Master of Design (Contemporary Art)

This qualification not only provides you with advanced practical and theoretical skills and knowledge related to individual specialisations, but also ensures you have the necessary business management and marketing skills needed to succeed after graduation. It will also provide you with advanced research skills.

With access to facilities such as state-of-the-art studio spaces and workshops you will learn first-hand how to turn your creative ideas into reality. You will also benefit from our strong industry links, world-class teaching staff and academics and national and international artists who visit as guest lecturers.

Our teaching staff are professional designers, so the curriculum is industry-relevant and mostly practical in nature. You will also work alongside world-class researchers in contemporary art1 when you embark on an individual research project as part of your studies.

As Australia's university of enterprise:

• we are ranked in the top 10 in Australia for employer satisfaction2
• we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 31,000 students
• we are No.1 in Australia for quality education3

1 Results in Studies in Creative Arts and Writing - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)2 QILT: 2018 Employer Satisfaction Survey, Overall Satisfaction Indicator - National Report3 2019 THE University Impact Rankings

This qualification provides graduates with advanced practical and theoretical skills and knowledge, advanced research skills and valuable business and financial management skills.

A key focus is on research, as it relates to your chosen specialisation. You will also study marketing and business, covering areas such as:

• grant sourcing and applications
• industry associations and professional recognition
• communication skills and marketing strategies
• copyright, trademarks, intellectual property and taxation

You will also acquire the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research, and will explore online art and design practice, online marketing, business management and self-employment practices related to the art and design industries. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand critical research methodologies.

During the final six months of study you will complete two major research projects for presentation and/or exhibition.

Visual artists are highly creative, highly motivated, disciplined and committed. To succeed in this creative profession you need to be willing to take risks, push boundaries and experiment with materials, textures and subjects matter. If you think you've got what it takes, the job prospects for visual artists in Australia are looking great, with strong growth expected through to November 20201.

Careers to consider:

• artist/designer: ceramicist, painter, illustrator, sculptor, jeweller, textile artist, printmaker, photographer, furniture designer, digital media
• arts administrator: responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of an arts organisation
• art historian: an authority on art history; you may work for a museum, library, art gallery or historical centre
• art critic: specialise in analysing, interpreting and evaluating art

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015