What is a Diploma of Design?
A Diploma of Design lets you a sample a range of specialist areas within design, such as graphic design, digital design, video production, interior design and fashion. It builds a foundation in the design industry, typically over one year of full-time study, with guidance from industry professionals and collaboration with other students. A Diploma of Design provides accreditation for either further study or a career in the design field.Learning outcomes
- Build a foundation of general knowledge that will serve you across all disciplines.
- Work with an array of media and tools in a range of styles.
- Experiment to discover your own personal design aesthetic.
- Discover the specific areas of design you wish to pursue further in your study.
Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence
You'll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you're studying Design with us.
Vogue Australia partnership
We’ve partnered with industry leaders including Vogue Australia, to offer you internship, mentoring and scholarship opportunities.
This is an AQF Level 5 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd T/A Billy Blue College of Design.
*For more details on international student study options.

Career opportunities
This foundational introduction to the profession allows you to choose a direction for further study and for your future career in design across a variety of industries.
Potential career paths
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Interactive Designer
Average salary: $75,000 - $96,000 -
Graphic Designer
Average salary: $69,000 - $107,000 -
Interior Stylist
Average salary: $39,000 - $85,000

Subjects and units
This course comprises of four core subjects and four elective subjects.
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising three hours of facilitated study and seven hours self-directed study.
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Core
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Electives
Requirements
Core subjects
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Design Context | DCX101
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Design Studio 1 | DSO102
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Design Studio 2 | DSO103
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Work Integrated Learning | WIL101
Requirements
Elective subjects
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Digital Design Foundations | DGDDD100
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Visual Language of Design | DGDVL100
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Typography | DGDTY100
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Finished Art (pre-requisite DGDDD100 Digital Design Foundations) | DGDFA100
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Design Drawing | DDW100
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Interior Design Practice | BID104A
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Construction and CAD | DCC100
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Joinery and Finishes | DJF100
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History of Interior Design and Decoration | DHI100
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Systems and Documentation 2 (Residential) | IDR207A
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Fashion Illustration | FA101A
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Introduction to Branded Fashion Technical Drawing | FA104A
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Fashion vs Clothing | FA106A
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Introduction to Shape and Form (Co-requisite FA108A) | FA107A
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Fashion Studio Practice (Pre-requisite FA107A) | FA108A
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Motion Design | DIG104
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Psychology of Moving Image | PMI100
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Interaction Design | DIG103A
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JavaScript Fundamentals | JSF100
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Animation Principles | ANP100
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Beyond the Creative Industries | BCI100
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Digital Portfolio and Showreel | DPO100
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2D Asset Creation | ACR101
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3D Asset Creation | ACR103
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Game Design Principles | GDP102
Technology
Learn with industry standard technologies



International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements until 30 June 2023 only. For more information, visit Study in Australia.
International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.
Industry partners and work placements
Gain work experience as you complete an industry brief, putting your learnings into practice with guidance and mentoring from practicing professionals.



Entry details
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Domestic
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International
Fees
Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.
FEE-HELP
Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.
Scholarships
If you are truly passionate about Design and Creative Technology, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of Design and Creative Technology scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the Design and Creative Technology industry:Admission criteria
Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.
Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent
OR
An equivalent overseas higher education qualification or equivalent
OR
Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.Fees
Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.
Fee payment
Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.
Scholarships
We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.Admission criteria
Before you begin your course application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements below.
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.How to apply

Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.

Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
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What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
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How do I apply for a scholarship?
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Want to find out more?
Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.