Create revolutionary industrial designs
The way we use materials, put products together, and design is in constant evolution as technology, people, and the planet change.
Study postgraduate Industrial Design to research new ways of manufacturing products, computational methods such as voxel printing (3D pixel printing) smart materials, and upcycling and sustainable industrial design practices.
Depending on your previous study or experience, you may choose postgraduate Industrial Design study to explore design in greater depth, build practical industry skills, develop a portfolio, or dive into more specialised areas of research such as augmented anatomy, digital biology and new systems of manufacturing and making.
Resources and expertise
Throughout your study, you’ll have access to workshops and dedicated design resources like:
- 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 plastics into 3D printing filament
- facilities for working with bio-based materials
- a robotic arm
- film-editing suites.
Whatever your level of experience, our specialist technicians help you to get the most out of these resources.
Choose your study path
There are several ways that you can study Postgraduate Industrial Design with us.
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
Add Industrial Design to your toolkit
A certificate diploma in Design Innovation allows you to study a new area, add depth to your previous degree, or prepare for Master's study.
Focus on creative and coursework
Delve deep into the process of innovation—from conception to design to construction. This might suit you if you’re coming straight from the Bachelor’s of Design Innovation.
Focus on research
Go deeper in your specialist area. You may want to build on your Bachelor's degree, or be working as designer.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Industrial Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Postgraduate Industrial Design equips you to forge new careers in emerging fields like biotechnology, sustainable materials for manufacturing, animatronics for medical and film applications or computational and data driven design processes.
Your more advanced skills may help you specialise in an area, or move into senior or managerial roles. Your research skills could lead to work in further research or academia.
Industrial designers may specialise in:
- furniture and homeware
- consumer electronics
- industrial equipment
- medical and assistive devices
- film and entertainment
- exhibitions and installations
More career information
Find out more about careers.
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 are 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 Architecture
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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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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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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.
Academic staff research areas
Zach Challies
Lecturer, Industrial Design
Simon Fraser
BDI Cluster Programme Director
Leon Gurevitch
Head of School
Bernard Guy
Senior Lecturer
David Hakaraia
BDI Cluster Programme Director
Anne Niemetz
Senior Lecturer
Jeongbin Ok
Deputy Head of School - ACADEMIC
Edgar Rodriguez Ramirez
Director, Postgraduate Programmes
Ross Stevens
Senior Lecturer
Mark Bagley
Lecturer in Design
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.