The Master of Design at AUT is an advanced postgraduate degree designed for creative professionals and graduates who want to deepen their expertise in design practice, creative innovation, research, and industry engagement.

The programme encourages students to:

• Develop advanced design methodologies
• Undertake creative and practice-led research
• Explore emerging technologies and contemporary design challenges
• Build professional portfolios and industry projects
• Investigate social, cultural, ethical, and sustainable design practices

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Strong studio-based and research-led learning
• Industry-connected projects and collaborations
• Flexible interdisciplinary design pathways
• Access to advanced creative technologies and fabrication facilities
• Focus on innovation, sustainability, and future design practices
• Opportunities for portfolio and exhibition development
• Integration of M?ori and Indigenous perspectives in design
• Experienced academic and industry-active teaching staff
• Pathway into doctoral research and advanced creative careers

Campus Facilities

Students have access to:

• Creative design studios
• Digital fabrication labs
• Motion capture facilities
• Photography and video studios
• XR and immersive technology spaces
• Printmaking and prototyping workshops
• Computer labs with industry-standard software
• Collaborative exhibition and critique spaces

Programme Structure

The Master of Design combines:

• Advanced coursework
• Design research
• Practice-led creative development
• Final project or thesis work

Students typically complete:

• Research methodology courses
• Advanced studio projects
• Creative inquiry and experimentation
• Professional and collaborative design practice
• Final research project or creative thesis

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

Students may explore interdisciplinary design areas including:

Design Areas

• Communication Design
• Interaction Design
• UX/UI Design
• Spatial and Interior Design
• Industrial Design
• Fashion Design
• Animation and Moving Image
• Digital Design
• Emerging Technologies
• Creative Technologies
• Social and Sustainable Design
• Service Design
• Extended Reality (XR)
• Motion Capture and Immersive Media

Subjects / Topics Covered

Depending on research focus and project direction, students may study:

• Design research methods
• Human-centred design
• Creative innovation
• Sustainable design systems
• Digital fabrication
• UX and interaction design
• Visual communication
• Future technologies
• Design strategy
• Professional creative practice
• M?ori and Indigenous design frameworks
• Emerging media and immersive technologies

Research & Creative Opportunities

Students benefit from:

• Access to AUT research centres
• Industry collaboration projects
• Exhibition and showcase opportunities
• Practice-led research supervision
• International creative networks
• Portfolio and publication development

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

Advanced Design Careers

• Senior Designer
• UX/UI Designer
• Creative Director
• Interaction Designer
• Service Designer
• Design Strategist
• Spatial Designer
• Innovation Consultant
• Product Designer
• Fashion or Communication Design Specialist

Creative Technology Careers

• XR Designer
• Digital Experience Designer
• Creative Technologist
• Immersive Media Designer

Research & Academic Careers

• Design Researcher
• Creative Research Practitioner
• Lecturer or Academic Pathways
• Doctoral Research Candidate

Graduates may work in:

• Creative agencies
• Technology companies
• Architecture and design studios
• Media organisations
• Innovation and consultancy firms
• Government and community design projects

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• Offer of Place from AUT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof

Latest Updates / Important Notes

Portfolio & Research Preparation

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare:

• A high-quality creative portfolio
• Clear research interests
• Professional design goals
• Evidence of prior creative or design experience

Strong portfolios are considered important for admission and supervision allocation.

Growing Focus on Emerging Technologies

AUT’s postgraduate design environment increasingly integrates:

• UX/UI systems
• XR and immersive technologies
• Motion capture
• AI-supported design workflows
• Digital fabrication
• Human-centred digital innovation

Collaborative & Industry-Connected Learning

Students often describe AUT postgraduate study as:

• Flexible
• Practical
• Industry-oriented
• Research-active
• Collaborative

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 postgraduate design qualification
• Strong studio-based and practice-led learning
• Industry-connected design research
• Access to advanced creative technologies
• Flexible interdisciplinary study
• Portfolio and exhibition development
• Future-focused innovation and sustainability themes
• M?ori and Indigenous design perspectives
• Pathway to doctoral and research study
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s leading creative hub