Why Graduate Diploma in Design?
Are you ready to give flight to your design ideas?
Take your creative concepts to the world with our Graduate Diploma in Design. In as little as one year of full-time study, you’ll deepen your design expertise and build business management knowledge and research skills. This design toolkit will set you up to work as a skilled designer who can collaborate with others and communicate ideas effectively.
You’ll learn to address physical, cultural and ethical issues in your designs and use various materials and techniques.
Get ready to design your future and the world around you.
Overview
In this diploma, you’ll advance your design capabilities and develop key professional practice skills.
You’ll learn to work effectively on interdisciplinary projects, write project proposals and present your ideas professionally. You’ll explore sustainability, ethics and legal considerations in design – setting your creative endeavours up for the best start.
Study in our world-class studios where you’ll collaborate with peers and industry professionals. You’ll be able to receive real-time feedback and access the latest tools and technologies. Some courses are online, so you can fit study around your busy life.
Explore small business management and self-employment practices in the art and design industries and learn how to plan a sustainable enterprise. Bring your ideas to life when you plan and design a small-scale research project aligned to your design interests.
Graduate ready to take your ideas to the world.
Key features
Extend your knowledge of design and build key research skills. - Develop business management knowledge relevant to the art and design industry.
- Study in world-class facilities and professional studio spaces.
- Learn with teachers who are established designers.
- Work on real-life projects under the guidance of industry professionals.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to a master’s degree.
What you'll learn
In our Graduate Diploma in Design, you’ll extend your existing design knowledge in the areas that interest you the most. You’ll become business savvy and gain technical skills for collaborative and successful design projects.
You’ll learn how to research and write design proposals that explore a variety of different perspectives. This is important for designing impactful solutions to some of today’s global issues. These skills will be put into practice when you develop a research proposal from one of your great ideas.
You’ll complete the following courses:
- Art and design master’s foundation studio
- Nature, culture and sustainability
- Art and design advanced theory
- Art and design business practices
- Art and design interdisciplinary studio
- Art and design research methods.
You’ll also gain practical design experience through an internship or industry project, connecting you with established designers who can provide valuable feedback on your work.
There’s also the option to extend your studies further with a Master of Design. Master design thinking in just one year of additional full-time study.
Specialisations
The Graduate Diploma in Design is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Communication Design
- Illustration and Animation
- Industrial Design
- Interior Architecture.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for all Core courses, and
- Either:
- 12 units for all Discipline courses, or
- 12 units for all Specialisations
Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Specialisation name | |
|---|---|
|
|
Specialisation
Fine Arts
|
|
|
Specialisation
Graphic Communication Design
|
|
|
Specialisation
Illustration and Animation
|
|
|
Specialisation
Industrial Design
|
|
|
Specialisation
Interior Architecture
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Our Graduate Diploma in Design provides you with the skills to start your own design business. You’ll also be equipped to work in private design studios, government departments, commercial enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.
You might be a web designer, creating websites for small businesses that are functionally relevant, visually appealing and user-friendly. As a brand manager, you could oversee the launch of new products, ensuring they align with the existing brand identity of the company. Perhaps you’ll work in inclusive design, designing products and services that enhance the quality of life for people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Careers to also consider include:
- User experience (UX) designer
- Graphic design specialist
- Digital designer
- Content producer
- Product designer
- Creative director.
Industry trends
A Graduate Diploma in Design from Adelaide University extends your existing design knowledge and equips you with transferable business insights and research skills. Employment options vary, depending on your areas of interest and technical design expertise. Employment projections in Australia show growth across design occupations, with graphic designers, web designers and illustrators expected to see a 9.7% increase by 2029 (Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections, 2024).
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
