Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design)
Postgraduate
2025
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
Postgraduate
2025
On-campus
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:
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.
This practical postgraduate qualification will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable design thinking as it relates to the changing world of design. This qualification balances sustainable design theory with practical design application, ensuring you build on your previously acquired knowledge and skill set.
Guided by your undergraduate training, you will have opportunities to explore emerging materials and new technologies, learn about Indigenous Knowledges and refine craft and design skills. In addition to these fundamental practical skills, 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.
Sustainability, emerging materials, new technologies and research are focal points of this graduate diploma. You will also study sustainable design theory and practice; social, cultural, economic and technological advancements and their impact on sustainable design; and research methodologies.
This graduate diploma comprises design research studio classes, sustainable design theory classes, research methods classes, and a selection of electives.
This industry-relevant postgraduate qualification equips you with sustainable design knowledge – it’s also a pathway to a Master of Design. As a design student you will practice your skills in our custom-built, world-class design studios and workshops that boast digital fabrication equipment such as:
In addition to this practical experience, you will also benefit from our strong industry links and our world-class teaching staff. Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia. 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. We are also fast becoming a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors that will drive Australia's future, including smart manufacturing.
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
This graduate diploma allows you to augment your existing qualifications and career paths to include a sustainable design perspective and understanding. You could find work in construction; planning and development; renewable industries; government; merchandising; or design research and management.
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.
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.
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
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.
As a design student you will have access to:
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.
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.
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.