Master of Design
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Melbourne CityFees
AU$38,400 (2022 annual)
Next intake
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Overview
The RMIT School of Design is a recognised as an international leader in education, research and practice. It is industry connected, socially grounded, and focused on the future practices of design.
At RMIT we contend that research is conducted through designing as a means of increasing knowledge, and that this process parallels research in other areas in fascinating ways.
Research candidates are supported and engaged in communities of design practice that share interests, discourses, and ways of doing things.
Upon completion of this program, you will have:
- knowledge and understanding of one or more disciplines
- advanced knowledge of research methods relevant to your field
- theoretical knowledge and ability to reflect on critical theory
- cognitive, technical and creative skills to:
- investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems and theories
- apply established theories to different practice or bodies of knowledge
- generate and evaluate ideas and concepts
- use and evaluate research and research methods
- present coherent and sustained arguments, disseminating research results to different audiences
- design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that contributes to knowledge and practice.
As a graduate, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills:
- with creativity and initiative in new situations
- with high-level autonomy and accountability
- to plan and complete substantial research.
The Master of Design may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode, a decision made in consultation with your supervisor.
Details
Time spent on research
Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.
Regular contact with your supervisor
A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.
Resources, facilities and support
You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal. You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.
More information about training and development for research candidates.
School of Graduate Research
The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Design | City Campus |
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
|
2 years full-time
|
MR235 | 099062A |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MR235
Career
Admissions
The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:
- a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
- evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.
The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:
- a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
- evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.
Entry requirements
These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.
See the Postgraduate Research Admission Application Form (PDF 736KB 7p) for more details.
The School of Design does not accept applications to its research programs before a potential applicant has satisfied a Pre-application Process. Find more information in the School’s Guidelines for Prospective Applicants.
For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.
Research proposal and supervisor
Proposal: You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:
a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable)
Supervisor: Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.
For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.
Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.
This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).
Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$38,400.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$77,760.
- Fees information for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
- PhD and masters by research fees for international candidates studying offshore.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.