Graduate Diploma in Design (Design and Construct)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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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.
Degree overview
- Gain advanced design and research skills, as they relate to building design and construction.
- Learn in world-class facilities in our custom-built on-campus workshops.
- Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
- Be part of one of the longest running and most extensive university architectural design and construct-based courses in Australasia.
- Benefit from our networks and relationships with industry – locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Learn from teachers who are practising professionals with strong links to industry.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further study.
- Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in design is ranked world class1.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This postgraduate qualification will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the innovative, changing design world. You will study emerging trends and technologies, contemporary design issues, construction challenges and management.
You will build on your previously acquired knowledge and skill set with a strong focus on construction challenges, design principles and client considerations. In addition to fundamental practical skills (you’ll spend a large portion of your time on-site), a key part of your learning will relate to advanced research skills, and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research.
The unique award-winning Design and Construct courses will empower you to collaborate, design, and build community projects in remote locations in Australia and overseas with students from other design disciplines. Some of the projects students have designed and built include the visitor accommodation at Port Resolution (Tanna Island, Vanuatu); Aboriginal ranger accommodation and research facilities in Fish River (Northern Territory, Australia); and accommodation and research facilities at Witchelina Station (South Australia, Australia).
What you'll learn
Emerging trends and technologies, contemporary design issues, construction challenges and research are key focuses of this graduate diploma. You will also:
- develop design proposals
- foster client relations
- survey building sites
- learn how to translate traditional drawing and design methods to specialised computer programs
- develop research methodologies
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- research proposals
- projects
- literature/artefact reviews
- presentations
- essays and assignments
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Diploma in Design (Design and Construct)
This unique qualification enables students to see a project from the initial concept and design stages through to construction, client relations and community needs. It builds on knowledge and skills already attained and will extend your learning in preparation for a rewarding career across a range of employment sectors that combine co-design and co-construction.
UniSA boasts custom-built design studios and workshops where you will be able to develop practical skills, while teaching staff offer guidance, knowledge, and industry links. We are also fast becoming a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors that will drive Australia's future, including smart manufacturing.
Our teaching staff are professional designers, so the curriculum is industry-relevant and primarily practical in nature. You will also work alongside world-class researchers in design1 so you can be assured that by studying this graduate diploma at UniSA you will take away industry-relevant skills and knowledge. This graduate diploma is also a pathway to further study, and with just one additional year of study, you can graduate with a Master of Design.
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Design Construct facility at the Mawson Lakes campus
UniSA runs the largest design construct program in Australia, providing students with hands-on experience in the design and construction of buildings in unique and incredible locations. The purpose-built facility, based at the Mawson Lakes campus, provides students with an unique opportunity to design and construct buildings for remote communities in Australia and overseas. The large scale prefabrication facilty enables students to see their designs come to life and also experience multi-disciplinary collaboration, modelling professional practice.
Your career
This unique qualification integrates both design and construction rather than focusing on just one specialisation. It is, therefore, particularly relevant for students who wish to pursue careers in areas such as:
- architecture (further study required): design new buildings, and help to restore and conserve old buildings
- interior design: design, implement and refurbish interior spaces
- civil engineering (further study required): plan, design and oversee the construction of infrastructure such as roads, railways, and bridges
- project management: plan, direct and coordinate building projects, and personnel; manage budget.
To increase employability in this competitive industry, it is recommended that students complete the additional year of study required to attain a Master of Design.
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
As a design student, you will have access to:
- custom-built design studios and workshops
- Australia’s only Architecture Museum
- the University library’s collection of art, craft, and design resource materials, which is the largest in the state
- a mobile art, architecture, and design studio – a unique mobile facility that houses all of the equipment and resources you’ll need when on tour.
Your program director
I’m passionate about increasing awareness of Indigenous knowledges and providing expansive opportunities for students to engage in the educational process.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
Students building the UniSA Mobile Art, Architecture and Design Studio (MAADS)
Students building the UniSA Mobile Art, Architecture and Design Studio (MAADS)
Leading academics talk about the art, architecture and design at the University of South Australia.
Students building the UniSA Mobile Art, Architecture and Design Studio (MAADS)
Hear from David Gordon about workshop here at The University of South Australia's City West campus. The workshop gives students the equipment and plenty of space to work through the entire development process from concept, development to production giving them hands on experience with the machinery and materials.
