Take your design degree further and get industry ready
Build on your design degree and explore what you can achieve through creative experimentation and research. The Master of Design Innovation (MDI) gives you space to develop your ideas, challenge assumptions and pursue a design project that matters to you.
Combining advanced coursework with supervised research, the MDI lets you investigate questions through designing, making, prototyping, testing ideas and critical reflection. Your research portfolio can place creative or practice-led work at its centre, supported by writing appropriate to the project.
The MGBus focuses on global strategy, leadership, and innovation to prepare you for the complexities of cross-border business. It’s ideal if you want to move into roles in international trade, business development, consulting, or global operations.
Find out about the Master of Design Innovation
Explore the MDI, our facilities and research groups, and the many directions your design research could take.
How you’ll study
The MDI is a 180-point degree combining coursework and a substantial design research portfolio. Most full-time students complete the degree over four trimesters (13–18 months), with a workload of around 35–40 hours a week.
You can apply for the MDI after completing a relevant design qualification.
Build design research skills through coursework
In your first trimester, coursework introduces research methods and contemporary design perspectives. You’ll explore different ways of investigating design questions and develop the foundations for your own creative research project. You learn to:
- identify a topic or creative opportunity worth investigating
- frame a clear research question or design proposition
- choose an appropriate approach and define the scope of your project
- develop a proposal for your research portfolio.
Develop your design research portfolio
In your second trimester you begin your design research portfolio, bringing together design exploration and critical inquiry in a substantial independent project.
With guidance from a supervisor, you might develop artefacts, prototypes, experiences, systems, visual work, or other creative outcomes. Your portfolio can combine practice-led work with written research in a balance suited to your aims and methods.
As your project develops, you’ll receive feedback through supervision and have opportunities to connect with fellow postgraduate students and, where appropriate, a design research group.
Part-time study options
Part-time study may be available. Talk to the programme director about eligibility, workload, and a suitable study plan.
Consider the Master of Design (MDes)
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Get accepted into this programme
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 MDI degree shall have:
(i) completed a BDI degree or GDipDI of this university with at least a B average, or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, another relevant degree; 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 for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Entry requirements
Your acceptance into this programme is based on your previous qualifications and experience.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MDI
2. (a) Except as provided in (b), the course of study for the MDI shall consist of:
Research Methods / Tikanga ā-Rangahau (DSDN 481), Design Research Portfolio / Kohinga ā-Rangahau Hoahoa (DSDN 592) and 30 points selected from the MDI schedule, or with approval of the head of school from courses offered for another postgraduate qualification.
(b) With the permission of the associate dean, a candidate who has completed an appropriate degree with Honours or other graduate study to an appropriate level may be exempt up to 60 points of 2(a).
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters, and complete the degree within three years of first enrolling. The Associate Dean (Students) may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Note: A student who passes an appropriate set of MDI courses but who will not complete the MDI degree may, with the permission of the associate dean, be able to transfer the courses to a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Design Innovation. Refer to the PGCertDI and PGDipDI regulations below.
Connect with peers, staff, and future colleagues
- Work out of a studio space reserved for MDI and MDes students, where you’ll have the opportunity to forge deep relationships with your design peers.
- Build relationships with academics and students who are interested in the same area of design through design research groups.
- Get access to regular research skills workshops.
- Present your work at the School’s twice yearly seminar series.
- Take part in the annual postgraduate design exhibition.
- You’ll also be encouraged to make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.
Industry research
Advance your expertise with PhD study
Future careers
- an industrial or product designer
- an interaction designer
- a visual effects artist
- a digital animator
- a tabletop or video game designer
- an illustrator
- a service designer
- a web designer.
More career information
Find out more about careers in design innovation.
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 MDI
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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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The Takis Koutsos Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Takis Koutsos. Mr Koutsos was a post-WW II child immigrant to New Zealand from Greece who had a lifelong interest in Greek archaeology and history and was a close friend of VUW Emeritus Professor John Psathas, who worked as a stormwater engineer in Napier. The scholarship honours...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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 MDI
-
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.
-
The Takis Koutsos Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Takis Koutsos. Mr Koutsos was a post-WW II child immigrant to New Zealand from Greece who had a lifelong interest in Greek archaeology and history and was a close friend of VUW Emeritus Professor John Psathas, who worked as a stormwater engineer in Napier. The scholarship honours...
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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.
Resources and expertise
- woodworking, metalworking, and hand tools
- a specialist photography studio and equipment
- a purpose-built fashion studio with digital and traditional pattern-making resources
- 3D printing digital fabrication suites with Stratasys voxel printers and a large-scale BigRep 3D printer
- facilities for recycling used plastics into 3D printing filament
- facilities for working with bio-based materials
- a robotic arm
- film editing suites.
Working in a Design Research Group
Depending on your supervisor and topic, you may work as part of a Design Research Group—a stimulating and supportive environment for inspiration and discovery.
You’ll work alongside students and academics with similar design interests. Choose one that fits your current knowledge, career goals, and the research portfolio topic you’re planning.
To find out about the School of Design Innovation’s research areas and supervising staff, visit the School’s Research site.
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.