Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus
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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.
Degree overview
- Gain advanced design and research skills, as they relate to emerging materials, new technologies and sustainability.
- Learn in our custom-built on-campus workshops.
- Benefit from our networks and relationships with industry, government and community – locally, nationally and internationally.
- Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
- Learn from teachers who are practicing professionals with strong links to industry.
- 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 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.
What you'll learn
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.
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:
- research proposals
- projects
- literature/artefact reviews
- seminar papers
- essays and assignments
- portfolios
- exhibitions
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.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design)
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:
- laser cutters
- water-jet cutters
- CNC routers
- 3D printers
- industry-standard motion-capture and virtual reality systems
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)
Your career
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.
Industry facts
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.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
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 study spaces
As a design student you will have access to:
- custom-built on-campus 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.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
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. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
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.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
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.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
