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Master of Design (Interior Design)

Postgraduate course

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  • View course information for international students.
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Overview

This is a new course commencing in February 2012 and replaces the earlier Master of Design (Interior Design).
This is a nested suite of programs comprising the Graduate Diploma of Design (Interior Design) and Master of Design (Interior Design).  These programs provide advanced study for designers wishing to achieve higher specialisation in interior design, preparing them well to meet the increasing demands of the design industry.
This new program offers a more flexible structure with more discipline focus and specific research and studio-based practice units. Students have the opportunity to choose an elective area of design as a specialisation.
The program will provide advanced skills to interior design professionals that develop innovative 3D spaces and includes public environments (for example, theatres, cinemas, government agencies and institutions), commercial spaces (including restaurants, offices, hotels, shopping centres and airports) and domestic environments.  Design projects typically cover the construction of space, materials, lighting, and sound environments.
The majority of units will be delivered at the Prahran campus. Some units may be delivered at the Hawthorn campus. Participants can join the program in Semester 1 (February/March intake) only from 2013.
(International students are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot take the part-time or online study modes.)
Information sessions
For further information on this course, please visit the faculty web page at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/design/postgrad/
Duration3 semesters full-time or equivalent part-time
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Prahran -Semester 1
Study modeFull-time
Part-time (day & evening)
Course codeDMINTD60
Fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Career opportunities

Graduates may find work in the areas of interior and exhibition design, hotel/retail design, theatre design, museum design, computer-aided design and design management.

Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

This is a new course commencing in February 2012 and replaces the earlier Master of Design (Interior Design).
This is a nested suite of programs comprising the Graduate Diploma of Design (Interior Design) and Master of Design (Interior Design).  These programs provide advanced study for designers wishing to achieve higher specialisation in interior design, preparing them well to meet the increasing demands of the design industry.
This new program offers a more flexible structure with more discipline focus and specific research and studio-based practice units. Students have the opportunity to choose an elective area of design as a specialisation.
The program will provide advanced skills to interior design professionals that develop innovative 3D spaces and includes public environments (for example, theatres, cinemas, government agencies and institutions), commercial spaces (including restaurants, offices, hotels, shopping centres and airports) and domestic environments.  Design projects typically cover the construction of space, materials, lighting, and sound environments.
The majority of units will be delivered at the Prahran campus. Some units may be delivered at the Hawthorn campus. Participants can join the program in Semester 1 (February/March intake) only from 2013.
(International students are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot take the part-time or online study modes.)

Course structure

The Master of Design (Interior Design) is a three semester full-time (or equivalent part-time*) 150 credit point program. A full-time weekly workload includes 12 hours of contact time and expects a minimum of another 24 hours study time. Participants can join the program in Semester 1 (February/March intake) only from 2013.
The Masters is a coursework program with emphasis on structured skills acquisition, design investigation and applied design projects. It offers advanced knowledge and experience in design practice, design management, creative strategies and relevant technical knowledge. 
Places in units with face-to-face delivery may be limited. Enrolment into face-to-face units will be subject to maximum enrolment restrictions, with preference given to students undertaking the full Masters program.
*International students are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot take the part-time or online study modes.

Units of study

The Master of Design is a 150 credit point program consisting of 37.5 credit points from two core units, 62.5 credit points from five Interior Design units and 50 credit points from four elective specialisation units.  All units of study are 12.5 credit points unless otherwise indicated. Students are normally required to achieve a credit average at graduate diploma level to progress to the master program.
The majority of units will be delivered at the Prahran campus. Some units may be delivered at the Hawthorn campus.

Semester 1
 
Core Units
HDG530 Research Methods for Design
HDG531 Fundamental Design Studio (25 credit points)
Elective Specialisation Units
Note: Units offered within these Specialisations are offered subject to student enrolment numbers.
Two units from your chosen specialisation in:
Elective Specialisation Units
The remaining two units from your chosen specialisation in:

Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives, career opportunities, professional recognition and graduate attributes.

Aims and objectives

Swinburne's interior design programs produce graduates with the conceptual processes, creative tools, management strategies and research skills for innovation in the areas of public environments (such as government agencies and institutions, theatres, cinemas, sporting venues and visitor centres) commercial spaces (such as restaurants, offices, hotels, shops and airports), domestic interiors and exhibition design (such as trade shows, events and museum displays).  Issues of demographic and technological change, new materials and manufacturing techniques, social and environmental sustainability, commercial factors, consumer knowledge, design ethics and entrepreneurial activity are explored with a view to creating interior environments for the future.
Design projects cover the construction of 3D space, surface treatments, materials, lighting, acoustics, fittings and furniture design. These programs have an emphasis on structured skills acquisition, design investigation and applied design projects.

Career opportunities

Graduates may find work in the areas of interior and exhibition design, hotel/retail design, theatre design, museum design, computer-aided design and design management.

Professional recognition

Upon completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become a member of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) but should confirm eligibility with the association.

Graduate attributes

Graduates of the Master of Design (Interior Design) will be able to:
  • conceptually demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and critical reflection on theory and professional practice in design;
  • conceptually and technically investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theory and apply established theories to different bodies of design knowledge or practice;
  • conceptually and technically generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level;
  • use communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  • design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional design practice and scholarship.
Graduates of this program should be:
  • capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
  • able to apply the principles of sustainability to life and work;
  • entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community;
  • effective, collegial, and ethical in work and community situations;
  • adaptable and able to manage change;
  • aware and respectful of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. sociocultural, economic, natural);
  • knowledgeable of the scholarship related to their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.

Course experience

On this page: Swinburne Abroad.

Swinburne Abroad

Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies while on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Education Abroad website.

On this page: entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to the program is normally through a degree in a design-related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.  However, applicants with a diploma in a design-related discipline and at least five years experience may be eligible for entry.  All applicants are required to submit a design portfolio that clearly illustrates their skills, knowledge and capabilities in their chosen field.  Applicants are chosen on the combination of their previous academic performance and the contents illustrated through their design portfolio.

Exemptions:
A maximum of 50 credit point exemptions will apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Recognition of prior learning will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Credit transfer

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: http://pandoraplus.swin.edu.au/credit/StudentCredit/index.cfm

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm  

Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees and find out more.

How to apply

Please refer to entry requirements before applying.
 
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/

Course fees

The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Find out more

Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)