M.Des Communication Design at University Of South Australia [UNISA], Adelaide Fees, Entry Requirement & Application Deadline

M.Des in Communication Design from University of South Australia 2025 Entry: Fees, Eligibility, Entry Requirements, Admission Deadlines & Scholarships

Adelaide, South AustraliaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1991established year
33813enrollment
Public
Partner [16 Courses]
7.5/10

Master of Design [M.Des] (Communication Design)

2 years
Full Time
On Campus
Ranked #301 out of 1502 by THE Global Ranking 2023

$24,895 /Yr

A$38,300 /Yr

Important Alert

  • Classes Start Date for Spring 2026 Intake - Mar 3, 2026

Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees$24895 (AUD 38300)

Other Expenses

HeadAvg Cost Per Year
Managed Apartment (CBD)$12168 (AUD 18720)
Food$5866 (AUD 9024)

Per Credit Tuition Fee: $ 1063.88


Important Dates

  • The Upcoming Application Deadline for Spring 2026 Intake is Tentative Based on Previous Year’s.
EventApplication Date
Classes Start Date for Spring 2026 Intake Mar 3, 2026
Early Application Deadline for Spring 2026 Intake Sep 30, 2025
Equal Consideration Application Deadline for Spring 2026 Intake Dec 2, 2025
Orientation Week Date for Spring 2026 Intake Feb 24, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026

M.Des in Communication Design from University of South Australia – Overview

The M.Des Communication Design at the University of South Australia is a 2-year graduate program offered by the School of Art, Architecture and Design. It focuses on developing advanced knowledge and practical expertise in communication design, with an emphasis on research, creative practice, and professional development. The curriculum includes core modules such as Research Studio 1, Research Methods (Creative), Nature, Culture and Sustainability, Business Practice for Artists and Designers, and Masters Project 1 and 2. In the second year, students engage in advanced projects and research, culminating in Masters Project Reports. Electives such as Advertising, Marketing Management, Social Media Management, and Digital Entrepreneurship allow for specialization. Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate Diploma in a related field. International students must meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or equivalent. Scholarships include the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship (50% tuition fee reduction) and International Merit Scholarship (15% tuition fee reduction) for high-achieving students.

M.Des in Communication Design from University of South Australia – Fees

The annual cost of pursuing the M.Des in Communication Design from the University of South Australia is approximately $69354, which includes around $38300 in tuition fees and about $31054 in estimated living expenses covering Housing, Food, Transportation, and Health Insurance.

M.Des in Communication Design from University of South Australia – Dates

Applications to the M.Des in Communication Design from the University of South Australia are accepted for Spring Intakes only. The Deadline of Spring 2025 has passed. The tentative deadline for Spring 2026 Intake is:

  • Early Application Deadline for Spring 2026: 30 September 2025.
  • Equal Consideration Deadline for Spring 2026: 2 December 2025.

M.Des in Communication Design from University of South Australia – Modules

The M.Des in Communication Design follows the following module structure:

 Years

 Core Modules

 Optional Modules

Year 1

  • Research Studio 1

  • Research Methods (Creative)

  • Nature, Culture and Sustainability

  • Research Studio 2

  • Business Practice for Artists and Designers

  • Choose One from the following courses:

    • Advertising: Theory and Practice

    • Marketing Management

    • Arts Environment

    • Communication Contexts

    • Campaigns and Crises

    • Brand Management

    • Design, Production, Presentation

    • Entrepreneurial Foundations

    • Entrepreneurial Commercialisation

    • Consumer Culture, Technology and Sustainable Design

    • Principles of Sustainable Design

    • Advertising: Planning and Buying Media

    • eMarketing

    • Professional Placement or Project

    • Social Media Management

    • Managing Digital Design

    • Communication and Media: Advanced

    • Industry 4.0 and Society

    • Digital Entrepreneurship

    • Content Creation

 Year 2 
  • Masters Project 1

  • Masters Project Report 1

  • Masters Project 2

  • Masters Project Report 2

  • Choose Two from the following courses:

