Doctor of Design in Industrial Design
Duration: 4 academic years
Medium of Instruction: Chinese / English
*This programme is planned to be launched in academic year 2026/2027 and will come into operation upon publication in the Macao SAR Gazette.
Aims
The Doctor of Design in Industrial Design programme develops designer-researchers capable of conducting impactful, advanced-level design research and delivering original, tangible solutions that address real-world challenges. They will effectively communicate and disseminate their specialized knowledge within professional communities, academia, and broader society while maintaining high-quality and academic integrity standards.
The programme aims to:
- Align with the strategic priorities of Macao and the GBA by:
1.1 Making substantial contributions to Macao’s “1+4” economic diversification strategy through pioneering design-driven innovations for emerging industries.
1.2 Developing visionary leaders and researchers capable of effectively addressing complex, real-world design challenges, positioning the region prominently within global industrial design discourse. - Fulfill the mission of the University and Faculty of Arts and Humanities by:
2.1 Nurturing highly innovative individuals dedicated to advancing Industrial Design knowledge through rigorous, student-centered education grounded in original research and critical thinking.
2.2 Promoting transdisciplinary research excellence, original, paradigm-challenging design practices, professional leadership, and significant community engagement. - Equip graduates with comprehensive professional competencies, advanced interdisciplinary research expertise, and the capacity to lead internationally recognized design initiatives and scholarly contributions, preparing them effectively for senior roles in industry, research institutions, and academia.
Philosophy
Grounded in the recognition that design practice is a rigorous mode of scholarly inquiry capable of advancing human knowledge, catalyzing technological innovation, and shaping societal development, the Doctor of Design in Industrial Design programme seeks to cultivate visionary design researchers, reflective practitioners, and influential academic and industry leaders. More than a professional qualification, the programme positions design as a strategic, research-driven discipline that synthesizes creativity, engineering, humanities, and emerging technologies to generate transformative and evidence-based solutions.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate integrative innovation awareness in designing tangible products and services to boost Macao’s future industries in innovation, big-health, new technology, conventions, exhibitions, and sports.
- Develop innovative designs, strategies, and systems addressing complex real-world problems from Macao, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.
- Demonstrate innovative abilities and industrial responsibilities with international impactful design and research achievements.
- Generate applied research in industrial design with interdisciplinary approaches.
- Demonstrate excellence in verbal, written, and visual presentation of academic and professional work.
- Demonstrate leadership capacities for design industry and sufficient knowledge, skills and professional attitudes required to educate the next generation of design practitioners.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Doctor of Design in Industrial Design can undertake significant and innovative design research, creating original and impactful design solutions that address practical, real-world challenges. They will be adept at effectively communicating their specialized knowledge and findings with professional peers, academia, and broader societal audiences, consistently upholding standards of excellence and scholarly integrity.
Equipped with advanced expertise, graduates will be prepared to excel as practicing design professionals and leading design theorists in specialized research areas. They will have the scholarly capacity to conduct rigorous analytical research and engage in critical discourse, contributing substantially to academic publications and the broader design field. As holders of this terminal degree, graduates will also qualify for academic and professorial appointments in higher education institutions. Potential roles include University Professors/Researchers in Industrial Design, Directors of Industrial Design and Research for tech companies, Chief Industrial Designers, Chief Design Strategists/Consultants, Founders of Design Companies, Chief Curators for Design Museums, and Chief Policy Advisors for governments.
Curriculum
Curriculum for students admitted in or after 2026/2027, please click here
Tuition Fees
- Please click here to view the Doctor of Design in Industrial Design programme Tuition Fees
Entry Requirements
The Doctor of Design in Industrial Design programme follows the general admission rules and requirements of the University with the following additional requirements and application materials:
- Either one of the degrees (a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree) obtained by the applicant must be related to Arts, Design, or Engineering. At the same time, transdisciplinary applicants from areas such as psychology, computer science, mechanical engineering, or business are encouraged to apply, as they bring valuable diversity of perspective to the programme. The programme welcomes professionals who demonstrate research potential, creative ability, and a strong motivation to advance design innovation.
- Follow the general language requirements of the University, we also accept applicants’ submission of English scores from Mainland China’s Graduate Entrance Examination or CET-4, and have them assessed by the academic unit.
- CV is necessary for all applicants, detailing awards, exhibitions, design projects, and publication records in Chinese, English, or both.
- A few writing samples in Chinese, English, or both, such as bachelor’s and master’s theses.
- A design portfolio which should contain 10 to 20 images of the applicant’s work. All submitted portfolio will be counted as portfolio sheets as long as the work is considered representative of your individual abilities.
- Guidelines for the design portfolio:
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- Put your art portfolio & CV in one single PDF file (File Name: Application Number (YPC xxxxxx) )
- Please add a table of contents to the PDF file and follow the template to create CV (Please click here to check the template)
- Maximum 40MB (Please upload the documents strictly according to the rules）
- Please submit the documents as required, otherwise the application will not be considered
- The programme is planned to be offered in academic year 2026/2027. Please stay tuned for the latest admission information from the Graduate School.
Graduation Requirements
Students are required to pass the required courses, the Qualifying Examinations, and the Thesis Proposal Assessment within 2 years and 2.5 years after their initial registration at the University respectively, and the Thesis Oral Defence which includes the assessment and exhibition of the creative work, thesis writing, and oral defence.