Master of Design
Taylor's University · Subang Jaya, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: #272
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Master of Design (by Research) programme at Taylor’s Design School helps researchers chart a customised pathway in an innovative research environment by exploring multidisciplinary design problems beyond traditional boundaries.
The programme structure includes research methodology modules in the first year and supports collaboration with research labs and organisations across the region, translating research insights into real-world impact.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Develop and refine your master’s research topic for Master of Design (research mode).
- Work on design research methods and a structured research plan for your study.
- Build an initial design/theory framework to support your research direction.
- Progress your work through supervision, feedback, and research validation activities.
- Execute the research plan using appropriate design research approaches.
- Develop and test design outcomes aligned with your research objectives.
- Refine your findings through iterative review with your supervisor.
- Prepare the research write-up and documentation required for thesis submission.
- Finalize your Master of Design research thesis and required documentation.
- Undergo assessment processes related to your thesis submission.
- Complete the final consolidation of research outputs and findings.
- Close the programme with submission and examination requirements for the research degree.
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Required Research Methodology modules | Research Method for Social Science (Core Module) | 6 | 12 |
| Qualitative Research Methods / Quantitative Research Methods | 6 | |||
| Year 2 to completion | Research candidature modules (research proposal, research work, and thesis/dissertation components) | Research proposal and candidature components (programme-specific modules not listed with credit hours on the public page) | ||
| Total | null | |||
Career outcomes
- You build advanced design research and theory skills that position you for roles such as design researcher, UX research designer, service design researcher, or design strategy support roles.
- You strengthen your ability to translate research into design outcomes, helping you stand out for product design, experience design, and branding teams that value evidence-based design.
- You gain supervised, thesis-based expertise that supports progression into senior creative and specialist tracks in design research and design innovation roles.
- You can use your thesis work as a strong portfolio asset when applying for design-industry opportunities across Malaysia and internationally.
- You develop professional research communication skills, supporting careers that require presenting, defending, and refining design research findings.
Employability rate
Employability outcomes for Master of Design graduates in Malaysia are typically strong because design employers continue to hire for research-led roles and evidence-based product or experience improvement work, with an estimated employability rate around 78% and an unemployment rate around 22%.
Together, these figures indicate a stable demand outlook for design-research and design-strategy talent, especially for graduates who can demonstrate clear research-to-design outcomes.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree (foreign qualification applicants) | International applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor's degree (Level 6, MQF) or equivalent, accepted by the HEP's Senate, and meet the minimum CGPA requirements in the relevant field as stated by the programme. Candidates may also be considered with lower CGPA if they meet the programme’s stated internal assessment route or have the minimum working experience described for Tier 1/Tier 2 entry. International applicants are required to pass an interview or submit a portfolio as required by the HEP. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Design and related disciplines | Direct match | International applicants should submit a portfolio and a research proposal for approval as required under the programme entry conditions. |
Language requirements
International applicants must meet the programme English language entry requirement as published by Taylor’s University for this Master of Design (by Research) programme.
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 8525 / total program | Taylor's Higher Degrees by Research academic terms and fee schedule for 2026 (Master (Research) full-time) shows a tuition fee of RM 8,525 per semester and a grand total tuition fee of RM 34,900 across the standard programme duration. |
Proof of financial resources
For Malaysia student pass processing, applicants need to show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs, and follow the required EMGS and immigration documentation process for international students.
- Provide the required financial documents as part of the student pass process through EMGS, following the official EMGS document requirements.
- Follow EMGS guidance for any required payments and deposits that are part of the student pass preparation steps.
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | April 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | July 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | July 01, 2026 |
| Semester begins | October 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your documents and confirm eligibility
Review the Master of Design (by Research) international entry requirements, including the foreign-qualification CGPA expectations and the requirement to pass an interview or submit a portfolio as required by the HEP. Prepare your academic documents and English language evidence so they are valid for admission. If you are unsure whether your qualification is equivalent, submit your application and let Taylor’s review your materials through the programme’s admissions process.
Apply through Taylor’s official online system
Complete the online application in Taylor’s Online Programme Application System (TOPAS) during the published intake period. Pay any required non-refundable enrolment/application fee as instructed by the portal before submitting. After you apply, allow time for the admissions review and decision within the timeframe stated on Taylor’s TOPAS guidance.
Respond to any conditions (interview/portfolio and research proposal approval)
If your offer is conditional on an interview and/or portfolio requirement, complete those steps as instructed by the university. For applicants whose entry conditions require research proposal approval, ensure your proposal is submitted and approved before progressing. Keep your contact details up to date so the university can reach you during the evaluation stage.
Start visa approval steps (eVAL) and student pass processing with EMGS
After the university accepts your application and you have completed required steps, Taylor’s applies for the eVAL through EMGS as part of student visa processing. EMGS reviews your documents and submits them to the Malaysian Immigration Department for approval. Plan for the published processing timelines and be ready to provide any additional items EMGS requests as part of required documentation.