    • Advertising: Theory and Practice

    • Marketing Management

    • Arts Environment

    • Communication Contexts

    • Campaigns and Crises

    • Brand Management

    • Design, Production, Presentation

    • Entrepreneurial Foundations

    • Entrepreneurial Commercialisation

    • Consumer Culture, Technology and Sustainable Design

    • Principles of Sustainable Design

    • Advertising: Planning and Buying Media

    • eMarketing

    • Professional Placement or Project

    • Social Media Management

    • Managing Digital Design

    • Communication and Media: Advanced

    • Industry 4.0 and Society

    • Digital Entrepreneurship

    • Content Creation


Eligibility & Entry Requirement

 Requirement Type

 Details

 School Name

 School of Art, Architecture and Design

Academic Qualification

  • Degree Requirement: A Bachelor’s degree or Graduate Diploma from a recognized higher education institution in a related discipline is required, along with mandatory submission of a portfolio of work, CV, and statement of intent.
  • Related disciplines: Include Visual Communication Design, Graphic Design, Graphic Communication, and Communication Design.
  • Advanced Standing: 
    • Applicants with a related Bachelor (Honours) degree may receive 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year, with mandatory submission of a portfolio, CV, and statement of intent.
    • Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Design from UniSA may also qualify for advanced standing and are not required to submit a portfolio or statement of intent.
  • Portfolio of Work: Showcasing previous design projects.

English Language Requirement

  • IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

  • TOEFL (PBT): Score of 550, with a Reading score of 60 and Writing score of 60.

  • TOEFL (iBT): Score of 79, with no band less than 18 in Reading and Writing.

  • Cambridge (CAE / CPE): AE5 (Advanced English) with a score of 177.

  • CELUSA (UniSA ELICOS): AE4 with no communicative skill score less than 50.

  • Pearson PTE (Academic): Overall score of 58, with no communicative skill score less than 50.

  • OET (HSC programs only): Score of B.

Documents Required

  • Academic Transcripts and Certificates.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP).
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR).
  • Proof of Work Experience (If Have).
  • Work Portfolio (If Have).
  • Copy of Passport.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Application Link

Application Link

Application Fee $0
 Course Credits  72 Credits

Scores Required

6.5 / 9

Avg. Score in

IELTS

79 / 120

Avg. Score in

TOEFL

58 / 90

Avg. Score in

PTE

72

ECTS Credits


Ranking

202320222020201920182017

Times Higher Education logo
Design 301 out of 1502 in Global Ranking
( #13 out of 35 in Australia 2023)

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?  Report Here

TOP Scholarships

Scholarship nameAward amountEligibility
Australia Awards ScholarshipsFull tuition fees, living expenses, and other costsStudents from participating countries (including India) pursuing full-time programs in Australia, based on academic merit and leadership potential.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship50% tuition fee reductionHigh-achieving international students with at least 85% in previous studies, must maintain a GPA of 5.0+ on a 7.0 scale.
International Merit Scholarship15% tuition fee reductionInternational students who meet academic criteria and are commencing an eligible program.
Sponsored StudentsVaries depending on sponsorStudents sponsored by their home government, organization, or company. Eligibility and benefits depend on the sponsor's agreement with UniSA



Comments


No Comments To Show

Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids

NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Paul Foundation scholarshipsScholarship per student$ 13,113/Yr$20,174Level Of StudyDiplomaTypeMerit-Based
FINCAD Women in Finance ScholarshipScholarship per student$ 13,000/Yr$20,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Destination Australia ScholarshipScholarship per student$ 9,750/Yr$15,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeEasy-to-Apply
Australian Government Research Training ProgramScholarship per student$ 26,124/Yr$40,190Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Axol Science ScholarshipScholarship per student$ 1,300/Yr$2,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCompany-Sponsored
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarships 2020Scholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeCollege-Specific

Similar Programs

ProgramImportant DateTotal FeesMedian Exams ScoreAction
--
USD 23,075 /Yr
AUD 35,500 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 79
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE: 58
  • Duolingo: 120
--
USD 8,385 /Yr
AUD 12,900 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 86
  • PTE: 58
--
USD 20,865 /Yr
AUD 32,100 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 60
  • PTE: 50

Do you think the Dates are wrong ?  Report Here

Videos
Write A Review & Earn Upto 20 USD*

Refer & Earn 5 USD For Every Approved Review

Cash Rewarded

$1500

Reviews Collected

3k+ Reviews

interested in this College ?

Get free counselling
Important Dates