| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Design Futures from RMIT University is an accelerated graduate program designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in strategic design leadership. Through flexible online studies, students develop strategic skills and tools for problem-solving, including empathic research, journey mapping, and storytelling. The program features strong industry links, a global network of design professionals, and a focus on designing social, cultural, and economic futures.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Master of Design Futures - RMIT University
Overview:
The Master of Design Futures is an accelerated, graduate qualification for working professionals. It is suitable for both designers and non-designers who are looking to transition into new design practices and for those wanting to advance their careers in strategic leadership roles.
Objectives:
- Extend your practice in strategic, communication, and service design
- Frame this new practice in the context of designing social, cultural, and economic futures
- Introduce you to a close-knit global network of design professionals and different orders of design problems
- Help you identify and articulate contributions you make to organizations, as well as the value that design brings to business, government, and society.
Program Description:
In this flexible and self-directed degree, you will benefit from experiential learning practices as you develop the strategic skills and tools required for leadership. Empathic research, journey mapping, rapid prototyping, and storytelling are all tools that you will learn to use in your problem-solving process.
- Strong industry links: Engage with local and global designers, lecturers, and academics who have strong links to industry and the design community.
- Flexible study options: Learn through flexible online studies and enjoy the freedom of being able to study anytime, anywhere.
- Global network: Collaborate with peers and a close-knit network of design professionals across the globe, boosting employment opportunities.
Outline:
Content:
- Strategic Design
- Service Design
- Design Leadership
- Future Design Contexts
- Future Design Clients
- Future Design Leadership
Structure:
- 3 core subjects (24 credit points each)
- 3 electives (12 credit points each)
- Research project (36 credit points)
Course Schedule:
- Full-time: 1.5 years
- Part-time: 3 years
Individual Modules:
Core Subjects:
- Future Design Contexts: New modes of design practice, from social entrepreneurship to strategic design
- Future Design Clients: Techniques and skills for working with people in design
- Future Design Leadership: How design works inside organizations
Electives:
- Design Strategy
- Service Design
- Choose one equivalent subject offered by any school or university
Research Project:
- Research methods (12 credit points)
- Major project as capstone subject (24 credit points)
Assessment:
Assessment involves presentations, reports, solo projects, and group work.
Teaching:
- Online education with constructive and mutually beneficial conversations with peers via online video meetings and chat channels
- Early nomination of your own major research project topic
- Use of design skills and tackling real-world problems throughout the year
- Industry partners provide briefs
Careers:
- Design Leader
- Director, Human Centred Design
- Design Strategist
- Service Design Lead
- Chief Experience Officer
Careers exist under various job titles in many sectors including:
- Corporate
- Retail
- Banking
- Finance
- Health
- Government
- Not-for-profit
- Cultural organizations
RMIT University, Melbourne
Overview:
RMIT University is a globally recognized institution known for its expertise in technology, design, and enterprise. It offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, with a strong focus on practical skills and industry relevance.
Services Offered:
RMIT provides a comprehensive range of services to support students throughout their academic journey. These include:
Student services:
Support for students in areas such as academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health.Library:
Access to extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and online learning materials.Global opportunities:
Programs for international exchange, study abroad, and internships.Industry connections:
Opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain practical experience through internships, placements, and research collaborations.Student Life and Campus Experience:
RMIT offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:
Active student life:
A wide range of clubs, societies, and events to engage in.Modern facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art learning spaces, laboratories, and studios.City campus location:
A central location in Melbourne, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment, and employment opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry-focused education:
RMIT's programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields.Global reputation:
RMIT is recognized internationally for its high-quality education and research.Strong industry connections:
RMIT has strong partnerships with leading businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Vibrant campus life:
RMIT offers a dynamic and inclusive campus environment with a wide range of student activities and support services.Academic Programs:
RMIT offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate courses:
Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, engineering, design, health sciences, and humanities.Postgraduate courses:
Master's degrees, PhDs, and other postgraduate qualifications.Vocational studies:
Certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas in a range of vocational areas.Pre-university studies:
Foundation programs for students preparing for university study.Online courses and degrees:
Flexible learning options for students who prefer to study remotely.You must have: Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), AND five years of significant professional experience that demonstrates your knowledge of human-centred design and any experience or skills that would be valuable to this practice. OR At least eight years of significant professional experience that demonstrates your knowledge of human-centred design and any experience or skills that would be valuable to this practice. OR At least eight years of significant professional experience that demonstrates your knowledge of human-centred design and any experience or skills that would be valuable to this practice. Experience or skills may include leadership, innovation, creative practice, community engagement, change management, forward thinking, social innovation, strategic and service planning and implementation. To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application a CV and a personal statement that details your experience. You must include with your application a personal statement outlining: why you will benefit from undertaking the Master of Design Futures how it aligns to your interests, aspirations and career ambitions your understanding and experience of contemporary human-centred design.
