Master of Product Design
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
180
Overview
Master of Product Design
Introduction
Postgraduate studies in Product Design present an opportunity for you to prepare for the ever-changing consumer market with advanced design, manufacturing, and business analysis skills.
The Master of Product Design (MProdDesign) takes advantage of UC’s research expertise in a range of commerce, IT, and engineering fields. The programme provides a mixture of practical work and theory with original supervised research.
UC houses specialised on-campus facilities for students to research, create, test, and market their own products.
Those seeking to learn how to commercialise a product or service idea (design background not required) may want to consider the Master of Product Innovation.
Master of Product Design
Why study a Master of Product Design at UC?
- UC’s Te Kura Hanga Otinga | School of Product Design has a growing reputation in Aotearoa New Zealand for research in product quality, engineering innovations, customer trends, and emerging needs.
- You will have use of dedicated facilities for creating and testing your product ideas eg, design studios, laboratories, workshops, 3D printers, and a gaming lounge with AR and VR spaces and equipment.
Through the MProdDesign, the skills and attributes you will gain include:
- advanced knowledge of product design practice
- self-critical approach to your own design practice
- mastery of sophisticated knowledge in your area of design specialism
- ability to research and analyse leading-edge literature related to design
- advanced problem-solving skills
- ability to plan and complete a piece of original research or creative work
- capability to apply skills and knowledge to novel situations.
Master of Product Design
Entry requirements
Entry to the Master of Product Design requires an appropriate design-related degree (eg, the Bachelor of Product Design) with a B Grade Point Average in your 300-level courses, or other qualifications of an equivalent standard.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Product Design or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Product Design
How do I plan my degree?
The Master of Product Design is made up of 180 points of courses, including compulsory courses (30 points), elective courses (30 points), and a research thesis (120 points).
Beginning in February or July, the programme can be completed within 18 months of full-time study, or up to 3 years part-time.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Product Design.
Master of Product Design
Subjects and courses
The Master of Product Design includes both compulsory and elective courses that allow personalised study into the commercial lifecycle of particular kinds of products, followed by a research thesis.
Compulsory courses
Elective courses
Select two courses that best suit your interests and expertise:
- PROD602 Systems Thinking for Product Design
- PROD611 Design and Manufacture
- PROD612 Bio-Inspired Design
- PROD613 Development of Interdisciplinary Practice and Self
- PROD621 Games for Health & Wellbeing
- PROD622 Immersive Collaborative Play and Design
- PROD623 Gamification for Enterprises
- PROD631 Fragrance Design
- PROD632 Special Topics in Cosmetic Product Formulation
- any approved 400-level course
Thesis
Domestic students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $13,972 (180 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $14,810 (180 points)
International students
2024 Special Programme Fee: $60,000 (180 points)
2025 Special Programme Fee: $63,000 (180 points)
Master of Product Design
Master of Product Design
Career opportunities
This Master’s programme will prepare you for innovation in our modern, dynamic economy. Product Design graduates with business sense as well as technical skills will suit any part of the product creation lifecycle – designing concepts, testing prototypes, pitching to sellers, and marketing to consumers.
Product Designers may find work in commercial, educational, IT, consultancy, quality assurance (QA), government, and design and advertising sectors.
UC’s graduates are also prepared to begin their own business enterprise.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
