Master of Design (Strategic Design)

More organisations recognise the value of strategic design in driving business success and fostering innovation, and employers are looking for professionals who can apply lateral thinking skills and design approaches to solve complex problems and create innovative, ethical solutions. QUT is ranked globally in the top 100 universities for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023), and number one in Queensland. This course was developed to not only acknowledge your existing skills, but to enhance your capabilities so you can tackle complex challenges, drive innovation, and create positive, lasting impacts in a diverse range of career settings. You’ll be an adaptable strategist with competitive leadership and prudent decision-making skills in the global and fast evolving industry landscape. Many of our teaching staff are also award-winning professors, accomplished researchers and industry leaders. They bring the latest insights from their fields of study and practice to the classroom, creating an authentic learning environment. If you are interested in a research-based career path, you will have the opportunity to master research methodologies for strategic design, including scholarly writing for design research journals. Through hands-on experiences, you will be introduced to participatory design research, learning how to facilitate design workshops as data collection methods. Additionally, you will learn the methodologies underpinning design research that are fundamental to becoming a proficient design researcher with the option of admission into higher degree research programs such as a PhD upon completion of the master degree.HighlightsThis course is a career-focused learning experience that will equip you with advanced knowledge in strategic design tailored for experienced design professionals looking to further their education, or those from other backgrounds looking to gain a design qualification. Lead the creation of holistic and sustainable solutions that address complex challenges while driving meaningful change within a range of contexts such as social services, health, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure Apply design methodologies to develop products and services through connecting design, creativity, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility. Experience site excursions, industry guest lectures and projects with corporate partners such as the BMW Group QUT Design Academy, ARM Hub, and Queensland Health, including the Herston Biofabrication Institute and Clinical Excellence Queensland. Graduates from this course can qualify for admission into higher degree research programs such as a PhD.Careers and outcomesThere is increasing market demand for education that equips people with strategic design capabilities to work as leaders solving innovation problems for industry, government and communities. Healthcare, manufacturing, design services, government services, energy and social services are just some of the sectors where innovation is needed and employment for strategic designers is growing. Graduates of the Master of Design (Strategic Design) program are equipped to work in a wide range of industries and sectors due to their diverse skill set and deep understanding of critical design thinking and strategy. You’ll play a crucial role in identifying emerging opportunities, addressing complex challenges, and driving forward-thinking solutions.Possible careersDesign directorDesign educatorDesign researcherDesign thinking facilitatorEntrepreneurInnovation consultantPrincipal design strategistProduct ownerSenior business analystService designerSocial impact designerStrategic design manager

A recognised completed four-year full-time (or equivalent) bachelor degree of engineering in civil engineering (or equivalent) and equivalents with a minimum GPA of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale).
IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall with 6.0 in all other band. TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall with Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 21, Speaking 18.