Master of Design

Admissions information

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• Course description

  Design shapes the world, but the world is rapidly changing. The UTS Master of Design combines industry‑ready skills in strategy and innovation with future‑proof expertise in systems thinking and applied research. In this course, students specialise in User Experience, Strategic Product Innovation, or Fashion Strategy, developing expertise through studio‑led projects shaped in partnership with industry. The course positions design not only as problem‑solving, but as a creative and critical practice that actively shapes the systems and experiences that define contemporary life.  

  In your first year of study, you will hone your expertise in design thinking, develop state‑of‑the‑art knowledge in professional practice, and engage with contemporary approaches to sustainability and social innovation. At UTS School of Design, you will be encouraged to critically engage with disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, enabling you to either leverage emerging developments in your field or establish an AI‑resilient practice, aligned with your values and career trajectories.  

  In your third semester, you will apply your knowledge and skills in a problem‑based, industry‑partnered studio subject and a capstone professional research project that advances your individual practice and career direction, preparing you for industry or further study.  

  The User Experience major will enable you to design and evaluate user and service experiences across physical, digital, and hybrid environments. You will develop capabilities in research, experience strategy, and journey design, working across systems, touchpoints, and organisational contexts. You will be prepared for careers including: experience designer, wayfinding designer, UI/UX designer, service designer, strategic designer, storyteller, creative technologist, and UX researcher.  

  The Strategic Product Innovation major will enable you to develop, launch, and manage products for complex global markets. Students learn to integrate design, strategy, and production, taking ideas from concept through to realisation while navigating technical, commercial, and operational considerations.  

  You will be prepared for careers including: product manager, design strategist, innovation consultant, sustainability manager, product development technologist, and design producer. 

  The Fashion Strategy major will enable you to work across the business, cultural, and creative dimensions of the global fashion industry. Students develop capabilities in brand strategy, product development, and fashion systems, engaging with issues such as sustainability, emerging technologies, consumer behaviour, and changing regulatory landscapes. You will be prepared for careers including: fashion strategist, brand manager, product developer, fashion buyer, sustainability consultant, and fashion researcher.  

• Important dates

  Find out more about application dates relating to this course

• Scholarships and prizes

  Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.

  Scholarships for domestic students

  Scholarships for international students

• Course duration

  The course is offered on a one-and-a-half-year, full-time or three-year, part-time basis.

• Admission requirements

  To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

  Applicants must have the following:

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent.

  Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application 

  All applicants must submit a written selection task (maximum 250 words) describing and reflecting upon a project they have previously created or contributed to that is relevant to the Master of Design major for which they are applying. Applicants should describe the project and their role in it, how it connects to their proposed area of study, what they would do differently if they were to approach the project again today, and why. Applicants may also upload 1–3 supporting images if relevant, although this is optional.

  Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

  English language requirements

  IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, writing 6.0 TOEFL iBT (0-120): overall 79, writing 21 TOEFL iBT (1-6): overall 4, writing 4.5 UTS College AE5: Pass Pearson PTE: overall 58, writing 50 Cambridge C1A / C2P: overall 176, writing 169

• Domestic course fees

  2027 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students

  As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.

  2027 Tuition Fee

  • Indicative first-year tuition fee: 
  • Indicative total tuition fee: 

  You can choose to pay your fees upfront per session, or if you’re eligible, you can defer them using a government FEE-HELP loan. This loan helps you cover all or part of your tuition fees. Keep in mind that applications for this loan are specific to each course.

  Additional Costs 

  Your tuition fees do not include:

  • The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
  • Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
  • Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).

  Important Information 

  • Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
  • The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
  • Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
  • You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table

  Alumni Advantage Program 

  As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program. 

  If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.
 

  Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available

  As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.

  Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees.

• Inherent requirements

  Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.