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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.
Gain advanced design and research skills, as they relate to visual communications.
Benefit from our networks and relationships with the design industry – locally, nationally and internationally.
Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
Learn from teachers who are established designers.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Masters.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in communication 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 your 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 world of communication design.
A key focus of this graduate diploma is the development and application of research processes. In conjunction with industry, you will be given the opportunity to work on creative projects, developing skills in writing project proposals and presenting information.
Practical learning also means you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to create stimulating, effective visual communications, as well as the confidence to be creative across a range of communication platforms.
What you'll learn
To be an effective communication designer you need to be able to identify problems, and to examine and develop strategies and approaches to overcome them. This qualification addresses design issues that you may be faced with in the workplace such as socio-cultural change, economic constraints, and environmental impacts.
This graduate diploma comprises design research studio classes, advanced research skills, introduction to sustainable design, business practice and a choice of electives. You will develop an advanced understanding of communication design principles and graduate with the ability to develop and design effective communications for a range of audiences. You will also acquire the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research.
1. Electives are selected from those listed above. Electives are intended to extend and expand students' intellectual and professional abilities in core and cognate areas of the curriculum and to provide scope for individual development in particular areas of professional and academic interest. A selection of electives will be offered each year, depending on staff availability and student demand. Students may choose to enrol in alternative electives with approval from their Program Director.
2. Students who have a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or more and wish to independently pursue a topic of interest not available in the electives offered in any one study period may choose a research or project based individual elective with the approval of the Program Director.
3. This program forms part of a nested suite of programs consisting of 72 units as follows: Graduate Diploma in Design comprising 36 units; Master of Design comprising a further 36 units.
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:
projects
research proposals
literature/artefact reviews
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.
Why Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design)
If you are interested in communication design and want to develop your research skills this graduate diploma is a great choice.
Our teaching staff are professional designers, so the curriculum is industry-relevant and mostly practical in nature. You will also work alongside world-class researchers in communication design1 so you can be assured that by studying this graduate diploma at UniSA you will take away industry-relevant skills and knowledge.
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Real-world connections
You will benefit from our strong industry links and relationships with the design profession locally, nationally and internationally, with many teaching staff holding professional positions with influential design organisations. This is great news for you, as it means you can build important networks with potential collaborators and employers. Our teaching staff are highly trained industry professionals who bring with them years of experience.
Creativity, patience, motivation, commitment - and of course excellent communication skills - are all qualities of a successful communication designer. This industry is expecting strong growth in employment prospects1. Careers to consider:
animation and motion designer: use graphic software to create animated images
art director: responsible for the visual aspects of a publication, campaign or other published material; a chief liaison between the client and designers
graphic designer: create visual concepts to inspire, inform and captivate an audience
communications designer: specialised graphic designer that uses software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, web developers and multimedia companies
illustrator: produce still drawings for use in advertisements, magazines, on packaging, greeting cards and in newspapers
typographer: create the typeface that graphically reflects a client’s brief
web designer: create and maintain websites, this may include the design, layout and coding
1Australian Government, Job Outlook, 2020
Industry facts
Employment for graphic and web designers, and illustrators in Australia is projected to increase by 6,800 (14.5 per cent) by November 20201.
1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015
The number of graphic and web designers, and illustrators in Australia expected to reach 53,300 by 20201.
1ABS Labour Force Survey, Department of Employment trend data to November 2015 and Department of Employment projections to 2020.
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.
go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
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.
Explore a range of 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning. With the flexibility to study when and where it suits you, there’s no need to hit pause on work or family commitments.
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 campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
As a design student, you will have access to:
dedicated custom-built design studios and workshops
the University library’s collection of art, craft and design resource materials, which is the largest in the state
Your program director
I’m passionate about increasing awareness of Indigenous knowledges and providing expansive opportunities for students to engage in the educational process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
