Design

Diploma of Design

CRICOS 094008C

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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.

While building valuable design experience and technical know-how, you will also collaborate in dynamic learning environments and design studios, exploring such topics as client needs, problem solving and the nature of trends. The Diploma of Design has been developed to provide a broad sample of different design specialities for people with or without a background in design. Our extensive selection of elective courses give you an introduction to topic areas such as Branded Fashion Design, Communication Design, Digital Media Design, Interior Design, and Game Design and Development. This design diploma provides full credit as a pathway into the more advanced courses, so you can specialise and choose your direction after sampling everything the Diploma of Design has to offer.

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.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

On campus, Online, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

1 year full -time, 2 years part time, 6 months accelerated

Start date

05 Jun 2023

18 Sep 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View fees

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.

See the work of Billy Blue College of Design's amazing graduates.

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

Interactive Designer
Average salary: $75,000 - $96,000
Graphic Designer
Average salary: $69,000 - $107,000
Interior Stylist
Average salary: $39,000 - $85,000

Learn more about careers in Design

Showcase

Karen Ho

Karen's design roots lie in her childhood hobby of downloading new fonts. Today she's a communications professional with a passion for graphic design and solving complex design problems.

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.

Core
Electives

Requirements

Complete four core subjects. Additionally, you’re required to select four electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

Design Context | DCX101

Design Context is a foundational subject that introduces students to the designed world and their place within it. Students are encouraged to explore the interconnected nature of design and its capacity to inspire change, drive progress and navigate complex challenges. Through observation, research and iterative approach students will develop a series of creative responses that demonstrate an awareness of the value of design and its ability to create meaningful interactions for people, communities and their environments.
Design Studio 1 | DSO102

This subject explores the relationship between materials and storytelling. It introduces students to the attributes of materiality and encourages them to re-imagine the possibilities of creating through making. Students will explore the art of paper folding, developing skills and taking creative risks. These results will be captured digitally and altered using the appropriate software. Individual tasks allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties, and the sustainable manufacturing processes related to them. Students will progress towards determining suitable materials in which to construct their final model with its form and function contextualised and supported by a documented process journal. Their final submission will be a model that reminds us that stories which fill our lives are not only spoken and written but sometimes are best told through craft.
Design Studio 2 | DSO103

Design Studio 2 offers an introduction to the building blocks of creating and developing brands and is designed to give students a broad understanding of the stages and methodologies adopted in the brand development process. The subject draws on the theory and practice that sits behind brand creation. It covers the broad spectrum of brand development, values, trends and branding techniques, as well as fundamentals such as brand positioning and brand architecture. The subject also explores the relationship between branding and audiences, cross-cultural influences and shifts in consumer behaviour. Students must first understand and apply the fundamentals of branding and then go on to use that knowledge as the basis for developing and progressing a brand. This theoretical and practical subject will equip students with the knowledge and insight with which to build their own branding expertise.
Work Integrated Learning | WIL101

Students will be offered the opportunity to work within a professional design studio experience for an extended period of time. It encourages students to build long-term relationships with the design industry and exposes them to the rigour of applied design practice while building their confidence in adapting to new environments. It also provides a context in which to enhance their communication skills and work collaboratively in a professional arena. Students will be matched to an appropriate mentor at the placement site and monitored by an academic in the discipline of study.

Requirements

Choose four electives.

Elective subjects

Digital Design Foundations | DGDDD100

This subject introduces a core set of industry-standard specialist design software tools. The emphasis of this subject is on building a comprehensive familiarity with these tools and features so that their application becomes second nature and can be treated as part of the overall creative tool kit.

Students will work through a range of small exercises to cement their learning and to build their working knowledge by experimenting with the different tools and techniques. Students will then combine these tools and techniques to explore print and screen-based projects and in doing so, become aware of how to create flexible visual outcomes not wedded to single-use mediums
Visual Language of Design | DGDVL100

In this subject students will study the history and evolution of art and design acknowledging the major influences and commentators of the industry.

The introduction of essential fundamental design principles and elements build to a comprehensive understanding, enabling students to start seeing and thinking like a designer.

Students will be challenged to develop visual solutions to design problems and acquire the knowledge, skills and perspective necessary to identify and articulate techniques and concepts exhibited in design work.

