Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design
Graduate Certificate in Interaction Design
Why do a MIDes?
Our lives from early childhood are connected to networks, telecommunications and computer-based technology. The focus of systems design and design in technology, consequently has to change.
The Master of Interaction Design and related programs train students to understand and solve usability problems. Graduates acquire the diverse skills required to make the dialog between technology easier and more human.
As ICT technology permeates much of our work and non-work lives, bringing not only economic benefits, but enhancing the quality of life, industry increasingly wants people who have a combination of business, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Returning to study can not only bring you up to speed with the latest developments, but can help you obtain the skills mix employers want and open your eyes to new ways of looking at things.
The 'tech wreck' or 'dot com crash' at the start of this decade saw a worldwide decrease in job opportunities in the mainstream ICT industry, although demand for competent designers and managers remained strong. The recovery has been at a more-sustainable level and the local industry is growing well. Industry leaders and government are now concerned that there will be a shortage of qualified people in the next few years, and salaries are on the rise. Facts and figures on job prospects for IT graduates in general are here.
Why do my MIDes at UQ?
Here are 8 reasons to choose UQ for your postgraduate IT Interaction Design studies.
What can I study in the MIDes?
Students explore design issues related to creating physical and virtual environments that support interaction between people. They develop core skills in IT and product design through a mix of small group design projects, studio work, hands-on tutoring, lectures, computer based learning (using state-of-the-art multimedia computers).
There are four, integrated streams to the program:
- Studio - project-based, collaborative work, with input by experts from multiple disciplines including architecture, industrial design, interaction design, sound, music, art, modelling and graphics.
- Design - skills in seeing, imagining and communicating, applied to develop problem-solving strategies and rapid visualisation techniques.
- Technology - basic programming, the nature of technology, multimedia techniques and industry-standard software packages.
- Electives - to help tailor your program to suit your career aspirations.
You can see sample study plans here.
There is also an opportunity to obtain credit for industry certification courses.
Where do the studies lead to?
The programs aim to prepare graduates with industrially-applicable skills that can be combined with those of the original discipline (be they IT or not) in a professional, applications-oriented setting.
Opportunities for Interaction Design graduates include:
- Multimedia/Web Designer - creation of interactive software products.
- Information Environment Architect - design of computer based solutions to clients' problems.
- Interaction Designer/Usability Engineer - design useful, effective interactive products and software applications.
- Usability Consultant - evaluate, critique, and advise on prototypes and designs.
- Project Managers - managing of personnel undertaking the development of software products and projects.
- New Products Researcher.
- Video Games Designer.
You can view the attributes our graduates can expect to acquire here.
The MIDes is accredited at the professional level with the Australian Computer Society.
If you are attracted to curiosity-driven research, a postgraduate degree by research offers an opportunity to contribute to community knowledge or even innovate a new solution.
Who is eligible?
The programs are designed for students with a bachelors degree in any discipline, with excellent results from a recognised university.
Students may enrol in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma and upgrade to the Masters with full credit. Or, they can enrol in the Masters, but graduate with a Certificate or Diploma, based on partial completion. Admission requires a bachelor degree from a recognised university, in any discipline, with excellent results.
- Graduate Certificate in Interaction Design (1 semester full time or 2 semesters part time). Information on entry requirements and program structure is available here.
- Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design (2 semesters full time or 4 semesters part time). Information on entry requirements and program structure is available here.
- Master of Interaction Design(3 semesters full time, 6 semesters part time). Information on entry requirements and program structure is available here.
What about fees and financial assistance?
Information about fees is here.
Information on financial assistance at the University level is here, while information on assistance at the School of ITEE level is available for prospective domestic and prospective international students.
How do I apply?
Information is here.
Printed Prospectus
The current prospectus containing information about the Master of Interaction Design program is available here (PDF).