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 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 unique graduate diploma will not only help to further extend practical skills in your chosen specialisation, but it will provide you with valuable business management skills. You will focus on the development and application of research processes and methodologies, and you will develop skills in marketing and critical analysis. The specialised fields you can choose from include:

photo, digital and graphic media
painting and drawing
spatial studies, involving public art, sculpture, textiles, glass, ceramics, jewellery and metal

This qualification forms part of a nested degree, leading to a Master of Design (Contemporary Art).

What you'll learn

This qualification provides graduates with advanced practical and theoretical skills and knowledge, advanced research skills and valuable business and financial management skills. A key focus is on research, as it relates to your chosen specialisation. You will also study marketing and business, covering areas such as:

grant sourcing and applications
industry associations and professional recognition
communication skills and marketing strategies
copyright, trademarks, intellectual property and taxation

You’ll explore online art and design practice and online marketing, business management and self-employment practices related to the art and design industries, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand critical research methodologies.

Career outcomes

Your career

Contemporary artists are highly creative, highly motivated, disciplined and committed. To succeed in this creative profession you need to be willing to take risks, push boundaries and experiment with concepts, contexts and materials. If you think you've got what it takes, the job prospects for artists in Australia are looking great, with strong growth in the sector1. Careers to consider:

artist/designer: ceramicist, painter, illustrator, sculptor, jeweller, textile artist, printmaker, photographer, furniture designer, digital media
arts administrator: responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of an arts organisation
art historian: an authority on art history; you may work for a museum, library, art gallery or historical centre
art critic: specialise in analysing, interpreting and evaluating art