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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

A common assumption is that design is about solving problems in organisations and societies. Although this is part of what designers do, we are all increasingly engaged in complex situations for which no simple solution is possible. In these environments, the designer’s task is to identify and frame problems and devise and facilitate systems in which problems can be addressed, sometimes incrementally, by multiple stakeholders.

The Master of Design provides you with the means to navigate, engage with and design in a variety of professional contexts; for-profit, non-profit and governmental agencies, bringing both theoretical and practical skills to bear on today’s most significant problems.

Programme Structure

You can build an individualised programme based on your personal and professional interests, and supported by expert mentorship.

You can choose either a taught or research pathway.

Taught Masters

In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge with advanced specialist training in your chosen field. It is completed with courses only. You can also do a capstone project, which allows you to investigate a specific issue that would benefit from a design-based approach. Choose a topic which interests you, explore theoretically and conceptually, iterate and deliver a solution.

Research Masters

The research masters gives you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the knowledge in your field by completing a substantial research thesis project.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

The goal of the MDes is to enhance your employability. With the critical thought and practice that comes from postgraduate study, you’ll be well positioned to lead projects as a strategist and practitioner. You’ll have a strong working knowledge of current technologies and the ability to adapt to those which emerge. You’ll have a multidisciplinary mindset, the ability to frame issues from a social and economic standpoint, and skills in customising and applying your knowledge and experience to any employer’s needs. With live projects and current industry professionals contributing to your learning, the networks developed in the MDes will leave you well-placed to contribute design solutions locally and globally.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Design strategist
  • Experience designer
  • Service designer
  • Design researcher
  • Innovation manager
  • Interaction designer
  • Digital designer
  • Product designer

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. 

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

A Bachelors degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Design                                                           

Taught (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

A Bachelors (Honours) and Postgraduate Diploma

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Taught 180 points

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience and any other activities considered appropriate for your application (for example: participation in design projects (professional and amateur), involvement in community activities, details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes).

You may additionally be required to provide some examples of your design work and again we will work with you directly if this needed as part of your application.

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

You must have completed a Bachelors (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Auckland with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II or above.

Or, completed a bachelor degree from this University and completed the requirements of a Postgraduate Certificate in Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher (provided the Postgraduate Certificate in Design has not been awarded).

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

An interview will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your Application for Admission we will contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, or Zoom).

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Design from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelors Honours degree or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelors Honours degree or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

3 Equivalence in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment in this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment in this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Design Schedule.

8 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Design cannot continue.

9 A student who has to complete 180 points for a Research Masters must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree prior to enrolment in DESIGN 794. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in this Research Masters cannot continue. A student satisfying Regulation 8 may, however, continue in a Taught Masters. Otherwise, enrolment in the Master of Design cannot continue.

10 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

11 a The thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The thesis topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Design.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

13 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Design may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

Distinction

14 This degree may be awarded with Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

15 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

16 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

#ThemeDescription
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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability
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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism