Master of Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MADES

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$44,500

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115905C

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Why Master of Design?

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.

Overview

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.

Key features

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.

What you'll learn

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:

Art and design masters foundation studio
Nature, culture and sustainability
Art and design advanced theory
Art and design business practices
Art and design interdisciplinary studio
Art and design research methods.

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.

Specialisations

The Master of Design is also available with specialisations in the following:

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

66 units for all Core courses, and
Either:
12 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations, or
12 units for all Discipline courses, and
6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
12 units for Electives

Complete 66 units for ALL of the following:

	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

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

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

Complete 12 units comprising:

12 units from Free electives

Career outcomes

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:

Art/creative director
Design/brand consultant
Graphic designer
Animation and motion designer
Visual communications manager
Studio manager
Web designer
Campaigns/advertising manager.

You could work across a broad range of industries, including advertising and marketing, publishing and media, digital design, retail, technology, entertainment and education.

Industry trends

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.

How to apply

Find your program

Discover the programs and explore the opportunities.

Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

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:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

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.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

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.

Assessment

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: