Master of Design

The core of this course consists of three units of design studio extending over three semesters. These are a series of supervised projects culminating in a design product (including design system, process, or artefact). Students are required to demonstrate high-level planning, resourcing, implementation and evaluation, culminating in an expert understanding of the professional design process.

Students select one of the following streams within the design studio for the entire course:

• industrial design
• visual communication
• interior architecture
• multimedia design
• multidisciplinary design.

In addition to the core design studio, students take two units to support the formation of design research strategies, a unit in professional practice, and a unit which complements their other studies by extending relevant skills and knowledge. Teaching consists of studio sessions, lectures and tutorials.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex theories, concepts and propositions, communicate specific design strategies and methodologies with a high level of personal autonomy
• apply advanced cognitive abilities, technical skills, business and marketing strategies, cultural enquiry and conceptual resolution to independent professional practice at the forefront of their contemporary industrial practice
• demonstrate a synthesis of complex theory and design practice through the execution and evaluation of creative endeavours, research and critical context.

Up to 24 points of credit may be granted for previously completed similar units taken at the same level, for example as part of an honours course. For similar undergraduate units, students will normally be required to make substitutions.

Assessment

Assessment is based on project work, written and verbal presentations and assignments.

The course consists of seven coursework units, usually studied full-time over three semesters. Students interested in taking the course in part-time mode should contact the course coordinator for further information.

All units are 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

First year

Semester one

• MDC4001 Design project (part 1) (12 points)
• OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)
• TAD4523 Research methods in design
• complementary study unit

Semester two

• MDC4002 Design project (part 2) (12 points)
• PPR4002 Professional practice and business planning for design
• TAD4542 Research seminar in design

Second year

Semester one

• MDC5001 Design project (part 3)(24 points)

Students wishing to exit this course early may apply to graduate with one of the following, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award:

• Graduate Certificate in Design after successful completion of 24 points of study
• Graduate Diploma in Design after successful completion of 48 points of study.