Master of Arts (Thesis)
The University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand is renowned for its academic excellenc...
Master of Product Design
Christchurch
INTAKE: Jul & Feb
Program Overview
The Master of Product Design program at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a specialized course aimed at equipping students with advanced skills and knowledge in the field of product design, fostering innovation and creativity in designing functional and aesthetically appealing products.
Curriculum: UC's Master of Product Design offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of design thinking, user-centered design, prototyping, materials science, sustainability, and design technology. Core courses focus on advanced design methodologies, conceptualization, visualization techniques, and design project management. Students engage in practical workshops, collaborative projects, and design studios to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Research Focus: The program emphasizes a research-oriented approach, encouraging students to explore innovative design concepts, conduct design experiments, and engage in problem-solving through design. Students undertake research projects focusing on product innovation, user experience design, material exploration, or sustainable design solutions.
Industry Engagement: UC collaborates with industry partners, design firms, and businesses to provide students with practical experiences and real-world insights. Through internships, design challenges, or industry-sponsored projects, students gain hands-on experience and develop connections within the design industry.
Global Perspective: The Master of Product Design program at UC integrates a global perspective by examining design trends, cultural influences, and global market demands. The curriculum includes discussions on global design challenges, cross-cultural design approaches, and case studies from diverse international design contexts.
Location
Christchurch
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
NZD 60000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 50% or higher in the previous academic degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 19.
- PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Canterbury is dedicated to providing support to international students through various scholarship programs designed to recognize academic excellence, diversity, and specific areas of achievement. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and promote educational opportunities for talented individuals from around the world.
UC International First Year Scholarships: Geared towards high-achieving international students beginning their first year of study at UC. These scholarships acknowledge exceptional academic performance and assist students in their initial year of education at the university.
UC Master's Scholarships: For high-achieving international students pursuing Master's degrees at UC. These scholarships provide financial support to assist students in their postgraduate studies and promote research excellence.
UC Doctoral Scholarships: Aimed at international students undertaking Ph.D. studies at UC. These scholarships offer financial assistance and opportunities for research excellence in various fields of study.
Specific Field Scholarships: Additionally, UC offers specialized scholarships catering to students entering specific fields or disciplines. These scholarships encourage innovation and excellence in targeted areas of study.
Graduates from the Master of Product Design program at the University of Canterbury (UC) possess specialized skills and expertise, opening various rewarding career pathways within the field of product design.
Product Designer: Alumni often pursue careers as product designers, working for design firms, manufacturing companies, or as independent consultants. They create innovative and functional products, focusing on aesthetics, usability, and market demands.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Graduates may work as UX designers, focusing on enhancing the overall experience and usability of products. They conduct user research, design interfaces, and ensure products meet user needs and expectations.
Industrial Designer: Many alumni become industrial designers, specializing in designing products for mass production. They create blueprints, conduct material research, and ensure the functionality and manufacturability of products.
Design Researcher: Graduates may choose research-oriented roles as design researchers, conducting studies on user behavior, market trends, and emerging technologies. They contribute to developing innovative design solutions.
Innovation Consultant: With expertise in product design, alumni might work as innovation consultants, advising companies on product development strategies, market trends, and innovation processes.
Creative Director: Some alumni may progress to roles as creative directors, leading design teams, setting design directions, and ensuring creative coherence in product design processes.
