Graduate Certificate of Design
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
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.
Duration
1 semester full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
2023 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
27 February 2023
2024 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
26 February 2024
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.
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, graduate skills 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.
Graduate skills
The Swinburne Graduate Attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching courses assist all its graduates to be:
- Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- Effective and ethical in work and community situations
- Adaptable and able to manage change
- Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural).
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
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2023 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
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.