Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design)

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have completed a three-year Bachelor degree from a recognized 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 seven years of professional experience in a related discipline will also be considered.

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:

IELTS score of 6.5 (with 6.0 in Reading and Writing); TOEFL iBT score of 79 with Reading and Writing not less than 18; TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 577 with TWE of 4.5; Cambridge CAE/CPE score of 177; Pearson's test of English (Academic) (PTE) score of 58 with Reading and Writing communicative scores not less than 50; CELUSA score of AE5.

Course Details

This postgraduate qualification will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the innovative, changing world of communication design.

A key focus of this graduate diploma is the development and application of research processes. In conjunction with industry you will be given the opportunity to work on creative projects, developing skills in writing project proposals and presenting information.

Practical learning also means you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to create stimulating, effective visual communications, as well as the confidence to be creative across a range of communication platforms.

Your career

Creativity, patience, motivation, commitment - and of course excellent communication skills - are all qualities of a successful communication designer. This industry is expecting strong growth in employment prospects1. Careers to consider:

• animation and motion designer: use graphic software to create animated images
• art director: responsible for the visual aspects of a publication, campaign or other published material; a chief liaison between the client and designers
• graphic designer: create visual concepts to inspire, inform and captivate an audience
• communications designer: specialised graphic designer that uses software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, web developers and multimedia companies
• illustrator: produce still drawings for use in advertisements, magazines, on packaging, greeting cards and in newspapers
• typographer: create the typeface that graphically reflects a client’s brief
• web designer: create and maintain websites, this may include the design, layout and coding

What you'll learn

To be an effective communication designer you need to be able to identify problems, and to examine and develop strategies and approaches to overcome them. This qualification addresses design issues that you may be faced with in the workplace such as socio-cultural change, economic constraints, and environmental impacts.

This graduate diploma comprises design research studio classes, advanced research skills and a choice of electives. You will develop an advanced understanding of communication design principles and graduate with the ability to develop and design effective communications for a range of audiences. You will also acquire the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research.