Master of Design
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
2023 Start Dates
2024 Start Dates

Student work
Co-designing the future of cinema
By tapping into the current cinema experience, Swinburne’s Master of Design students are investigating the future of cinema entertainment using co-designing techniques with movie-lovers.
Working with Village Cinemas, students are redesigning cinema entry points, collaborating with dating sites and even creating collectable movie tickets for attendees.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Master of Design, students must complete 200 credit points comprising:
- 4 Core units (100cps)
- 4 units from either Applied Design Stream or Design Factory Melbourne Stream (100cps).
A unit of study can only be counted once.
Units of study
Applied Design Stream
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- generate high-level concepts and highly refined, detailed design outcomes and/or prototypes to professional standards
- critically evaluate and interpret current and future design practices in relation to social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts
- analyse and synthesise complex conceptual and technical information to inform independent research and apply to design projects
- critique and interpret theoretical propositions and methodologies, using design research principles and communication skills
- implement agile, strategic thinking and evaluative judgement in the design process, including collaboration, experimentation, creative problem-solving and decision-making.

Graduate skills
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Professional recognition
Upon completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become a member of the Design Institute of Australia, Australian Graphic Design Association or Design Management Institute but should confirm eligibility with the association.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor's degree in design or related field*; or
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline plus a minimum of three years relevant professional experience** in design or a related field*; or
- Completion of postgraduate studies*** (graduate certificate / graduate diploma) in design or related field*.
- Applicants do not have an undergraduate degree in Design or a related-field (a detailed CV is an accepted alternative to a portfolio); or
- Applicants are seeking Advanced Standing (unit exemptions) outside of an agreed pathway or articulation agreement.