Master of Design (MDes)

Welcome to the Master of Design Programme at the University of Otago.

We're excited to be offering this degree in 2012, and invite you to be involved in one of New Zealand's most innovative Postgraduate Design Programmes.
(See below for application details).

Programme Rationale

At its core this programme uses designing as its main method of inquiry. Hence, while students will be asked to document and connect their findings with a wider body of ideas, it is through the process of designing that we will seek to develop innovative solutions to real world issues and contexts. To this end we see design as a deeply creative and strategic endeavour.

Throughout the programme comprehensive workshops and seminars examine current theory and practice. In these you'll work with leading design scholars and design professionals from both University of Otago and industry, while ongoing supervision will come from staff with expertise in both design theory and practice.

2010 / 2011 Programme Map and Brochure

• The Master of Design 2010 / 2011 Programme Map (PDF)
• The Master of Design Programme Brochure as PDF

Application Form

All documents including your application, CV, Academic record, Letter of application, and your portfolio may be uploaded onto the Design Studies Website. You will receive a confirmation of your application within 2 working days of your submission. We will complete the signing process of your application upon interview.

• The Master of Design Application form (PDF)
• The Master of Design Application form (doc)

Staff Involved

• Dr Mick Abbott - Master of Design Programme Director, Environmental Design, Industrial Design
• Grant Baxter - Interaction Design
• Michael Findlay - Exhibition Design, Design History
• Nick Laird - Strategic Design, Architectural Design
• Dr Mark McGuire - Communication Design
• Gavin O’Brien - Industrial Design, Architectural Design
• Dr Noel Waite - Design History
• Associate Professor Sarah Wakes - Engineering Design
• Andrew Wallace - Industrial Design
• Janeice Young - Master of Design Programme Administration

Facilities

The Master of Design Programme has a dedicated studio which includes a dedicated work space for each student. Access to the fully wireless studio is 24/7, and includes several meeting spaces, colour printer, several shared access dual-boot Mac/Windows machines, sketch modelling space, Skype conferencing facilities, dedicated data projector etc.

Also the University of Otago library has an extensive design publications collection as well as on-line access to many of the most relevant design journals.

Students in the programme are expected to provide their own laptop (either Mac or Windows platform). We also can offer at special rates a fully specified Mac Powerbook with pre-loaded industry-standard design software.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

We consider design to be a truly multidisciplinary endeavour. To this end designers and related professionals from across all its disciplines - such as industrial design, communication design, interaction design, environmental design, interior design, architectural design, landscape design, design management, event management and the like - are invited to participate in the programme. The key pre-requisites are a passion for design and a commitment to designing as your primary method of investigation.

What Next

This website covers the main points of the programme. But the best way to work out if this programme is for you is to give us a call.

You can reach us on +64 3 479 3149. Or email the Programme Director, Mick Abbott: mick.abbott@otago.ac.nz

Who Should Apply?

To apply you need either:

• a three year design-relevant Bachelors degree and a minimum of two years of relevant industry experience or
• a four year design-relevant Bachelors degree

Part-Time Options

The first three months of the course must be taken full-time. After this there is an option to undertake the remainder of the course part-time.

Scholarships

University of Otago has a number of scholarships available to prospective students. These are separately administered by the Scholarships Office, Visit: http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships/

Application Process

Applications for admission to the Master of Design Programme are accepted throughout the year. Applications are considered as they are received, with places offered on a rolling basis until the programme is full.

Key Dates

We accept applications until the programme starts on the 27th February 2012. However, to avoid late enrolment fees please ensure your application is submitted to the Administrator of the MDes programme, Department of Applied Sciences, University of Otago, by Friday 18th November 2011.