Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Design (MDes) is an advanced postgraduate qualification focused on design theory, technology, design practice and original research.
• It builds on undergraduate design knowledge and is intended for students who want to develop advanced expertise in a particular design or creative-practice area.
• Students undertake taught study alongside design research and are supported in planning, developing and completing a substantial design research project.
• Research topics can be tailored to the student's interests, allowing the programme to be aligned with a particular design field or intended career direction.
• Students receive supervision and guidance from academic staff throughout the research component.
• The programme provides opportunities to collaborate with other students and academics and to engage with members of the professional design industry.
• Waikato's Design area combines creative, analytical and technological skills, with access to professional-standard computing facilities, including 24-hour computer-lab access and Mac-equipped laboratories.
• The University states that the MDes can prepare students for further academic study as well as advanced professional careers in design and creative industries.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MDes is research-led but includes advanced taught Design papers.

The 2027 regulations require the 180-point MDes to include DSIGN581 Research Methods worth 30 points, followed by appropriate 500-level Design papers and a dissertation or thesis.

Key 2027 postgraduate Design papers include:

• DSIGN532 Information Visualisation – 15 points
• DSIGN551 Design Project Management – 15 points
• DSIGN581 Research Methods – 30 points
• DSIGN589 Directed Study – 15 points
• DSIGN590 Directed Study – 30 points
• DSIGN591 Design Dissertation – 30 points
• DSIGN592 Design Dissertation – 60 points
• DSIGN593 Design Thesis – 90 points
• DSIGN594 Design Thesis – 120 points
• MEDIA501 Critical and Creative Approaches to Research – 30 points
• MEDIA504 Design and Aesthetics – 30 points.

Examples of the learning areas include:

• Design research methodology
• Information visualisation
• Design project management
• Design theory
• Design aesthetics
• Critical and creative research
• Independent/direct study
• Advanced design practice
• Design dissertation
• Design thesis
• Original design research.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MDes does not currently list formally named specialisations or majors.

Instead, students can develop an area of specialisation through their selected taught papers and individual research project. The University specifically describes the degree as allowing students to specialise in their chosen area of the design and creative-practices industry.

Relevant Design areas include:

• Communication Design
• Industrial Design
• Interface Design
• Media Design
• Digital design
• UX/UI design
• Information visualisation
• Creative technologies
• Design research
• Design management
• Design and aesthetics.

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 master's qualification.
• 180-point standard pathway.
• 120-point pathway available for eligible applicants with appropriate honours/postgraduate preparation.
• 1.5-year standard duration.
• Hamilton campus.
• March/A Trimester intake.
• Advanced design theory and practice.
• Original design research.
• Individualised research topics.
• Dedicated academic supervision.
• Collaboration with design academics, students and industry.
• Research-methods training.
• Design project management.
• Information visualisation.
• Dissertation and thesis options.
• Access to professional-standard computing facilities.
• Opportunities for research in contemporary areas such as UX, UI, digital design, visualisation, typography and generative AI.

Career Outcomes

The University lists the following career opportunities for MDes graduates:

• User interface designer
• Multimedia specialist
• Creative entrepreneur
• User experience designer
• Lecturer
• Market research analyst.

The broader Design subject page also identifies possible career directions such as:

• Motion graphics designer
• Web designer
• User interface designer
• Video game designer.

Depending on the student's chosen research and professional focus, the qualification can also support careers in:

• UX/UI design
• Digital design
• Visual communication
• Interaction design
• Creative technology
• Design research
• Design management
• Academic/research careers
• Creative entrepreneurship.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme remains Hamilton-based.
• The principal published MDes structure is 180 points over 1.5 years.
• The principal intake is Trimester A in March.
• The current 2027 Design regulations require the 180-point MDes to include DSIGN581 Research Methods (30 points).
• A research-led MDes can include a 90-point or 120-point thesis.
• A non-research-led structure can use a 30-point or 60-point dissertation, subject to the programme rules.
• Students must select their papers in consultation with the Graduate Advisor for Design in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
• Students must pass all papers on the first attempt under the MDes degree regulations.
• The MDes can be awarded with First Class Honours, Second Class Honours (First Division), Second Class Honours (Second Division), or without honours.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student travelling to New Zealand to study the MDes will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an applicable scholarship.
• Have sufficient money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Be in good health and of good character.
• Demonstrate a genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay.