Regulations - Creative Arts And Industries
The Degree of Master of Design – MDes
The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.
Admission
1 In order to be admitted to this degree, a student must have completed the requirements for:
either
a (i) a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
or
(ii) (a) a Bachelors degree from this University or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
and
(b) the Postgraduate Certificate in Design from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded
or
b a Bachelors Honours degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative.
2 In exceptional circumstance Senate or its representative may approve admission of a student who has:
a attained extensive relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience deemed equivalent by Senate or its representative to the requirement in Regulation 1
and
b performed at an acceptable level in any tests of academic aptitude, portfolio and/or interviews prescribed by Senate or its representative.
Duration and Total Points Value
3 A student enrolled for this degree under Regulation 1b must:
a pass courses with a total value of 120 points
and
b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees
and
c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment in this degree.
4 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1a or 2 must:
a pass courses with a total value of 180 points
and
b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees
and
c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment in this degree.
Structure and Content
5 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Design Schedule.
6 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses to enrol in either DESIGN 794 or 795.
7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.
Research Portfolio / Thesis
8 a The research portfolio or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate or its representative.
b The thesis topic must be approved by the Academic Head or nominee prior to enrolment.
c The research portfolio or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.
Reassignment
9 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Design.
Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate in Design
10 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Design may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.
Distinction / Honours / Merit
11 This degree may be awarded with Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.
Variations
12 In exceptional circumstances, Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.
Amendment
13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.
A student who has to complete 120 points must satisfy the following requirements:
Requirement:
Research Masters
15 points: DESIGN 700
15 points from DESIGN 701, 704, 705, 711
90 points: DESIGN 794 Thesis
Taught Masters
75 points: DESIGN 709, 710
45 points from DESIGN 700–702, 704–706, 711
A student who has to complete 180 points must satisfy the following requirements:
Requirement:
Research Masters
60 points: DESIGN 700–702
30 points from DESIGN 704–706, 711
90 points: DESIGN 794 Thesis
Taught Masters
135 points: DESIGN 700–702, 709, 710
45 points from DESIGN 704–706, 711