Design
On this page:
- Master of Design Innovation (MDI)
- Graduate Diploma in Design Innovation (GDipDI)
- Master of Design (MDes)
- PhD in Design
Master of Design Innovation (MDI)
In 2012, the School of Design will introduce a two-year Master of Design Innovation (MDI) degree across three specialisations - Culture+Context, Industrial and Media. This qualification is designed for graduates from the undergraduate Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI) who wish to train as professional designers.
The Master of Design Innovation (MDI) consists of two parts and is the pathway from a Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI) into postgraduate study in one of the three specialisations.
Part one consists of coursework worth a total of 120 points. You will complete three core courses and one elective course of your choosing. Your core courses are multi-disciplinary in nature to encourage collaboration within the design environment.
Part two consists of either a full-time research thesis worth a total of 120 points or a research thesis worth a total of 90 points, with the remainder of points made up from elective courses closely related to your chosen thesis topic.
For more information on the MDI please contact the School of Design.
Duration
Two years of full-time study or up to four years part-time.
Entry requirements
Entry into the Master of Design Innovation (MDI) normally requires:
- a Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI) degree; or
- a Victoria University of Wellington Graduate Diploma in Design Innovation (GDipDI); or
- entry at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design
- or, an equivalent qualification approved by the Faculty.
Research requirements
To make an enquiry contact the School of Design's Student Administration office via email. Include in your query a comprehensive description of your qualifications and your initial research interests.
All postgraduate students are expected to conduct their research with a high level of competency in the English language.
Graduate Diploma in Design Innovation (GDipDI)
The GDipDI is a programme offered in three specialisations - Culture+Context, Industrial Design and Media Design. It is ideal for students and practitioners who hold a first degree in a design discipline and wish to add a further professional qualification. Study is closely integrated with the Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI). The GDipDI is worth a total of 120 points, consisting of courses in your chosen specialisation along with electives closely related to minor subjects offered in the BDI.
Duration
Two years of full-time study or up to four years part-time.
Entry requirements
Entry into the Graduate Diploma of Design Innovation (GDipDI) normally requires:
- a completed Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; and
- approval by the Head of School of Design as being capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
Master of Design (MDes)
The MDes is a research-based qualification focused on structured independent investigation of topics specific to Industrial Design and Media Design, as well as topics that address more multi-disciplinary design related areas, in particular those with close alignment to the Culture+Context programme. Topics may span disciplines: making new and beneficial connections between traditionally disparate research subjects, such as industrial and media design, media design and engineering, or design and anthropology to name a few possibilities. The MDes may take the form of a written dissertation, a design composition based on research through design, or a combination thereof.
A complete research proposal and portfolio of design work must be submitted, reviewed, and approved before a MDes student may enrol – contact the Postgraduate Research Coordinator for details and application submission guidelines.
Duration
A minimum of 12 months full-time or 2 years part-time.
Entry requirements
A good four-year Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Industrial Design, Media Design, Design Studies, or a strong Bachelor’s degree in another design-based discipline. Alternatively, relevant professional and/or research experience may also be considered.
Research requirements
An application to enrol in the MDes must be accompanied by a complete proposal including all of the following:
- project title
- principle research question and topic
- aims and objectives
- significance of research
- bibliography
- research design and methodology
- research schedule
- special equipment needs
- official undergraduate transcripts
- preferred start date
- preferred primary/secondary supervisors
- portfolio of student or professional work
PhD in Design
The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest degree offered by the School of Design. It is completed by thesis only and is restricted to areas where appropriate supervision is available.
The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) provides the first port of call for all students interested in enrolling in a PhD at Victoria. The Faculty website provides application forms, details of available funding, application dates, and answers to a host of questions. The FGR continues to provide support to PhD students throughout their studies at Victoria.
How to find out more
The School of Design's Student Administration office offers additional information on:
- admission
- qualifications and courses
- course advice and selection criteria
- exemptions and perquisites and
- your application to study.
These postgraduate qualifications are taught at the School of Design, Te Aro Campus, 139 Vivian Street, Wellington
For further assistance please contact us:
Phone: 0- 4-463 6200
Email: address