Pre-Masters (Art & Design)
Ignite your creativity. Design the future.
What is a Pre-Masters Program?
Our Pre-Masters Program is a pathway program developed for students like you, who want to commence postgraduate studies at UNSW but don't meet the entry requirements.
Developed in collaboration with UNSW, the program strengthens your academic research, communication and English language skills, while helping you refine your creative, conceptual and critical thinking. It prepares you to transition smoothly into postgraduate study at UNSW Sydney’s School of Art & Design.
Your journey with a Pre-Masters Program
Intakes
January, May, August
Duration
Full time, 15 weeks / 1 Term (12 teaching weeks)
Weekly class time
21-23 face-to-face teaching hours per week
Progression
Master of Design (9313), Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership (9318), Master of Animation and Visual Effects (9319), Master of Simulation and Immersive Technologies (9323)
Delivery mode
Face-to-face
CRICOS Code
113490D
Program Materials
Delivered via Learning Management System Moodle
Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL)
Based on English level and specialisation, you may be eligible for up to 12 units of credit towards chosen master's degree.
- Overview
- Progress to UNSW Sydney
- Program structure
- Entry requirements
- Key dates
- Fees and scholarships
Who is this program for?
The Pre-Masters Program (Art & Design) is for international students with a background in creative or design disciplines who want to pursue postgraduate study at UNSW but do not meet direct academic or English entry requirements.
At UNSW College, you'll experience:
a creatively fulfilling and academically rigorous learning environment
small classes and personalised academic support
entry to a master’s degree upon successful completion of the program and meeting UNSW entry requirements
up to 12 Units of Credit (one or two courses) toward your master’s degree
discipline-specific courses developed with UNSW, matching the same content and outcomes
full access to UNSW’s world-class facilities, including libraries, clubs, societies, museum-standard galleries, state-of-the-art workshops, open studios, private workspaces, research and digital labs, lounges, and collaborative spaces.
Why study a master's at UNSW Sydney?
UNSW is one of the world’s top 20 universities and home to the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, where Australia’s most innovative designers, educators and researchers shape the future of creative disciplines.
By completing a master’s degree at UNSW, you’ll graduate with the skills, networks and critical thinking needed to lead in industries ranging from visual communication to curation and design strategy.
Top 2
in Australia for Arts & Design
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Top 5
in Australia for Arts and Humanities
QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023
Most
employable students
AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2025
Joint 1st
in Australia for Architecture, Building and Urban and Regional Planning
Australia Research Council's 2018 ERA - Excellend in Research in Australia
Career opportunities
- Object, furniture and lighting design
- Environmental, spatial, interior and architectural design practices
- Design for retailing, industry events and expos
- Design for exhibitions, galleries and museums
- Costume, theatre and events design
- Design teaching and academia
- Jewellery and wearables design
- Textile, fabric and fashion design
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete the Pre-Masters Program (and meet the entry requirements), you’ll be eligible to progress into your chosen master's degree in Art & Design at UNSW Sydney. UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked in the top 20 worldwide. Boasting a career-focused education, vibrant community and flexibility in study options, UNSW will help you discover the best version of yourself.
On successful completion of the Pre-Masters Program (Art & Design), based on English level and specialisation, you may be eligible for up to 12 units of credit towards chosen master's degree:
Art & Design Stream:
- Master of Design (9313)
- Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership (9318)
- Master of Animation and Visual Effects (9319)
- Master of Simulation and Immersive Technologies (9323)
Note: All students entering the Pre-Masters Program (Art & Design) will undertake at least one master’s-equivalent course (Creative Experimentation) and will receive 6 units of credit towards their chosen master’s degree program.
Students entering Pre-Masters Program with an IELTS greater than or equal to 6.5 (or equivalent) will undertake a second master’s equivalent course (Communication Skills for Creative Disciplines) to receive an additional 6 units of credit towards their chosen master’s degree (i.e. up to 12 units of credit in total).
