151404 v.4 Master of Design

MDes(Curtin)

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Introduction
This course is for individuals of outstanding ability and professional motivation with a passion for understanding design in a world of rapid cultural and technological change and consequent design application. It aims to enhance the skills and depth of understanding of the design professional through discussion, reflection and the production of original innovative design solutions. Understanding of projects that lead to a deeper understanding of a specialism and offer the potential for identifying niche markets and new applications that are socially grounded. Importantly, the course encourages professional and personal development through investigative learning that is relevant and transferable to the circumstances of real organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability
This fee-paying course is three semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Intermediate Awards
A student who has successfully completed all the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Design, or Postgraduate Diploma in Design may apply under exceptional circumstance provisions for graduation in that award subject to approval of the Head of School. For further definition refer to the Statement and Awards section under the General Information section in the Curtin Courses Handbook.

Course Organisation
This course aims to broaden professional and vocational design skills and knowledge by engaging the student in professional design discourse and the undertaking of a Design Project, underpinned by design research methods and theory. Examples include live, or virtual exhibition, design schemas and models supported by a report, as well as a more conventional written disertation. The course includes a combination of academically directed and individually inspired work, group activities and discussion through the following units - Design Research Methods 591, Design Negotiated Contract 591, Design Case Study 591, Design Negotiated Contract 596, Design Project Development 592, Master of Design Project Development 691 and Master of Design Project 692 and finally Master of Design Project 692. The course encourages professional and personal development through investigative learning that is relevant and transferable to the circumstances of real organisations.

Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership in the Australian Graphic Design Association, Perth Art Directors Club, Design Management Institute, and Design Institute of Australia.

Career Opportunities
Graduates of Design generally find employment within all avenues of Design, including Design Studios, Advertising Agencies, Public Relations and Marketing organisations. Additionally the student's research project can aid further in niche specialisation and self-employment.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure				Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
12814	v.3		Design Issues Seminar 591	3.0	25.0
304006	v.3		Design Case Study 591	3.0	25.0
304007	v.3		Design Research Methods 595	3.0	25.0
307825	v.1		Design Project Development 591	1.0	25.0
					100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
12817	v.4		Negotiated Design Project 596	1.0	50.0
6763	v.6		Design Project Development 592	3.0	50.0
			OR
307823	v.1		Design Project 592	1.0	50.0
			OR
307824	v.1		Design Project Report 592	1.0	50.0
					100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
6780	v.5		Design Project 692	1.0	50.0
6781	v.3		Design Project Report 692	1.0	50.0
					100.0

Availability

Year	Location	Period	Internal	External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y	Y
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y	Y

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations that students are eligible to be offe red and admitted to this course for the first time only.