Graduate Diploma in Design (Contemporary Art)
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/Online
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
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CRICOS Code
095762E
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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 (Contemporary Art) qualifies individuals who apply knowledge and understanding of the major applied and theoretical paradigms, by developing their ability to undertake informed and critical analysis, practice and research at postgraduate level, or as a pathway for further learning.
Content & Structure
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Contemporary Art) will have knowledge of research methodologies tied to focussed discipline specific creative studio practices, knowledge of creative discipline specific professional fields either as a self-employed professional or as an employee, effective communication processes (such as networking), within the design and visual art communities, and an understanding of reflective practice and critical analysis contextualised in an academic and professional/industry visual art and design setting.
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Contemporary Art) will develop applied skills both in studio and marketing the artist/designer in a professional context.
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Contemporary Art) will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to use research methodologies tied to focussed discipline specific creative studio practices, with applied research and technical skills interpreted through visual art and design practice.
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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