Are you ready to master the art of design, creating visuals that inspire, inform, and leave a lasting impression on the world?
With our Master of Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design, you’ll build the toolkit you need to advance your career and make a real impact. Redefine how typography, imagery and layout work together to deliver powerful messages and shape perceptions. Gain expertise in contemporary design practice, business management and creative research. Whether you're aspiring to enhance brand identities, create compelling campaigns, or lead in the creative industry, be prepared to stand out as a design leader.
Reimagine your creative career with Adelaide University’s Master of Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design.
Extend your design practice, exploring innovative techniques and sustainable ways of designing. Deepen your understanding of communication design from a cultural and ethical standpoint. Build essential business management and collaborative skills to thrive in the industry or launch your own creative enterprise. Gain expertise in planning and implementing your own design project and put your skills into practice through real-world industry experience. Develop your research and critical thinking skills to prepare you for an advanced professional career, or further study.
Graphic communication designers work across fields including advertising and marketing, publishing and media, digital design, retail, entertainment, education and more.
Shape the future of design as we know it.
Gain advanced technical skills and knowledge in contemporary design practice. Build key business management and research skills relevant to the design industry. Tailor your degree with elective courses aligned to your interests and career goals. Collaborate with peers on real-world, professional projects in purpose-built studios spaces. Grow your network through relationships with key cultural institutions and local industry partners. Use this qualification as a pathway into further study, including PhD studies.Through our Master of Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design, you’ll be prepared for an advanced career as a design specialist.
In your first year of study, you’ll explore topics on:
Hone your technical skills in contemporary design practice, while exploring theoretical concepts like how design is influenced by culture and the environment, and how we can design in more sustainable and ethical ways. Gain knowledge in business management practices, while strengthening your research skills through a small-scale research project.
In your second year, you’ll build on these concepts and practices, tailoring your studies to your areas of interest. Choose two elective courses from a range of specialist fields to align your degree with your specific career goals. Plan and implement your own specialised design project that considers cultural, environmental, and ethical impacts. Explore research methodologies to develop an academic thesis-style report that supports your project. You’ll also have the chance to put your technical skills and creative expertise into real-world practice through a professional industry experience.
This degree is also a pathway to pursue further studies in research, such as a PhD.
The Master of Design is also available with specialisations in the following:
This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification.
You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree.
Complete 96 units comprising:
Complete 66 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Project 1
|
Course code
ARCH6006
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Arts and Design Masters Project 2
|
Course code
ARCH6007
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Report
|
Course code
ARCH6008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Project 1
|
Course code
ARCH6006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Report
|
Course code
ARCH6008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Arts and Design Masters Project 2
|
Course code
ARCH6007
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Project 1
|
Course code
ARCH6006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Report
|
Course code
ARCH6008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Arts and Design Masters Project 2
|
Course code
ARCH6007
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6901
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Project 1
|
Course code
ARCH6006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Report
|
Course code
ARCH6008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Arts and Design Masters Project 2
|
Course code
ARCH6007
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Project 1
|
Course code
ARCH6006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Report
|
Course code
ARCH6008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Arts and Design Masters Project 2
|
Course code
ARCH6007
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Careers in graphic communication design are far-reaching.
You could launch your own design consultancy startup, where you'll guide clients in crafting innovative visual identities and make strategic business decisions to bring your visions to life. You might lead cross-disciplinary collaborations between designers, engineers and researchers, driving innovations in areas like wearable technology or augmented reality. Or perhaps you'll champion ethical and sustainable design practices, becoming a thought leader and advocate in the global design community.
As a graphic communication design expert, you could consider careers as a:
You could work across a broad range of industries, including advertising and marketing, publishing and media, digital design, retail, technology, entertainment and education.
Technological advancements, global economic shifts and evolving consumer preferences are all providing new opportunities for those with expertise in graphic communication design. In Australia, employment for graphic designers, web designers and illustrators is expected to increase by 9% by 2029, and 18% by 2034 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). Armed with the interdisciplinary skills gained through our Master of Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design, the future of Adelaide University graduates looks bright.
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
