Graduate Diploma in Design

Seek and solve problems to improve life on earth

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Upskill and grow a career with creative impact. When you study the Graduate Diploma in Design at ��Ʊ, you’ll get a strong foundation in a broad range of design theory as well as working skills across a variety of innovative areas in design practice. Transform creative thinking into design action and create with confidence.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Paddington
Codes: Program code 5306; CRICOS code 082199A


Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program 2025 Indicative CSP first year fee: $10,000*
2025 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree: $10,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $46,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $47,500*

Art and design students discussing work inside the Red Center build enviroment study space.

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Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Design is a professionally relevant one-year program featuring eight courses from the Master of Design. You will learn about design as processes, design practice and history, gaining an understanding of design communication and research.

You will also take three courses from other areas of practice and studio electives including Spatial Experiences, Interaction Design and UX Experience, Visualisation and Visual Effects, Future Making, Graphic Communication, Planar Practices and Temporal and Spatial Practices.

Anyone who wishes to extend their professional qualifications with a shorter period of study will benefit from this program, as well as those intending to broaden or change direction in their design and media practice.

Why study at ��Ʊ?

We're ranked =#2 in Australia for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). With the Graduate Diploma in Design, you will get a strong foundation in a broad range of design theory as well as working skills across a variety of innovative areas in design practice.��

Program Code

5306

CRICOS Code

082199A

Campus

Paddington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

Entry to this degree requires a bachelor's degree in any field, or a Graduate Certificate in Design, with a credit average equivalent to a ��Ʊ WAM of 65.

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at ��Ʊ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why ��Ʊ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.��

Entry to this degree requires a bachelor's degree in any field, or a Graduate Certificate in Design, with a credit average equivalent to a ��Ʊ WAM of 65.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at ��Ʊ depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why ��Ʊ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at ��Ʊ. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the��English Language Requirements��page.��

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Full program structure

Potential careers

UX and experiential design
Graphics, media and digital design
Events, theatre and production design
Creative consultancies, social innovation and entrepreneurship
Design management and strategy

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our��portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.��.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via��our  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement��date. For��more information visit��our .

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

2025 Indicative CSP First Year Fee

$10,000*

2025 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree

$10,000*

You may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place��(CSP) for this degree. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have a substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government.��Start your application today with our guide on��how to apply.��

Commonwealth Study Assistance, such as Austudy and Youth Allowance, is available for some master's degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees, visit��Ʊ Current Student Financial Support.

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$37,000*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$37,000*

*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$46,500*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$47,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the��.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit��.

Scholarships

At ��Ʊ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.