Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Design (Design and Construct)

The Graduate Diploma in Design (Design and Construct) qualifies individuals who apply a body of knowledge and experience of the integral relationship between architectural design and building construction to undertake highly skilled work, and as a pathway for further learning.

Aim

The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Design and Construct) is to provide students with an advanced systematic and coherent body of knowledge in the principles and concepts required through various stages of a building project, from its design and documentation through to its construction and beyond.

Content & Structure

Students of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Design and Construct) will develop cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and propose solutions to a range of complex design and construction challenges and communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences.

• The program consists of 36 units of study, comprising:
  • 18 units of research studio
  • 4.5 units of research methods
  • 4.5 units of business practices
  • 4.5 units of sustainability
  • 4.5 units of electives

Courses

The following courses are part of the program:

• Research Studio 1 (GRAP 5005) - 9 units
• Research Methods (CREA 4004) - 4.5 units
• Nature, Culture and Sustainability (ARCH 6005) - 4.5 units
• Research Studio 2 (GRAP 5006) - 9 units
• Business Practice for Artists and Designers (VSAR 5006) - 4.5 units
• Elective - 4.5 units

Electives

Electives are selected from the following list:

• Sustainable Urban Design (ARCH 5013) - 4.5 units
• Energy Management for Sustainability (MFET 5029) - 4.5 units
• Entrepreneurial Foundations (BUSS 5298) - 4.5 units
• Entrepreneurial Commercialisation (BUSS 5299) - 4.5 units
• Aboriginal Futures (SOCU 5010) - 4.5 units
• Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing (SOCU 5011) - 4.5 units
• Law and Land (SOCU 5013) - 4.5 units
• Consumer Culture, Technology and Sustainable Design (ARCH 6001) - 4.5 units
• Principles of Sustainable Design (ARCH 6006) - 4.5 units
• Professional Placement or Project (GRAP 5004) - 4.5 units

Rules & Notes

1. 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.
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.

Program Director

The Program Director is Mr Peter Walker.

Related Degrees

Related degrees include:

• Graduate Diploma in Design (Industrial Design)
• Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design)
• Graduate Diploma in Design (Interior Architecture)
• Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design)
• Graduate Diploma in Design (Contemporary Art)

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.
• 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.

Duration and Fees

• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Fees: Commonwealth Supported