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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.
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 test
IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please 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)
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
1. Electives are selected from those listed above. Electives are designed 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.
4. Students who have not completed an appropriate CAD course in their undergraduate qualification will need to discuss their study plan with the Program Director.
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 (independent study). 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.
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 the knowledge and skills already attained and will extend your learning in preparation for a rewarding career across a range of employment sectors that combine both design and 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 links to industry.
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 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)
Real-world connections
Our teaching staff are highly trained industry professionals with years of experience. They have strong industry links, and many holds professional positions with national and international organisations. For you, this means you will have links to the industry and the opportunity to build important networks.
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.
Career outcomes
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
Employment for architects, designers, planners and surveyors in Australia is projected to increase by 17,500 (14.7 per cent) by November 20201.
1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015
UniSA students in the Design Construct degree are currently designing accommodation for Aboriginal rangers in the Nantawarrina Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).
The Design Construct degree is currently assisting the Community of Port Resolution to build beachside eco visitor accommodation on Tanna Island, Vanuatu.
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
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.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
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 international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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:
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.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
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.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
