Collarts (Australian College of the Arts)
2 Years
The Master of Design is a 2-year postgraduate program for creative professionals seeking to develop future-focused design practices. Through studio-based learning and industry partnerships, students master design thinking, research, and entrepreneurship to solve complex problems across physical, digital, and social contexts.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor level degree in a design-related field, or a Bachelor degree in any discipline combined with a portfolio of creative arts work. Alternatively, candidates with 5 years of professional experience in design or related fields and a portfolio demonstrating creative practice are eligible. All applicants undergo an interview and portfolio review by academic staff to assess suitability. Academic bridging support is available for those returning to study or new to university education.
The Master of Design curriculum spans 6 trimesters organized into two years of study. First-year units include Context (Creative Identity, Arts and Design, Law and Ethical Practice), Principles (Practice as Research, Creative Industries Ecosystems, Curation and Connection), and Practical studio work (Design Studio 1, 2, and 3). Second-year studies focus on Creative Futures (Innovation and Disruption), advanced Principles, and culminate in a Major Design Project. All units integrate Indigenous cultural knowledges and emphasize practice-led learning approaches. Students develop expertise in design research methods, design entrepreneurship, leadership, and real-world problem-solving across multiple design disciplines.
Collarts is a specialized creative arts institution with deep industry connections and partnerships including Melbourne Fashion Week, Melbourne International Film Festival, ACMI, and other major creative events. The program is purpose-built for online learning rather than adapted from on-campus delivery, offering flexibility and interactivity. Faculty include expert design practitioners and academics who mentor students through collaborative, hands-on experiences. The institution emphasizes Indigenous cultural responsiveness, diversity, and celebrates individual creativity while providing pathways to commercialization and entrepreneurial ventures.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths as interdisciplinary designers conceptualizing and developing solutions across physical, digital, and social contexts. Design strategists and consultants align design thinking with business goals to enhance customer experiences and drive organizational growth. Opportunities exist in technology, retail, cyber security, finance, manufacturing, biomedical, and service design sectors. Many graduates transition into academic roles as lecturers and researchers in design disciplines. Average industry salaries range from A$80,000-A$130,000 for designers, A$100,000-A$160,000 for design strategists, and A$90,000-A$120,000 for academics.
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