Curtin University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced studio practice, applied research methods and professional practice units to develop creative, strategic and technical capabilities. You will undertake a mix of core modules and electives, culminating in a major project or research thesis that addresses a real-world design challenge.

• Design Research Methods — qualitative and quantitative approaches, user-centred research, ethics and evaluation.
• Advanced Design Studio — intensive studio work focusing on a chosen specialism such as product, interaction, service or spatial design.
• Service and Experience Design — mapping journeys, co-design, service prototyping and systems thinking.
• User Interface and Interaction Design — prototyping tools, information architecture and usability testing for digital products.
• Materials, Making and Prototyping — digital fabrication, material exploration and rapid prototyping methods.
• Design Management and Strategy — project leadership, business models, design thinking in organisations and innovation processes.
• Sustainability and Social Design — sustainable design approaches, ethical practice and community-focused projects.
• Major Project or Thesis — sustained design project or research dissertation that demonstrates mastery of practice and contributes new knowledge or solutions.

Delivery typically combines studio sessions, seminars, workshops, industry briefs and independent research. Electives allow specialisation while cross-disciplinary collaboration with other Curtin faculties is encouraged.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor degree in design, architecture, fine arts, engineering, information technology or a related discipline. Candidates with substantial professional experience in a relevant field may be considered.

• Academic qualifications: an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Portfolio: a design portfolio showcasing recent work, creative process and problem solving is required for most applicants.
• Research preparation: applicants aiming for the thesis pathway should demonstrate research potential through previous study or project work.
• English language proficiency: international applicants must meet Curtin's English language requirements through recognised tests or equivalent evidence of study in English.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; selection is competitive and based on academic merit, portfolio quality and the applicant's alignment with available supervision and specialisms.

Career prospects

Graduates move into senior and specialist roles across the creative industries, public sector and industry. The degree is designed to prepare you for leadership and research-informed practice.

• Senior product, industrial or furniture designer
• User experience (UX) / user interface (UI) designer and researcher
• Service designer or design strategist in consulting firms and large organisations
• Design manager, innovation lead or creative director
• Design researcher in academia, industry R&D or government agencies
• Entrepreneurship and design-led start-ups, freelance practice

Many graduates also pursue doctoral study in design and creative practice or take on roles that bridge design with business, engineering and social impact fields.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin's School of Design and the Built Environment has an applied, industry-connected focus and strong links to local and international creative sectors. The university offers well-equipped workshops and digital fabrication facilities, dedicated design studios and access to multidisciplinary collaboration across engineering, business and health.

• Industry engagement: projects and briefs with industry partners, opportunities for live briefs and professional networking.
• Facilities: access to fabrication labs, prototyping equipment, digital media studios and user-testing spaces.
• Research and supervision: staff active in design research and practice provide supervision across practice-led and research-led pathways.
• Location and partnerships: Perth base with national and international industry links, exchange and collaborative project opportunities.

Overall, the Master of Design Mc Design at Curtin supports experienced designers and new entrants alike to advance practice, lead innovation and generate tangible design outcomes with professional impact.