Master of Design (Strategic Design) at QUT, Brisbane

Master's Degree Graphic Design Full Time

Master of Design (Strategic Design)

at Queensland University of Technology · Brisbane, Queensland

CRICOS course code

115459J

CRICOS provider code

00213J

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$86,300 total

Per year

A$43,150/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Design (Strategic Design) at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane focuses on applying design thinking to complex organisational, social, and business challenges. Students examine how design can shape policy, influence strategy, and create innovation in both public and private sectors. Topics include service design, user experience research, systems thinking, and leadership within design-led projects.

This master’s degree runs over two years, structured around semesters and made up of units of study carrying credit points. You’ll complete coursework exploring theory, critical analysis, and practical studio-based projects. Capstone experiences in the second year give students the chance to lead industry-linked or research projects, tackling authentic problems for real-world clients. Where relevant, there are opportunities for work-integrated learning placements with companies or governmental departments in Australia.

Graduates learn to frame complex problems, facilitate interdisciplinary teamwork, and influence decision makers through visual and strategic thinking. Skills include research, advanced communication, prototyping, and strategic planning rooted in design principles. This course is suited to people from design backgrounds looking to deepen their strategic influence, as well as professionals in business, government, or technology wanting to harness design as a driver for change.

Brisbane’s thriving design sector provides networking and collaboration opportunities with local agencies, startups, and wider Australian industry. Students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after finishing the course. Confirm details, including English proficiency requirements, credit structure, and opportunities for professional engagement, on the official QUT page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Design strategist in consulting firms or agencies
Service designer for government departments or NGOs
User experience (UX) researcher in technology companies
Innovation manager in Australian corporates and startups
Project lead in policy or public sector design labs
Design manager in creative industries and business

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Design (Strategic Design) at Queensland University of Technology?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$86,300 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Design strategist in consulting firms or agenciesService designer for government departments or NGOsUser experience (UX) researcher in technology companiesInnovation manager in Australian corporates and startupsProject lead in policy or public sector design labsDesign manager in...

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