Why Graduate Diploma in Design?
Ready for a career that blends creativity and functionality? With our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Industrial Design, prepare to draw on your creativity and problem-solving skills to improve a range of products and systems.
Be at the forefront of design innovation – using your knowledge to tackle real-world challenges in areas like consumer goods or sustainability.
As an industrial designer, you’ll place humans at the centre of your processes. Learn how to create functional, aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly products.
Gain critical skills and expand your knowledge through professional practice and an industry-relevant curriculum. Studying at Adelaide University ensures you’ll know what to expect when you go from study to practice.
Overview
Develop advanced skills in creating innovative products for the modern world with our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Industrial Design. Gain an advanced understanding of the dynamic and evolving field of industrial design, building on your existing knowledge and skills.
Explore the creative and technical aspects of designing products for mass production – where aesthetics blend with functionality – considering factors like user experience, sustainability and manufacturability.
Your studies will mostly take place in our custom-built workshops, fitted with laser cutters, CNC routers and 3D printers. Beyond practical design skills, you’ll also develop your research capabilities and analytical thinking. Benefit from our strong industry links and experienced teaching staff who are experts in industrial design. Gain the skills needed to pursue professional employment or use this program as a pathway to our Master of Design specialising in Industrial Design.
By graduation, you’ll be someone who can not only create innovative products, but who also has a clear understanding of the background, concepts and planning aspects of industrial design.
Key features
Build knowledge across emerging materials, technologies, and sustainability. - Benefit from our global networks in industrial design.
- Develop advanced technical skills to design physical products, systems, interfaces, and environments.
- Complete real-life projects in our custom-built workspaces.
- Gain valuable practical experience through industry partnerships.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further study, including a master’s degree.
What you'll learn
Discover new materials, cutting-edge production methods and sustainable design practices with our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Industrial Design. Gain a deep understanding of industrial design, learning to create a wide range of products, systems, and environments that have both cultural impact and economic value.
Over one year of full-time study, explore core and specialised topics in:
- Art and design masters 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.
Get hands-on in design research studio classes and develop high-level technical skills needed to produce functioning designs.
Our specialisation in Industrial Design extends beyond existing materials – delving into emerging materials and processing technologies in both high and low volume manufacturing. Investigate the latest materials and processing technologies, including 3D design. Work through complex industrial design problems, while deepening your research analysis skills.
You'll also explore sustainable design principles and business practices, refining your design sensibilities. Focus on areas such as furniture design, medical device design or transportation design, applying your skills to create functional, aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly products.
Want to take your studies further? Use this qualification as a pathway to our Master of Design specialising in Industrial Design.
Specialisations
The Graduate Diploma in Design is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Communication Design
- Illustration and Animation
- 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
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
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
|
Career outcomes
Our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Industrial Design will equip you with advanced skills and knowledge to excel in professional industrial design practice.
You might design the next ergonomic smartphone or develop packaging for global beverage companies. You might even use your skills to create more user-friendly furniture and household objects for people with disabilities or limited movement.
Your transferrable skillset will allow you to pivot into various design-related roles in different industries. You could find employment in agencies and government departments, or in scientific, technical, manufacturing, and retail sectors.
Other careers to consider include:
- Industrial designer
- Product designer
- Furniture designer.
Industry trends
The future of industrial design is full of exciting opportunities. By focusing on human-centered design, sustainable practices, artificial intelligence and machine learning, industrial designers can create a world where aesthetics and functionality blend harmoniously. Compostable materials, recycled plastics, and recyclable products are in demand – a reflection of consumer habits for eco-conscious products (Dienamics, 2023). This diploma ensures you learn modern industrial design practices and eco-friendly materials so you can reduce waste and minimise environmental impact.
Ready to apply?
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.
