Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design)
Degree Level Postgraduate
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You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Start date
February
July
Campus
City West
Duration
1 year(s) full-time
Mode
On-campus
Program Code
DGSP
Fees
AUD$ 38,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
082776F
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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.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
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.
Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026
The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.
From 4 August 2025, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students.
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