Courses Handbook 2007 - [ Archived ]

151404 v.4 Master of Design


MDes(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 027224F
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years

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 projects leads to a deeper understanding of a specialisation and offers 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.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Entry into the Master of Design course will be offered to those students who have achieved a Bachelor of Arts from Curtin or other equivalent tertiary institution and have achieved a course weighted average of not less than 65 per cent in at least the previous two semesters of equivalent full-time study. A Bachelor of Arts (Design) and vocational/professional experience of a minimum of two years. A minimum of ten years vocational/professional experience in a design-related discipline. Students who have achieved a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Curtin or other equivalent tertiary institutions would enter into semester two of the Master of Design course.

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 I

A student who has completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval from the Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Postgraduate Diploma in Design; Graduate Certificate in Design.

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 dissertation. The course includes a combination of academically directed and individually inspired work, group activities and discussion. 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 students 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 essential study materials.

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
  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   All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2007 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2007 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y        
2008 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2008 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y        

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.



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