Master of Design (Research) University of Technology Sydney

Master of Design (Research) (030867M) – University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Master of Design (Research) (CRICOS course code 030867M) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by University of Technology Sydney (UTS) over 2 years. This degree is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), confirming its quality and compliance with Australian standards for international education. UTS is a government-funded university with CRICOS provider code 00099F, located in the heart of Sydney's creative and technology precinct. As a research degree, it allows students to pursue independent investigation in graphic and design studies, contributing new knowledge to the field. The program is delivered entirely in English and spans 2 years (104 weeks) of full-time study. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring tuition assurance and consumer rights. With an indicative tuition fee of A$77,580, this course represents a significant investment in your future career in design research. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – no referral fees, no commissions. Sydney is home to over 150,000 international students and dozens of CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant multicultural environment. Living costs in Sydney average around A$500–700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Consider these factors when planning your study abroad journey.

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Course Overview

Master of Design (Research) (CRICOS course code 030867M) is a Masters Degree (Research) (AQF Level 9) delivered by University of Technology Sydney (UTS). It falls under the field of Graphic and Design Studies (broad field of Creative Arts). This course is designed for international students seeking advanced research skills in design. UTS is a government-owned university (CRICOS 00099F) with a strong reputation in creative disciplines. The course is full-time, 2 years (104 weeks), with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification with no work component or foundation studies.

What You'll Study

This course focuses on Graphic and Design Studies, a subfield of Creative Arts. At Masters Degree (Research) level, students typically engage in a substantial independent research project, culminating in a thesis or equivalent output. The program develops advanced skills in design research methodologies, critical analysis, and scholarly communication. Graduates are prepared for roles in academia, research institutions, or senior design practice. Specific curriculum details are determined by UTS; contact the provider for a detailed syllabus.

Duration and Study Mode

The Master of Design (Research) is a full-time program with a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — it does not include foundation studies or a dual award. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. Students are expected to attend scheduled research supervision sessions and may have access to design studios and labs.

Fees (Indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$77,580 for the entire 2-year program, as sourced from the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but additional costs such as materials, equipment, thesis production, and printing may apply. The estimated total is A$77,580. Note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approx. A$21,041 per year for a single student), and visa application charges are not included. For current and exact fees, visit the UTS website. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change — always confirm before applying.

Entry Requirements

English language requirements vary by provider. For UTS, typical minimum IELTS is 6.5 overall (with 6.0 in writing) or equivalent. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant design field, often with Honours or research experience. Some applicants may need to submit a research proposal or portfolio. Foundation or pathway options are available through UTS Insearch or other providers — check with UTS for details. Entry requirements are determined by the institution; consult the provider's website for precise criteria.

Work Component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students in Australia on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This provides an opportunity to gain part-time work experience in Sydney's design industry, though it is not a required part of the course.

Delivery Locations

This course is delivered at University of Technology Sydney (City Campus) in HAYMARKET, NSW, 2000. The campus is located in Sydney's central business district, adjacent to Central Station and Darling Harbour. Sydney is Australia's largest city, with a vibrant arts and design scene. Over 150,000 international students study in Sydney across numerous CRICOS-registered institutions. Public transport includes trains, buses, light rail, and ferries, making the campus easily accessible.

Living and Studying in Sydney

Sydney is a global city with a rich cultural diversity and a thriving design industry. Over 150,000 international students from 150+ countries study here. The city offers a range of accommodation options, from on-campus to shared rentals. Indicative weekly costs: rent A$300–500, groceries A$80–150, transport A$40–60 (with student concessions). The cost of living is higher than other Australian cities, but Sydney's job market and networking opportunities are unparalleled. As an international student, you are protected by ESOS Act — including tuition assurance if your provider fails to deliver a course. Use HeadStart Academy to find other providers and courses in NSW.

Student Visa

International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting attendance requirements, and holding valid OSHC. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion must be satisfied. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during holidays. Financial capacity must be demonstrated to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. For visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.

How to Apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Design (Research) at University of Technology Sydney (UTS): 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, research proposal, and supporting documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UTS issues your CoE, apply for your visa online. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement.

Ready to start your design research journey? Explore CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy and take the first step toward your Australian study adventure.

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Source-backed course facts

Master of Design (Research) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Master of Design (Research)
CRICOS course code
030867M
Provider
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (00099F)
Course level
Masters Degree (Research)
Field of education
10 - Creative Arts
Duration
104 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$77,580
Estimated total (indicative)
A$77,580
Delivery locations
HAYMARKET
Work component
No

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$77,580 for the entire 2-year program, as recorded on the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but additional costs such as materials, equipment, and thesis production may apply. This total does not include OSHC, living expenses (approx. A$21,041/year), or visa fees. Always check the UTS website for the most current fees.
The course is 2 years (104 weeks) of full-time study. It is a research degree, so the actual completion time may vary depending on the student's progress. Part-time study is generally not available to international students on a Student visa, as they must maintain full-time enrolment.
Entry requirements typically include a bachelor's degree in design or a related field, often with Honours or equivalent research experience. English language proficiency is required — UTS usually expects IELTS 6.5 overall (writing 6.0) or equivalent. Some applicants may need to submit a research proposal or portfolio. For precise requirements, refer to UTS's official admissions page.
The course is delivered at University of Technology Sydney's City Campus in HAYMARKET, NSW, 2000. The campus is centrally located near Central Station, making it accessible via train, bus, light rail, and ferry. Students have access to design studios, labs, and research facilities.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$77,580 for Master of Design (Research) (tuition A$77,580). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with University of Technology Sydney (UTS) before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 030867M, offered by University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (provider code 00099F). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.