Top 20
Worldwide
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
Most
Employable Graduates
AFR Top100 Future leaders Award, 2020-2025
Best
Australian university for entrepreneurs
Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021
Program structure
The Pre-Masters Program comprises of three (3) core courses and one (1) elective.
- The following is a guide to the selection of courses for the Term of study.
- Enrolment conditions must be satisfied before selecting any course within the program.
- A core course is one that must be satisfactorily completed to meet the requirements of the program.
-
Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week (up to) AELS1401 Academic Research and Information Skills 2
1
BMGT1402 Innovation and Entrepreneurship 4 4 ARDN1401 Creative Experimentation 6 6 Academic Research and Information Skills
This course is designed to help you develop the skills necessary to conduct effective research on academic literature and improve your overall literacy skills. Through a combination of workshops readings, assignments, and discussions, you will learn how to identify research questions, develop innovative research questions, find and evaluate sources, synthesise information, and communicate their findings effectively through writing and presentation
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles and philosophy of innovation and entrepreneurship. It will focus on teaching innovative skills, project management, and entrepreneurial concepts to allow you to put your imagination and skills to the test by identifying real world problems and generating innovative solutions to address these.
Creative Experimentation
This course helps you to explore the potential of your own creativity by engaging in experimental art practices and processes. Through experimentation, reflection, and iteration you will develop a refined body of creative work based on experimental processes.
-
Students entering the Pre-Masters Program with an IELTS equal to 6.0 to <6.5 (or equivalent) must undertake the below.
Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week (up to) AELS1400 Academic English for
Higher Studies6 10 Students entering the Pre-Masters Program with an IELTS greater than or equal to 6.5 (or equivalent) may choose from the elective option based on the master’s specialisation.
Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week (up to) ARDN1402 Communication Skills for Creative Disciplines 6 6 Academic English for Higher Studies
Academic English for Higher Studies is a unit of study within the Pre-Masters Program intended to support students who do not yet meet UNSW’s English Language requirements. The course is designed to provide a staged, language-supported experiential process through the delivery of a structured research project on a discipline-relevant topic.
Communication Skills for Creative Disciplines
This course develops your ability to confidently engage with, interpret and express complex ideas using an appropriate mix of communication strategies tailored to creative disciplines. In addition to an appreciation of fundamental research protocols in creative disciplines, you will enhance your academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to better express coherent intellectual arguments, towards developing your own academic 'voice'.
How is the program assessed?
There are a variety of assessment methods including - Quizzes, Exams, Assignments, Portfolios, Presentations, Seminars, Case Studies, Reports and Journals.
Entry requirements
Our Pre-Masters (Art & Design) is designed specifically for students like you, who want to study a master's degree at UNSW Sydney. You must meet the required English language proficiency and academic entry criteria before starting your Pre-Masters Program.
Follow the link below to view the entry requirements. Requirements provided should be considered as a guide only and are subject to change.
Academic calendars
The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.
Pre-Masters Program fees
2025 tuition fees (international)
A$23,500
For additional information on our fees and other non-tuition fees, please see the Fees page.
-
Fees are reviewed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed, so it’s important to remember that indicative tuition fees shown above are not guaranteed. Any update to fees is effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included.
Scholarships
If you're starting your Pre-Masters Program in 2025, you could be eligible for a scholarship.
Ready to apply?
At UNSW College, every application we receive is carefully considered. When you are ready to join us, click the button below – or visit how to apply for a step-by-step guide.
CRICOS Program Code
113490D
Why study with UNSW College?
Your path to a global top 20 university
Successfully complete a Pre-Masters and secure guaranteed entry to UNSW Sydney.
Support as you learn
Our dedicated support teams are here to help you manage life and achieve success at university.
Directly connected to UNSW
The program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world-class libraries, clubs and societies.
I chose UNSW College as it is a pathway to study at UNSW Sydney and has a great academic environment. While at UNSW College I have improved my independent study skills. I have made great friends and my teachers have a friendly attitude.
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.