Massey University

What you'll study

The Master of Design is focused on advanced studio practice and research. Students typically follow either a practice-based project pathway or a more research-oriented thesis pathway, developing a major body of work that combines design practice with critical enquiry.

• Core research and methods: design research methods, qualitative and quantitative enquiry, critical theory in design, ethics and kaupapa Māori approaches to research where relevant.
• Studio practice: advanced design studio units in areas such as service design, product design, interaction and experience design, strategic design and sustainability-led practice.
• Professional practice and leadership: project management, design strategy, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with industry or community partners.
• Electives and specialist topics: digital fabrication and prototyping, UX and human–computer interaction, design for social innovation, material exploration, and inclusive design approaches.
• Major project or thesis: a substantial practice-based project or written thesis demonstrating originality, rigorous process and contribution to design knowledge or professional practice.

Teaching combines supervised independent work, seminars, workshops and crits. Students develop a portfolio or artefact plus documentation and critical reflection suitable for professional advancement or further research.

Entry requirements

• A bachelors degree in design, fine arts, engineering, information technology, architecture, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Applicants without a design-specific degree are expected to demonstrate relevant experience and a portfolio showing creative and conceptual capability.
• A portfolio of design work and a research or project proposal outlining intended direction and outcomes.
• Academic transcripts and references; equivalent professional experience can be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
• International applicants must meet Massey Universitys English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into leadership and specialist roles across commercial, public and social sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Senior product, service or UX designer roles in agencies and in-house design teams.
• Design strategist, innovation consultant or design researcher positions working with industry or government.
• Leadership roles managing creative teams, product development or user experience functions.
• Social and community design practitioner roles focused on participatory and inclusive practice.
• Continued academic research (PhD) or teaching positions in design education.

Why study at Massey University

• Massey has a strong tradition of applied design education and research with an emphasis on practice-led enquiry and industry collaboration.
• The programme is delivered by academics and practising designers who bring a mix of studio expertise and research supervision, allowing close mentorship on major projects.
• Students can access specialist workshops, prototyping facilities and digital labs, and benefit from cross-disciplinary connections across creative, engineering and business faculties.
• Masseys flexible delivery options support both on-campus and distance learners, enabling part-time study while maintaining professional commitments.
• The curriculum encourages culturally responsive practice, including attention to kaupapa M
  01ori perspectives and community-engaged projects where appropriate.