| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-05-01 | - |
| 2026-02-01 | - |
Program Overview
Graduate Certificate in Design
Overview
This course will introduce you to contemporary design practice and research, providing a firm grounding towards design-led innovation and the application of design practice to social, economic and cultural life.
The course is an entry point to further postgraduate study in the Master of Design or to further practice as a designer, design leader or design strategist.
Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate, you may transfer to the graduate diploma. On successful completion of the graduate diploma, you may enrol in the master degree.
What you'll learn
- develop a foundational knowledge of their field of design practice articulated through the creation of new artefacts, services, products or processes
- apply specialised knowledge, theories, frameworks and practices relevant to design leadership to inform design-led innovation
- demonstrate a critical reflection on design theory, practice and history in a social and cultural context
- apply knowledge of design to the framing and interrogation of problems to develop appropriate design solutions
- professionally communicate concepts, proposals, ideas, and final designs to a target audience
- understand the complexity and global context of contemporary design practice
- apply emerging technologies effectively to design practice or process to communicate the value of design
- contextualise design practice and process for real-life application in industry and practice
- understand and apply the value of design to communities, enterprises and public
Admission criteria
Applicants are required to have either: work experience in Design or cognate areas, or a Bachelor degree in Design or cognate areas to enter this course. Applicants with work experience or a Bachelor degree in non-cognate areas, or other pathways, should contact the course Coordinator.
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6.5
Fees and scholarships
Domestic fee paying postgraduate
- 2025 Fee year: $10,675*
*Based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).
Location
- Curtin Perth
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice.
- Curtin Perth
Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.
Duration
- This course is 6 months full-time or equivalent part-time study.
Credit
- A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
CRICOS
- The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Code indicates a registered program offered to international students studying in Australia on student visas.
- A
Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin
Select your preferred campus:
- Curtin Perth
- Intake | Application open | Application close
- Semester 1, 2025 | 1 May 2024 | Applications now closed!
- Semester 1, 2026 | Applications now open! | 3 February 2026
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations
- Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
- Advertising Design Specialisation
- Animation and Game Design Specialisation
- Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
- Asian Studies Specialisation
- Chinese Language Specialisation
- Construction Management Specialisation
- Creative Writing Specialisation
- Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
- Designing Fashion Specialisation
- Digital Design Specialisation
- Digital and Social Media Specialisation
- English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
- Environmental Planning Specialisation
- Fashion Design Specialisation
- Fine Art Specialisation
- Geography Specialisation
- Graphic Design Specialisation
- Graphics Specialisation
- History Specialisation
- Illustration Specialisation
- Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
- Interior Architecture Specialisation
- International Development Specialisation
- Journalism Specialisation
- Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
- Photography Specialisation
- Principles of Planning Specialisation
- Professional Writing Specialisation
- Screen Production Specialisation
- Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
- Social Justice Specialisation
- Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
- Theatre Arts Specialisation
- Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
- Web Media Specialisation
- Web Presence Specialisation
Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations
- Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
- Advertising Design Specialisation
- Animation and Game Design Specialisation
- Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
- Asian Studies Specialisation
- Chinese Language Specialisation
- Construction Management Specialisation
- Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
- Creative Writing Specialisation
- Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
- Designing Fashion Specialisation
- Digital Design Specialisation
- Digital and Social Media Specialisation
- English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
- Environmental Planning Specialisation
- Fashion Design Specialisation
- Fine Art Specialisation
- Geography Specialisation
- Graphic Design Specialisation
- Graphics Specialisation
- History Specialisation
- Illustration Specialisation
- Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
- Interior Architecture Specialisation
- International Development Specialisation
- Journalism Specialisation
- Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
- Photography Specialisation
- Principles of Planning Specialisation
- Professional Writing Specialisation
- Screen Production Specialisation
- Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
- Social Justice Specialisation
- Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
- Theatre Arts Specialisation
- Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
- Web Media Specialisation
- Web Presence Specialisation
Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations
- Advertising Design Specialisation
- Animation and Game Design Specialisation
- Asian Studies Specialisation
- Biological Diversity Minor
- Climate Change Science Minor
- Construction Management Specialisation
- Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
- Creative Writing Specialisation
- Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
- Designing Fashion Specialisation
- Digital and Social Media Specialisation
- Environmental Management Minor
- Environmental Planning Specialisation
- Fashion Design Specialisation
- Fine Art Specialisation
- Food Science Minor
- Forensic Studies Minor
- Geophysics Minor
- Geospatial Technology Minor
- Go Global – Internship Specialisation 1
- Go Practice – Internship Specialisation 1
- Graphic Design Specialisation
- Graphics Specialisation
- Illustration Specialisation
- Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies Specialisation
- Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
- Interior Architecture Specialisation
- International Development Specialisation
- Landscape Restoration Minor
- Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
- Mapping and Land Planning Minor
- Metallurgy Minor
- Mining Minor
- Optimisation Minor
- Photography Specialisation
- Principles of Planning Specialisation
- Screen Production Specialisation
- Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
- Social Justice Specialisation
- Strategic Studies Specialisation
- Theatre Arts Specialisation
- Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
- Web Media Specialisation
- Web Presence Specialisation
Curtin University
Overview:
Curtin University is a public research university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in the fields of mining, engineering, and health sciences. Curtin offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as professional development courses. The university has a global presence with campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Singapore.
Services Offered:
Curtin University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Learning Support:
Disability planning, industry placements, global study opportunities, and access to learning and study spaces.Campus Life:
Accommodation options, information about living in Perth, food and retail services, regional study opportunities, sports and social clubs, health and wellbeing resources, and campus events.International Student Support:
Assistance with moving to Australia, application procedures, English language programs, and opportunities to meet with university representatives in their home countries.Financial Assistance:
Information on fees and charges, financial assistance programs, and scholarships.Career Support:
Access to career advisors and resources to help students with their career planning.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Curtin University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Sports and Recreation:
Joining sports teams, participating in recreational activities, and attending campus events.Social Clubs:
Joining student clubs and societies based on their interests.Campus Events:
Attending lectures, workshops, and social events organized by the university.Global Study Opportunities:
Studying abroad at one of Curtin's international campuses or participating in exchange programs.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Graduate Employment Rate:
Curtin University has the highest rate of graduates finding full-time employment among Western Australia's public universities.Research Excellence:
Curtin's research is rated at or above world standard, with a strong focus on innovation.Global Recognition:
Curtin is ranked second in the world for mineral and mining engineering.Diverse and Inclusive Campus:
Curtin celebrates diversity and aims to create a welcoming environment for all students.Strong Industry Partnerships:
Curtin collaborates with industry, government, and First Nations people to create meaningful change and solve real-world problems.Academic Programs:
Curtin University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Agriculture, Environment and Sustainability
Architecture and Construction
Arts and Creative Industries
Business, Innovation, Management and Law
Culture, Society and Indigenous
Education
Engineering, Mining and Surveying
Health
Information Technology
Physical Sciences, Geoscience and Mathematics
Other:
Curtin University is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on addressing the UN's global sustainable development goals. The university also has a strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement and aims to embed their voices and perspectives in its decision-making.
