Master of Design Enterprise

• Creativity and vision.
• A passion for design.
• The ability to see an idea through from concept to reality.
• Practical ability.
• The ability to communicate your ideas to others.
• An interest in people and the world around you.

• You must have an accredited undergraduate degree in a design or design-related discipline OR equivalent recognised qualification and/or experience
• You must also have industry-related experience; working in business, production or design-related work.
• Curriculum Vitae required
• You must present a portfolio of work (words and images) that demonstrates visually your design ability and enterprise interest or aspirations (this must be no larger than 15MB if you are applying online). See more information below.
• You must submit a letter of introduction.
• You must submit a project proposal - please see more information below.
• You must supply the name and contact details of two referees.
• You may have to undertake an interview.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the entry requirements. 
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes. 

Find out what you need to include in your portfolio, what we're looking for, and how to submit it to us. 

All applicants who meet the entry criteria are eligible for selection.

A list of equipment, textbooks and resources which must be purchased for this programme are available from the School of Design. In general, consumables items are provided.

Expand your employment potential with doctoral programmes in Design.

You will be required to work with a range of industrial machinery, equipment and chemicals.

As well as computer labs, hard media studios, laser cutting, and exhibition spaces, you will also have access to our extensive design library collection as well as all texts and journals held by the University of Otago.

We also have a product design and development centre, and academic research facility meeting international standards. It is able to facilitate the production of prototypes at all levels of the product design and development process and is set up with a wide range of the latest equipment including a CNC 3 axis router, CNC milling and turning, 3D rapid manufacturing,  water jet cutter, laser cutting and engraving, and full 3D scanning and reverse engineering. It is a business enabler, matching academic rigour with enterprise, business, production and management, and is a showcase for applied design, creativity and innovative endeavour.

We also enjoy strong and frequent links to the local, national and international design and engineering communities. You will benefit from ongoing networks and opportunities through these associations which will allow you to form contacts within the industry.

There are three phases to the MDE Structure.

PHASE 1: MDE401 Design (30 credits) 

Students will explore how design-led methodologies, such as customer experience design and service design, and other associated strategies and theoretical frameworks are applied in the development of innovative products and services.

Workshops are led by key contributors in the areas of design and enterprise, including:

• Andrew Wallace, Industrial Designer
• Dr Kirsten Lovelock, Research Anthropologist
• Associate Professor Paul Hansen, Multi-criteria decision making
• Professor Brendon Gray, Entrepreneurship
• Grant Baxter, IT developer
• Dr Kay Kirkland, Service design/branding 
• Paul Moodie, WKH business Consultant
• Conrad Anderson, Upstart Business Consultant
• David Grimmet, Intellectual Property
• Peter Harris, Innovation Facilitator
• Louis Brown, Social Entrepreneur
• Dr Phil Osbourne, Enterprise/Business Model Canvases.

Approximate workload

Taught workshops in six 3-day blocks over six months (100 hours directed and 200 hours self-directed).

Outcomes

• A portfolio of design thinking-led exercises
• An integrated report comprising:
  • Design enterprise concepts
  • Industry "passport" - relevant research.   

PHASE 2: MDE404 Design-led Enterprise (30 credits) 

Phase 2 involves an approved industry placement. The details of this engagement will be negotiated on the basis of mutual benefit to industry needs and your aspirations.

Approximate workload    

Industry placements are flexible depending on full-time or part-time engagement. The minimum full time engagement should equate to no less than 12 weeks.

Outcomes

• A concise report on the industry placement which culminates in a brief for Phase 3.

PHASE 3: MDE501 Design Enterprise Project (120 Credits) 

Phase 3 requires the development of a Design Enterprise Research Project around a new product/service opportunity either in conjunction with an industry partner, or around your own design inspired product or service enterprise.

Approximate workload 

This phase involves a significant engagement over 12 months of the course which can be negotiated according to circumstance.

Outcomes

• An in-depth report which maps in detail the Design Enterprise Project and presents the resultant product or service prototypes.

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

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