasing equipment.

• International students should independently check how the qualification will be recognised in their home country if they intend to use it for further study or regulated professional purposes. MDS notes that recognition outside New Zealand is determined by the relevant authorities and institutions.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students who intend to travel to New Zealand to study should review the official Fee Paying Student Visa requirements from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Visa approval is decided by INZ, not by MDS or IPU.

Main requirements

Applicants generally need to:

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

• Show evidence that tuition fees have been paid, can be paid, or are covered by an acceptable scholarship or other permitted arrangement.

• Demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Have a genuine purpose for studying in New Zealand.

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

• Show that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay, such as through a ticket or sufficient additional funds to buy one.

• Provide the required passport, identity and supporting documents.

Living-cost funds

INZ's published funds requirement for tertiary students is:

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

• NZD $1,667 for each month if the study is shorter than one year.

Visa cost, processing and work conditions

• Published visa cost: from NZD $850.

• INZ reports that 80% of applications are processed within seven weeks; actual processing times can vary.

• INZ advises applying at least three months before intended travel.

• A Fee Paying Student Visa may be granted for up to four years, but the actual visa period depends on the circumstances and the period of study paid for.

• Work rights may allow up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time work during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions stated on the individual visa. Do not assume that work rights apply unless they are included in the visa conditions.

Important point for online study

MDS lists an online study option, but an online enrolment does not by itself establish eligibility for a visa to live in New Zealand. Students planning to relocate should confirm the delivery mode, attendance expectations and visa eligibility with both MDS and INZ before making travel arrangements.