Course Information

Master of Service Design

Effective from 01-JAN-2027 : Code G00

The Master of Service Design provides an exciting learning platform where innovation meets empathy to shape the future of experiences. In this dynamic and transformative program, we delve into the intricate world of service design, where creativity converges with strategic thinking to craft seamless and meaningful interactions between users and services.
Service design is a discipline that focuses on creating and improving services to enhance user experiences, address complex challenges, and drive organizational success. It integrates principles from design thinking, user experience (UX) design, business strategy, and social sciences to develop holistic solutions that meet the evolving needs of individuals and societies. The Master of Service Design equips students with the skills and knowledge required in the contemporary Service Design practice. Focusing on emerging design skill sets and mindsets, this course delivers comprehensive training for graduates to engage with transformative capabilities through Service Design.
This course engages students in hands-on projects, collaborative exercises, and real-world simulations of social, cultural, technological and environmental challenges. Our staff members, consisting of research experts and industry leaders, will mentor students in developing a portfolio that showcases strong design abilities to prospective employers. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections needed to embark on rewarding careers in Service Design. Graduates may choose to work in established design agencies, corporate sectors, innovative tech companies, government and public sectors, or even launch their entrepreneurial ventures.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Critically analyse and synthesise design knowledge with relevant contextual and critical information to understand and support service design outcomes in complex, multidisciplinary professional contexts.
  2. Apply advanced critical thinking and creative skills to research, evaluate and propose innovative, ethical and effective solutions to service design problems.
  3. Apply high level communication, collaboration and digital literacy skills to contribute to valuable service design outcomes for organisations and their stakeholders.
  4. Use high level self management and independent learning skills to initiate, plan, and execute substantial service design projects.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 8)

  • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 4)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
  • Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to meet the published entry requirements. Alternatively, applicants may apply with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Design or similar.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course Duration

  • Part Time: 2 Years

Course Delivery

  • City Campus: Part Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Some units might be conducted in intensive mode during weekends.

Course Coordinator

A/Prof Christopher KUEH

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
DES6600Designing Services20
DES6605Design Inquiry20
DES6610Design Ecology20
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
DES6615Service Design Innovation20
DES6620Design Leadership20
DES6625Service Design Project20

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

G00|2