Postgraduate Programme

Design offers several opportunities for postgraduate study. We are committed to building a dynamic research community within design and beyond. Proposals for the following qualifications are welcome:

PGDipAppSc (Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Sciences)

This is a one year commitment and consists of four papers and a research project. This course may also provide the first year of a MAppSc (Master of Applied Sciences). Please see www.otago.ac.nz/courses/subjects/dete.html for further details.
Entry requirement: undergraduate degree qualification.

MAppSc (Master of Applied Sciences)

This degree is made up of a thesis in a topic applicable to Applied Science. It is usually a year of study with the submission of a thesis. Please see www.otago.ac.nz/courses/subjects/dete.html for further details.
Entry requirement: For MAppSc students should have completed a BAppSc with DETE as their major or same equivalent alternative qualifications or experience with at least a B average with B+ for their research project. Students who have taken their first degree outside New Zealand will have their cases scrutinised individually by the departmental Research Committee. Acceptance as a candidate for the degree depends upon the University being able to provide adequate expert supervision in the intended area of research.

MDes (Master of Design)

The MDes is designed for students who wish to pursue research that uses design as a methodology and explores community and industrial contexts and issues. The degree has a taught semester of papers and a whole year research thesis including a design outcome. The thesis and design outcome will be the articulation of the design research undertaken.
Entry requirement: A candidate will have normally either completed an honours degree or have relevant industrial experience and a three year degree.

The final result of a Master’s thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to:

  • Master the theoretical paradigms of the discipline,
  • identify and evaluate relevant literature and other forms of information,
  • design a well-structured, relevant and integrated plan of research,
  • implement a research plan using appropriate methods of research and analysis, and
  • reach logical conclusions informed by a combination of the student’s own investigations and other available information.

PhD

Three year course of study and research leading to a substantial, significant and original thesis in design or related areas.

Initial Enquiries

All expressions of interest to undertake postgraduate study should be directed to Professor Raechel Laing, raechel.laing@otago.ac.nz. These are welcome at any time.

Application Dates

Master Degree applications are welcome to be submitted by 10th December for study beginning at the start of the following academic year, or by 1st June for study beginning in Semester 2.
PhD applications can be submitted at any time.

Proposal and Application Process

1. Design will assist applicants through the process. Project proposal submitted to the department should include the following:

  • Working title,
  • Outline of project,
  • Bibliography of primary and secondary sources,
  • Mention of any Design departmental staff consultation.

This should be 2–4 pages in length. Students should discuss this proposal with a proposed supervisors before submitting it to the committee.

2. Consideration by Research Committee, which appoints supervisors and notifies the applicant.

3. Consultation by student with supervisors to refine proposal if required.

4. Applying to the division

International Students

International students should also address their formal enrolment requirements to:

Research, Enterprise and International Office
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin, NZ

For further information consult the following website http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/

Enrolment

Once confirmation has been received from the department formal University Enrolment follows admission to the programme, and is a separate procedure.

Supervision

A supervisor and co-supervisor from the Design Studies Department’s staff are appointed for every Masters or PhD student by the Research Committee. Students are invited to discuss with the chair of the Research Committee the staff members who might be appointed for this task. The candidate will be informed of their supervisors after the committee has considered their proposals.

Masters Examination

The thesis will be assessed by at least two examiners, at least one who will be external to the University. The degree may be awarded with distinction or credit.

Fees

Further information about fees is available on the University website at http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees/.

Scholarships and Awards

For up to date scholarship information prospective students should visit the following website http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships/index.html

The award of a scholarship is a separate process from acceptance into a programme of study.

Further information for Master Degrees

Further information about the Master of Consumer and Applied Science Degree and the Master of Applied Science is available on the University website at http://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/qualifications/ma.html.

Further information for PhD applicants

Applicants should consult the following website for further information http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/phd/index.html