The Degree of Master of Design – MDes

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) completed the requirements for 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.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelors Honours degree or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelors Honours degree or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

3 Equivalence in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a 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.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b 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.

7 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Design Schedule.

8 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 DESIGN 794.

9 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.

10 a The thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The thesis topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

11 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Design.

12 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.

13 This degree may be awarded with Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.