Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking and Service Innovation

Overview

The course explores design thinking and service design in collaboration with industry-based clients. Students employ human-centred design methods from commercial, social and service design perspectives to engage with complex practical problems and generate innovative solutions in a range of production and service contexts. The Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking and Service Innovation provides essential experience and usable insights, through real-world client projects, into how creative approaches are being used to generate truly innovative products and services.

Completion of this course in one year with a full-time load is only possible for Semester 1 commencement. International students on a student visa can only commence in Semester 1.

Admission Requirements

• Enrolment restrictions: All graduate courses are subject to restriction.
• Special requirements: Required units begin in Semester 1. Students that enrol in S2 should consider enrolling in GRD508 Innovation Development, plus up to two Specified Electives available in S2.
• Entry requirements (onshore): AQF Level 7 Bachelor's degree or higher, or satisfactory preparation/professional experience as determined by the Academic Chair.
• English language requirements: Equivalent of an Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.

Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire knowledge of design thinking and service innovation processes, including researching, prototyping and evaluating service systems for complex commercial and social problems.
2. Evaluate the role of human-centred design in cultural communication and the influence of market requirements, stakeholder perspective and user experience in complex commercial and social service issues.
3. Apply and adapt a range of appropriate design thinking and service design methods and techniques, tools and technologies to manage all the aspects of a service innovation project.
4. Critically engage with design thinking and service design theory and processes to reframe, employ insights and evaluate complex commercial and social service issues.
5. Present creative and strategic solutions to client-based problems involving a variety of modes, audiences and purposes.
6. Employ and adapt prototypes, techniques and workflow processes toward the successful production and implementation of innovative products and services, including synthesizing and integrating personal, group, industry convention and client-based viewpoints.

Structure

The course consists of 24 credit points, including:

• Course Core: 24 credit points
  • Required Units: 18 credit points
    • GRD503: Design Thinking Tools (3 cp)
    • GRD504: Research Methods for Innovation (3 cp)
    • GRD506: Prototyping (3 cp)
    • GRD507: Service Implementation (3 cp)
    • GRD508: Innovation Development (3 cp)
    • MCM684: Advanced MESH Project (3 cp)
  • Specified Elective Units: 6 credit points
    • COD5051: Community, Industry and Local Government (3 cp)
    • COD545: Community Development Theory and Practice (3 cp)
    • MBS538: Organisational Behaviour and Management (3 cp)
    • MBS568: Organisational Change, Management and Consultancy (3 cp)
    • MCM502: Web Strategy (3 cp)
    • WEB564: Web Research (3 cp)

Course Details

• Course Version: 23
• Version Start Date: 01/01/2026
• Owning College: College of Law, Arts and Social Sciences
• Owning School: Media and Communication
• Duration in Years: 1
• Enrolment Pattern(s): Part Time, Full Time
• Credit Points: 24
• Award Title: Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking and Service Innovation
• AQF Level: Level 8 - Graduate Diploma

Murdoch University

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Overview:

Murdoch University is a public university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its focus on practical learning, research, and engagement with the community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Murdoch University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

The university offers a variety of academic support services, such as tutoring, workshops, and online resources.

Career Services:

The Careers and Employability team assists students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.

Student Support:

The university provides support services for students with disabilities, mental health concerns, and other personal challenges.

Library:

The Murdoch University Library offers a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.

Health and Wellbeing:

The university has a range of health and wellbeing services, including a chiropractic clinic, counselling services, and a psychology clinic.

Sport and Recreation:

Murdoch University offers a variety of sporting and recreational activities, including fitness classes, team sports, and outdoor recreation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Murdoch University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:

A beautiful and spacious campus:

The university's campus is located in a picturesque setting, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities.

A strong sense of community:

The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student clubs and societies.

Opportunities for engagement:

Murdoch University encourages students to get involved in research, community service, and other extracurricular activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Flexible study options:

Murdoch University offers a variety of flexible study options, including online learning, part-time study, and blended learning.

Personalised courses:

The university offers a range of personalised courses that cater to individual student needs and interests.

Career Learning Spine:

Murdoch University's Career Learning Spine helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

World-class facilities:

The university has a range of world-class facilities, including a veterinary hospital, a media arts centre, and a state-of-the-art engineering lab.

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Academic Programs:

Murdoch University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs in areas such as business, law, science, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate programs:

Murdoch University offers a range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and other research degrees.

Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on areas such as food security, health futures, and sustainable development.

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Other: