Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design)

The Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) qualifies individuals who apply a body of practical knowledge of sustainable design for professional practice or highly skilled work within ever-changing social, environmental and economic contexts, as well as a pathway for further learning.

Aim

The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) is to develop an advanced systematic and coherent body of knowledge in the multi-disciplinary area of design, and to acquire principles and practices of a more sustainable approach to complex and diverse design contexts.

Content and Structure

Students of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) will develop cognitive skills to reflect on sustainable design theory and practice and apply to different bodies of design knowledge or practice through communication and technical interpretation to specialist and non-specialist audiences. The students will complete 36 units of study comprising 18 units of research studio, 4.5 units of research methods, 4.5 units of business practices, and 9 units of sustainability.

Courses

The following courses are part of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design):

• 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
• Principles of Sustainable Design (ARCH 6006) - 4.5 units

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 is available for 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. All applicants must submit a portfolio comprising a digital portfolio, curriculum vitae, statement of qualifications and a statement of intent. 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.

English Language Requirements

International students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission:

• IELTS total: 6.5
• IELTS reading: 6.0
• IELTS writing: 6.0

Program Director

The Program Director for the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) 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 (Design and Construct)
• Graduate Diploma in Design (Contemporary Art)

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) is AUD$38,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025.

CRICOS Code

The CRICOS code for the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) is K.

Duration

The duration of the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) is 1 year full-time.

Mode

The mode of study for the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) is on-campus.

Campus

The campus for the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) is City West.

Start Date

The start date for the Graduate Diploma in Design (Sustainable Design) is February or July.