Overview
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
The Graduate Diploma in Design equips you with an understanding of the role of design in today’s business landscape and the ability to apply design thinking in practice. You’ll learn how to use design as a framework for solving complex problems and have an opportunity to apply design methods in practical projects that are based on real-world scenarios. Through a combination of core units, advanced core units and electives you will acquire broad skills in communication, information literacy, inventiveness and critical thinking.
You can choose to focus on Design Innovation or on Strategic Design in your Major Project. Depending on your focus , you will learn about the principles of design-led innovation, developing strategies for innovation and devising practices that lead to a strategic advantage in the market.
Subject areas
Shared pool
Your entry requirements
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Your fee
How to apply
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
What you'll study
This program includes foundational core units, advanced core units and electives you can take with different faculties.
Download an indicative course progression table for the Graduate Diploma in Design.
Completion requirement
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Design, a candidate must complete 48 credit points including:
- 18 credit points of core foundational unit of study
- 18 credit points of core advanced units of study
- 12 credit point of elective units of study
Assumed knowledge
No previous experience or knowledge in design is required.
Admission requirement
Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Design requires a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
Credit for previous study
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Diploma in Design will be prepared to perform roles in organisations that incorporate design skills, design innovation and strategic design into their ways of doing business. These roles include strategic designer, design manager, product manager, customer experience designer and innovation strategist.
The world is changing, and university education needs to change too
Domestic students
International students
