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    Victoria University of Wellington

    Master of Design (by research)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Wellington, NZMDesIn-person1 year
    NZ$43,000.00
    Tuition
    over 12mo
    70%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    120
    Credits

    Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington is a 120-credit, 1-year, in-person MDes program based in Wellington, NZ. Tuition is NZ$43,000.

    About the program

    Research degree advancing knowledge in a chosen design area through theoretical and practical expertise, developing critical thinking and producing a portfolio of design research. For students with solid understanding of design research methodology.

    Focus: research
    102 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Arts and Humanities)
    Part-time option

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    Deadlines

    Trimester 3 2026
    Sep 1, 2026
    Trimester 1 2027
    Dec 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing
    IELTS
    required
    Min 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    New Zealand Post Study Work Visa (up to 3 years for master’s/doctoral level if studied at least 30 weeks full-time).

    NZ$26,000.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington is NZ$43,000 across 120 required credits.
    Is Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington online or in-person?
    Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington take to complete?
    Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington is structured around 1 year and 120 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington?
    Per the program's published guidance: B average
    How competitive is Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington?
    Master of Design (by research) at Victoria University of Wellington reports an acceptance rate of approximately 70%.