MASTER OF DESIGN (BY RESEARCH)

About the Course

Creativity and innovation has led to many great design ideas that have changed the world. The Master of Design programme at Management and Science University (MSU) will further advance your professional capacity by providing the building blocks to research and practice-based design solutions in addressing industry demands as well as rapidly changing society. This is a research programme offering three sub-field options: graphic design, photography, and new media, which caters to professionals in digital design, animation, creative multimedia design, and video/audio production. The programme integrates technology and strategic design thinking into creative exploration of design concepts, aesthetics, and dynamics, with the aim to develop in-depth, theoretically informed, critical understanding of design issues, practices, and technicalities in the industry context. Expected competency outcomes include the capability to produce global, integrated, futuristic new-age design solutions.

Duration
2 years

Courses Offered

• Research Method in Design
• Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
• Graduate Seminar
• Dissertation Writing

Career Prospects

• Design Research
• Design Management
• Advertising
• Publishing

Entry Requirements

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION BASED ON PROGRAMME STANDARD – (ART AND DESIGN) 2ND EDITION

Master’s Degree by Research

1. A Bachelor’s degree (Level 6, MQF) or equivalent with minimum CGPA of 2.75 in the relevant field, as accepted by the HEP’s Senate; OR
2. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (Level 6, MQF) or equivalent with at least CGPA of 2.50 in the relevant field and has not achieved CGPA 2.75, can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment; OR
3. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (Level 6, MQF) or equivalent with CGPA of less than 2.50 in the relevant field and a minimum of five (5) years working experience in the relevant field; OR
4. Other relevant equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government.

        AND

       5. Pass an interview OR submission of portfolio determined by the HEP as required.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university