Graduate Certificate of Design | International Student Courses | Swinburne University

Study at Swinburne > Courses > Find a course > Graduate Certificate of Design

GC-DESG Postgraduate Hawthorn Send me a link to this course

The Graduate Certificate of Design provides students with an introduction to further studies. Students gain an understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and to build upon their own design practice, skills and capabilities. The course allows students to extend their skills in areas such as 3D printing, digital technologies, computer-aided design and interaction design.

Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.

Duration

6 Month/s

Intakes

Hawthorn (Semester 1) - View application and start dates

CRICOS code

088130G

Fees

A$18970 (total for 2024)*

The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Course information in detail

- Course detail, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The Graduate Certificate of Design is designed for students who have a deep interest in pursuing meaningful and useable design that compels, informs and delights. The course focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and uses a dynamic, project-based, studio learning environment to expand professional capability. Students will explore the nexus between research and practice to develop design solutions or explore design outcomes solving complex problems. The Graduate Certificate of Design will equip students with industry ready knowledge and skills to enhance their design practice.

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Design, students must complete 50 credit points comprising:

1 Design Core unit (25 credit points)
1 Applied Design unit (25 credit points)

Please note that a unit of study can only be counted once.

Units of study

Students must complete:

DDD40001 Studio 1: Methods for Design Research* (25 credit points)

DDD60011 Studio 2: Design Principles* (25 credit points)

* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.

Careers and graduate outcomes

- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and professional recognition.

Career opportunities

Graduates will have industry level skills and basic research abilities enabling them to find jobs in senior or strategic roles in design companies and other organisations. Graduates have the ability to move into further study at Graduate Diploma level.

Aims and objectives

The Graduate Certificate of Design enables mastery in design and enhances the skills, knowledge and capabilities for professional practice and management in a broad range of design fields.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Design, graduates will be able to:

generate effective and appropriate concepts and refined, detailed design outcomes and/or prototypes
evaluate and interpret current and future design practices in relation to relevant contexts
comprehend complex conceptual and technical information and apply to design outcomes
critique and interpret theories and methodologies, using communication skills and basic design research principles
use strategic thinking and evaluative judgement in the design process, including collaboration, creative problem-solving and decision-making.

Professional recognition

Upon completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become a member of the Design Institute of Australia, Australian Graphic Design Association or Design Management Institute but should confirm eligibility with the association.

Pathways and scholarships

- Scholarships.

Scholarships

At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. Find out more about scholarships.

Course fees and requirements

- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.

Course fees

A$18970 (total for 2024)*

Entry requirements

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.

Academic entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for the Graduate Certificate of Design is a recognized 3-year Bachelor of Design or equivalent. Applicants who do not have a Bachelor of Design qualification but have a related qualification and work experience in a design-related field, will be required to submit a portfolio (see below) or a detailed CV (see below) demonstrating their cognate skills and capabilities in design.

Related fields may include architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, digital arts, creative arts, multimedia or digital media (web, mobile applications, audio or video production), product design engineering, design technology, games, animation and interactivity, and creative industries.

Other Requirements

Do I need to submit a Portfolio?

You must submit a digital portfolio if:

• you do not have an undergraduate degree in Design or a related-field (a detailed CV is an accepted alternative to a portfolio); or

• you are seeking Advanced Standing (unit exemptions) outside of an agreed pathway or articulation agreement

How to submit a portfolio:

To submit a digital portfolio, applicants will first need to complete their online application. They will then receive a communication as to how to provide a portfolio.

What is a detailed CV?

A detailed CV clearly details descriptions of design capability, experience, examples of applied design capability, and reference from a relevant professional attesting to capability.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65%
minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 58 (no communicative skills less than 50)
any other equivalent assessment of English language proficiency.

Find out more about English language requirements.

How to apply

Find out more about how to apply.

Find out more

Submit an online enquiry
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)

Freecall: 1300 794 628 (within Australia)

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au