Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design)
Degree Level Postgraduate
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Start Date
February
July
Campus
City West
Duration
1 year(s) full-time
Program Code
DGSP
SATAC Code
4GD102 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus
-
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Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a three-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution, or equivalent, in a related discipline.
Alternative Entry
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in an unrelated discipline, plus two years of professional experience in a related discipline, or applicants who do not have a completed degree but who have five years of professional experience in a related discipline will also be considered.
All applicants must submit a portfolio comprising a digital portfolio, curriculum vitae, statement of qualifications and a statement of intent. More information can be found here.
In addition to the portfolio, students who are submitting an application for the program via Alternative Entry without a completed Bachelor degree are also required to submit a letter of recommendation, of no more than one page in length, from a professional referee.
Related design disciplines include:
- Communication Design: visual communication design; graphic design; graphic communication; communication design.
- Contemporary Art: visual art, contemporary art; illustration and animation.
- Design and Construct: architecture; planning and urban design.
- Industrial Design: industrial design; product innovation; product design; furniture design.
- Interior Architecture: interior architecture; interior design; furniture design; architecture.
- Sustainable Design: architecture; interior architecture; industrial design; furniture design; planning and urban design; contemporary art.
Aim
The Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design) qualifies individuals who apply a body of knowledge in professional design, communication, and project management to undertake highly skilled work in demanding and complex design practice, and as a pathway for further learning.
Content & Structure
Students of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design) will develop an advanced systematic and coherent body of knowledge in communication design to identify, examine and develop progressive approaches to designing communications that extend beyond the visual for changing socio-cultural, economic and environmental contexts.
Students will develop cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and propose solutions to a range of complex communication design challenges. Graduates will have developed communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas about design problems and responses to a variety of audiences.
The students will complete 36 units of study comprising 18 units of research studio, 4.5 units of research methods, 4.5 units of business practices, 4.5 units of sustainability and 4.5 units of electives.
Students will develop cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and propose solutions to a range of complex communication design challenges. Graduates will have developed communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas about design problems and responses to a variety of audiences.
The students will complete 36 units of study comprising 18 units of research studio, 4.5 units of research methods, 4.5 units of business practices, 4.5 units of sustainability and 4.5 units of electives.
From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.
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