Master of Design

Whanganui

INTAKE: February

Program Overview

The Master of Design program at Universal College of Learning (UCOL) in New Zealand is crafted to provide students with an advanced level of design education, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills. It aims to prepare students for professional design practice and leadership roles within the global design industry.

Curriculum: The Master of Design curriculum at UCOL covers a diverse range of design disciplines, including graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, interior design, and digital design. It integrates theoretical knowledge with practical design projects, encouraging students to explore contemporary design practices and develop a personal design philosophy.

Research Focus: The program encourages research within the field of design. Students engage in design research projects exploring innovative design methodologies, sustainable design practices, human-centered design approaches, and emerging design technologies.

Industry Engagement: UCOL emphasizes strong industry connections within the Master of Design program. Students have opportunities for internships, industry collaborations, and design projects with businesses, allowing them to gain practical insights and develop industry-relevant skills.

Global Perspective: The Master of Design program integrates a global perspective by examining international design trends, cultural influences on design, and cross-cultural design practices. It prepares students to operate effectively in diverse cultural contexts within the global design arena.

Location

Whanganui

Score

IELTS 6.5

Tuition Fee

NZD 32500

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 55% 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 79 with no individual section below 21.
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.

Universal College of Learning (UCOL) offers various scholarships to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, support students in financial need, and encourage diversity among the student population.

International Scholarships: UCOL provides scholarships specifically tailored for international students. These scholarships may cover a portion of tuition fees or assist with living expenses. Eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the application process vary for each scholarship offered.

Merit-Based Scholarships: UCOL offers merit-based scholarships to recognize exceptional academic achievements among international students. These scholarships often reward outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, or significant accomplishments.

Need-Based Scholarships: For students facing financial constraints, UCOL may offer need-based scholarships to assist in covering tuition fees or living expenses. These scholarships aim to support students who demonstrate financial need and exceptional dedication to their studies.

Program-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships at UCOL are tailored to specific academic programs or fields of study. These scholarships encourage students pursuing particular disciplines and recognize achievements or contributions within those fields.

Government or External Scholarships: UCOL provides information and guidance regarding government-funded or external scholarships available to international students. These scholarships may be offered by governmental bodies, organizations, or foundations and could cover various aspects of study expenses.

Graduates of the Master of Design program at Universal College of Learning (UCOL) in New Zealand possess a diverse skill set that prepares them for various rewarding career pathways within the expansive field of design and creative industries.

1. Design Director: Graduates can aspire to become Design Directors, overseeing design projects, leading design teams, and guiding creative direction within design firms or creative agencies.

2. Creative Consultant: Professionals can work as Creative Consultants, providing expert advice on design strategies, innovation, and creative problem-solving for businesses or organizations.

3. Branding and Identity Specialist: Graduates can specialize in branding and identity, working as Specialists to develop brand strategies, logos, and visual identities for companies or marketing agencies.

4. User Experience (UX) Designer: Professionals can pursue roles as UX Designers, focusing on creating intuitive and user-friendly experiences for digital products, websites, or software applications.

5. Interior/Exhibition Designer: Graduates can specialize in interior or exhibition design, designing spaces for commercial, residential, or exhibition purposes in architecture firms or design studios.

6. Fashion Designer/Stylist: Professionals can work as Fashion Designers or Stylists, creating apparel, accessories, or styling for fashion brands, magazines, or retail outlets.

7. Design Researcher/Strategist: Graduates can engage in design research roles, analyzing market trends, user behaviors, and design methodologies to drive innovation and strategy in design-led businesses.

8. Multimedia Artist/Animator: Professionals can explore careers as Multimedia Artists or Animators, creating visual effects, animations, or interactive media for film, gaming, or advertising industries.

9. Sustainable Design Specialist: Graduates can focus on sustainable design, integrating eco-friendly practices, materials, and methodologies into design processes for environmental sustainability.

10. Independent Designer/Entrepreneur: Professionals can establish their design studios, freelancing, or starting design-related businesses, offering services in various design domains.