Graduate Diploma of Design
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
The Graduate Diploma of Design encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary design practice. Students explore areas of strategic importance to design such as sustainability, design strategy and methods for design research. They may also undertake study in related areas, including business innovation, marketing and media. Students have the option to participate in study tours and projects with Design Factory Melbourne.
Duration
2 semesters full-time or equivalent part-time
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Graduate Diploma of Design offers students a unique opportunity to develop and expand upon their disciplinary design practice. The course is designed for a wide variety of students who have previous qualifications and/or experience in design or related fields. It caters for students who want to advance existing expertise and experience within a chosen design field such as visual communication design, industrial design, interior architecture or digital media design, as well as providing opportunities to broaden their skills and knowledge in design practice.
The course emphasises a mix of interdisciplinary collaboration and has a project-based studio learning environment to develop professional capability in their chosen field, and expand their knowledge in areas such as inclusive design, new technologies and design management. The course will equip students with professional capabilities and knowledge as emerging leaders in their field, and the industry-ready skills and strategies that enable them to become accomplished practitioners.
Course structure
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Design, students must complete 100 credit points comprising:
- 4 Design Core units (50 credit points)
- At least two, and up to four Design Elective units (25 - 50 credit points); and
- Up to two Elective units (0 - 25 credit points)
Units of study
Design Core units
Students must complete 50 credit points of study from the following list of units:
DDD60001 Inclusive and Participatory Design*
DDD60002 Integrative Design Studio*
DDD70002 Cross- Cultural Social Design Strategy *
DDD70014 Eco-Design Studio*
DDD40001 Studio 1: Methods for Design Research* (25 credit points)
DDD80015 Integrative Capstone Studio 1*
DDD60001 Inclusive and Participatory Design*
DDD60002 Integrative Design Studio*
DDD70002 Cross- Cultural Social Design Strategy *
DDD70014 Eco-Design Studio*
DDD40001 Studio 1: Methods for Design Research* (25 credit points)
DDD80015 Integrative Capstone Studio 1*
Design Elective units
Students must complete at least two, and at most four, of the following units (25 - 50 credit points):
DDD60003 Digital Sketching and Ideation*
DDD60004 CAD for Products and Interiors*
DDD60005 Animation and Motion Graphics*
DDD60004 CAD for Products and Interiors*
DDD60005 Animation and Motion Graphics*
Elective units
Students may complete up to two of the following units (0 - 25 credit points) or select any general postgraduate electives from elsewhere in the university:
Students may complete up to two of the following units (0 - 25 credit points) or select any general postgraduate electives from elsewhere in the university:
* 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 may find work in design consultancies, advertising, publishing, packaging, merchandising, design research and design management.
Aims and objectives
The Graduate Diploma 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 Diploma of Design, graduates will be able to:
1. demonstrate conceptual thinking to develop detailed design outcomes and/or prototypes to professional standards
2. examine and experiment with current practices and trends in design as they relate to social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts
3. conceptually and technically analyse and synthesise complex concepts and theory and apply them through independent research and project work
4. apply critical thinking and evaluation in planning, problem-solving and decision-making during design projects
5. use research principles and methods and communication skills to identify complex problems and develop appropriate conclusions and outcomes to a professional standard.
2. examine and experiment with current practices and trends in design as they relate to social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts
3. conceptually and technically analyse and synthesise complex concepts and theory and apply them through independent research and project work
4. apply critical thinking and evaluation in planning, problem-solving and decision-making during design projects
5. use research principles and methods and communication skills to identify complex problems and develop appropriate conclusions and outcomes to a professional standard.
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
- ntrepreneurial 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
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
The minimum entry requirement for the Graduate Diploma is either a recognised three-year Bachelor of Design or a recognised Graduate Certificate in 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 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, product design engineering, design technology, games and interactivity and creative industries.
* Work experience
Documents substantiating work experience need to be provided on company letterhead and clearly detail roles as well as duties and duration of posts held.
How to apply
This course is closed for new enrolments.