General Information

Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Design is designed for students who have a deep interest in pursuing meaningful and useable design that compels, informs and delights. The course focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and uses a dynamic, project-based, studio learning environment to expand professional capability. Students will explore the nexus between research and practice to develop design solutions or explore design outcomes solving complex problems. The Graduate Certificate of Design will equip students with industry ready knowledge and skills to enhance their design practice.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Design requires students to complete units of study to the value of 50 credit points. All units of study are valued at 25 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 50 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 50 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code

Learning outcomes

The Graduate Certificate of Design enables mastery in design and enhances the skills, knowledge and capabilities for professional practice and management in a broad range of design fields.
 
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Design, graduates will be able to:

  • Generate effective and appropriate concepts and refined, detailed design outcomes and/or prototypes
  • Evaluate and interpret current and future design practices in relation to relevant contexts
  • Comprehend complex conceptual and technical information and apply to design outcomes
  • Critique and interpret theories and methodologies, using communication skills and basic design research principles
  • Use strategic thinking and evaluative judgement in the design process, including collaboration, creative problem-solving and decision-making.

Career opportunities

Graduates will have industry level skills and basic research abilities enabling them to find jobs in senior or strategic roles in design companies and other organisations. Graduates have the ability to move into further study at Graduate Diploma level.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Design, students must complete 50 credit points comprising:

  • one (1) Core unit (25cp)
  • one (1) unit from either Applied Design Stream or Design Factory Melbourne Stream (25cps).

Professional recognition

Upon completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become a member of the Design Institute of Australia, Australian Graphic Design Association or Design Management Institute but should confirm eligibility with the association.

Maximum academic credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate of Design is 25 credit points (normally one unit). This is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Graduate Certificate of Design?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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