Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Design (MDes) is an advanced, research-led design qualification focused on taking a challenging real-world problem through to a resolved creative outcome such as a product prototype, experience or system.
• Students develop deeper capability in conceptual thinking, design research, testing, applied design processes and creative-practice transformation.
• The programme has a strong real-world and externally connected orientation. Students are expected to maintain contact with external partners or communities relevant to their thesis project.
• Students receive access to individual studio space and specialist facilities including an industry-scale green-screen studio, Australasia's first Fab Lab, industry-standard workshops, digital imaging facilities and darkrooms.
• Teaching and supervision are supported by design researchers and practitioners working nationally and internationally, with supervisors selected according to the student's design field.
• The programme can provide a pathway towards doctoral research. After completing the MDes project, students may be able to progress to a PhD.
• Massey's 2027 prospectus identifies Art and Design as ranked first in New Zealand in the QS Subject Rankings. This is a university-level subject ranking rather than a ranking specifically of the MDes.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MDes consists of 180 credits over approximately three semesters full-time.

Part One

The current programme structure provides:

• 15 credits in Research Methods.
• 30 credits in Research Development.
• Additional subject/elective study depending on the selected pathway.

Research Methods options include:

• Creative Practice Research Methods – 15 credits.
• Maori Research Methodologies for Creative Practice – 15 credits.

The latter examines tikanga, ethics, accountability and Maori research methodologies relevant to creative practice.

Research Development options include:

• Design Project: Ideation and Development – 30 credits.
• Design Research Development – 30 credits.

Examples of subject courses available within the programme include:

• Designing Science Fiction
• Design Awards and Competitions
• Play, Research and Design
• Creative Ecologies
• Social Interventions Through Design
• Creative Arts Independent Study
• Advanced Studies in Design: Selected Topics
• Commercial Viability
• Upskilling and Practice-based Knowledge
• Transformative Creative Practice.

Course availability can change from year to year, and some courses are offered only when appropriate or when sufficient demand/academic resources exist. Massey explicitly notes that some creative-arts offerings may not be available in a particular year.

Part Two – Research Pathway

Students can undertake:

• Design Thesis – 120 credits; or
• Design Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 – 60 credits plus Part 2 – 60 credits; or
• Design Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 – 30 credits plus Part 2 – 60 credits.

The thesis involves an advanced design-led research project and, for the 120-credit thesis, an exegesis.

Part Two – Coursework Pathway

The current structure provides 60 credits through:

• Capstone Project: Documentation and Reflection – 30 credits.
• Capstone Project: Design Practice Synthesis – 30 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MDes itself is awarded without a formal specialisation. Massey's regulations explicitly state that the Master of Design is awarded without specialisation.

However, the programme supports a broad range of design practices and research directions. Relevant areas include:

• Visual communication design
• Illustration
• Graphic design
• UX/UI
• Systems design
• Interaction design
• Typography
• Editorial design
• Brand communication
• Motion graphics
• Video
• Information design
• AR/VR
• Mobile application and web design
• Industrial design
• Fashion
• Textiles
• Spatial design
• Concept design
• Integrated design
• Photography.

Programme Highlights

• 180-credit NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• Wellington-based design study.
• Full-time duration of approximately 1.5 years.
• Two annual starts: February and July.
• Selected-entry admission with portfolio and interview.
• Strong design-research orientation.
• Real-world thesis project.
• Opportunities to work with commercial, government, cultural or community-connected projects.
• Access to dedicated studio and specialist design facilities.
• Exposure to Indigenous perspectives and research methodologies.
• Potential progression to PhD study.
• Massey's College of Creative Arts is currently ranked in the global top 200 for Art & Design by QS, while Massey's 2027 prospectus reports Art and Design as first in New Zealand in the QS Subject Rankings. These are institutional/subject-level indicators and are not a specific ranking of the MDes.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that MDes graduates have gone on to establish businesses and receive awards and commissions. The university identifies graduate work including:

• Web designer, in New Zealand and overseas.
• Healthcare product manufacturing leadership.
• Creative director roles in art agencies and museums.
• Technical development consultant.
• Design roles in fashion and industrial design companies.
• Publishing-house director or account manager.
• Secondary-school art and design teacher.

The programme's project-based structure can also support careers involving:

• Design research
• UX/UI and interaction design
• Industrial/product design
• Visual communication
• Spatial design
• Fashion and textile design
• Design strategy
• Creative entrepreneurship
• Design innovation
• Research and doctoral study

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current MDes is a selected-entry programme; portfolio assessment and interview are required.
• A Research Statement is required before interview for the standard 180-credit route.
• For applicants seeking accelerated entry to the 120-credit thesis route, Massey requires a Research Proposal instead.
• Official transcripts from universities other than Massey must be supplied.
• A current IELTS or equivalent is required where English is not the applicant's first language or the language of tuition of their prior degree.
• Applicants should prepare a relevant design portfolio early because portfolio assessment forms part of selection.
• The College of Creative Arts currently recommends international applicants apply by 1 October for February entry and 1 February for July entry, earlier than Massey's general international admission deadlines.
• Some courses are subject to availability and may change from year to year.
• The MDes is awarded without a formal specialisation.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the MDes on campus in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand.

Current INZ requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of an appropriate scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Demonstrating genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Compliance with any other visa conditions applicable to the applicant.