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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Master of Design (Contemporary Art)

This master degree will not only help to further extend practical skills in your chosen specialisation, but it will also provide you with valuable business management skills.

The specialised fields you are able to choose from include:

  • photo, digital and graphic media
  • curatorship and arts writing
  • painting and drawing
  • spatial studies, involving public art, sculpture, textiles, glass, ceramics, jewellery and metal
  • A key focus is on the development and application of research processes and methodologies and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse information. You will also develop skills in marketing and critical analysis.

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree in a related discipline are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.
This qualification provides graduates with advanced practical and theoretical skills and knowledge, advanced research skills and valuable business and financial management skills.

A key focus is on research, as it relates to your chosen specialisation. You will also study marketing and business, covering areas such as:-

  • grant sourcing and applications
  • industry associations and professional recognition
  • communication skills and marketing strategies
  • copyright, trademarks, intellectual property and taxation
  • You will also acquire the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research, and will explore online art and design practice, online marketing, business management and self-employment practices related to the art and design industries. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand critical research methodologies.

Campus Information

Adelaide- City West

On the edge of Adelaide’s central business district, City West houses studies in business, law, art, architecture, design, Indigenous cultures and Australian society.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Visual artists are highly creative, highly motivated, disciplined and committed. To succeed in this creative profession, you need to be willing to take risks, push boundaries and experiment with concepts, contexts and materials. If you think you've got what it takes, the job prospects for visual artists in Australia are looking great1.

Careers to consider:

  • artist/designer: ceramicist, painter, illustrator, sculptor, jeweller, textile artist, printmaker, photographer, furniture designer, digital media
  • arts administrator: responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of an arts organisation
  • art historian: an authority on art history; you may work for a museum, library, art gallery or historical centre
  • art critic: specialise in analysing, interpreting, and evaluating art.

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

  • Successful completion of a Bachelor degree or Graduate Diploma from a recognised higher education institution, or equivalent, in a related discipline. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.
  • Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Design from the University of South Australia are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study, and are not required to submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.
  • Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree in a related discipline are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.


Related design disciplines include: visual art; contemporary art; illustration and animation.