Explore what design can become
Take your design practice further with a project that matters to you. The Master of Design (MDes) gives you the time, independence and expert supervision to investigate an original idea through design research and creative practice.
Your research can take shape through making, experimentation, prototyping, visual or interactive work, critical inquiry, or a combination of creative and written approaches. The work you design and create can be central to the research itself.
Who can study for this qualification
A Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Design with Honours is a common pathway into the MDes.
You may also be considered if you have another relevant qualification or substantial professional or creative experience.
You’ll need to find a suitable supervisor before you apply.
What you’ll learn
The MDes is a 120-point research degree centred on a project you define. With a suitable supervisor, you will develop your research direction, test ideas and create a portfolio that demonstrates what you have discovered through your design practice.
Your project might investigate a material, experience, interaction, system, social question or creative possibility. The balance between creative work and written research will depend on the nature of your project.
You may work alongside academics and postgraduate students in one of our design research groups, sharing ideas and gaining feedback while developing your own independent work.
How you’ll study
The MDes normally takes 12 months of full-time study. Start dates are flexible once your application, project and supervision arrangements have been approved.
Distance study may be possible, depending on your project and supervision arrangements. Discuss this with the programme director before applying.
Part-time study options
Domestic students may be able to study part time, subject to the University’s enrolment and completion requirements. Discuss a suitable plan with the programme director.
Consider the Master of Design Innovation
Looking for a Master's that combines taught courses with an extended research project? The Master of Design Innovation (MDI) lets you explore new design approaches and build your research skills before developing your own substantial project.
Through coursework and supervised design research, you can develop a portfolio that brings together creative exploration, design outcomes and critical reflection.
You can start the MDI after completing a 3-year design degree, or similar. We’ll help you find a suitable supervisor after enrolling.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right supervisor.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MDes degree shall have:
(i) completed a BDes or BDes(Hons) degree or, at the discretion of the Head of the School of Design Innovation, a design diploma; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Postgraduate Research) of the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the requirements for the MDes
2. (a) A candidate shall present a thesis (Thesis / Tuhinga Whakapae (DESN 591)) as specified in the Master’s Thesis Regulations or a design research portfolio (Research Portfolio (DESN 592)).
(b) The course of study may, with the approval of the associate dean, be carried out in part at an approved institution outside this university.
3. The minimum and maximum periods of enrolment for the thesis are specified in the Master’s Thesis Regulations.
Future careers
When you graduate with an MDes, you’ll have strengthened your research skills and deepened your knowledge in a specific area of design. You’ll be ready to take the next step in your design career.
More career information
Find out more about careers in design.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
-
This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...
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To encourage postgraduate research in architecture, construction, building science, design, design technology and user experience at Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa – the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, the faculty offers scholarships to students about to begin a full-time master’s by research degree.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.