This is followed by an in-depth look at the design process from receiving the brief up to the client presentation and reflection on success of project.
Typography | DGDTY100

This subject explores the history and origins of typographic communication, from Cuneiform through to contemporary digital type. It introduces the fundamental principles and terminology relating to typography, including letterform structure, classifications of faces and styles, typesetting.

Students will work with specialist software to create and manipulate type, and will start to formulate their own set of strategies for effective use of typography as an element of graphic design.
Finished Art (pre-requisite DGDDD100 Digital Design Foundations) | DGDFA100

This subject develops effective print and digital finished art techniques, including pre-production, output and file management. Students will develop an awareness of paper stocks and finishes, digital delivery formats and an understanding of the specific requirements for working with different materials and processes.

They will be required to conceptually develop and design a professional piece, taking into account how it will be produced, select the best production process and utilise specific materials and techniques. This subject also looks at establishing best-practice protocols and conventions when creating artwork files with multiple end-users.
Design Drawing | DDW100

In this subject, a range of both analogue and digital techniques to carry out a basic measure up, produce 2D technical drawings and generate 3D models are taught. The student explores the way technical manual drafting can be applied to interior decoration and design contexts. The student demonstrates learning of how to identify and produce floor plans, sections, elevations and to extract views from digital 3D models as is relevant to interior spaces.
Interior Design Practice | BID104A

This subject examines perspectives on models of practice relevant to Interior Design. It examines design practice in response to changing needs and requirements of clients and design briefs. It also explores the strategies used for expressing ideas, and the design skills required to communicate them. The purpose of the subject is for students to gain knowledge in foundation level design practice relevant to Interior Design. The design process workflow from original idea to review of work in progress, revision, presentation and reflection is explored.
Construction and CAD | DCC100

This subject introduces the student to industry standard CAD software and its application. The student will learn how to set up and draw a CAD documentation package, add annotations to drawings, and plot/print drawings. In this subject, knowledge of basic building and structural components is developed. The student learns how to interpret technical drawings and other documentation for interior projects. The student is introduced to legislative regulations, codes and standards and their application.
Joinery and Finishes | DJF100

In this subject, the student learns how to identify different types of joinery and associated finishes. The student will design and document a basic joinery package for a residential kitchen brief. Student will develop an understanding of joinery construction terminology and its application. Student will further develop knowledge of joinery finishes, fittings, and equipment.
History of Interior Design and Decoration | DHI100

Applying historical knowledge to current contemporary interior design practice is an invaluable methodology employed in informing design choices. This subject enables the student to explore historical styles of architecture, interior design and decoration.
Systems and Documentation 2 (Residential) | IDR207A

Systems and Documentation 2 (Residential) continues to develop the student’s understanding of the different construction systems applicable to residential design applicable to small to mid-scale projects. It also investigates how design solutions are communicated to stakeholders (contract managers, consultants and contractors) - namely through documentation, specifications and contract management. Students will develop a complete set of documentation drawings for their nominated residential design proposal. The tutorials and assessments will all be carried out using computer aided documentation.
Fashion Illustration | FA101A

Fashion Illustration introduces students to the skill of visual representation and communication through the art of drawing. It acknowledges drawing as a fundamental skill of the designer, and its importance in communicating design ideas. Students will cultivate an understanding of balance, proportion, and shape through observational drawing skills. Through visual rendering techniques of various surfaces, fabrics and structures, students gain insight into the manner in which different materials and fabrics drape, shape and change on the human body. This subject underpins the development of fundamental principles of fashion design as well as the capacity of the student to visually communicate their designs.
Introduction to Branded Fashion Technical Drawing | FA104A

Introduction to Branded Fashion Technical Drawing provides a solid foundation for students to develop accurate and proportional hand drawing and computer drawing skills which will be used throughout their course and career. Students initially develop hand drawings to identify, depict and communicate the technical and construction elements required for garment construction. Using progressive feedback and building upon these hand drawing skills, students are introduced to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and communication methods specific for branded fashion. Students produce a series of digital folios that develop their understanding of garment construction through both hand and digital drawing techniques.
Fashion vs Clothing | FA106A

In this subject, students are introduced to various social, political and design influences that have defined historical fashion periods. Examination of several case studies of fashion occurrences will inform students of the issues, attitudes and foundations that may lead up to the formation of a fashion, the role of the designer in that process and its effect on general dress behaviour as a result. Students will analyse and apply knowledge of the history of fashion to reflect on the fashion design process and the development of their own design handwriting whilst extending technical drawing and illustration skills. Students continue to develop their technical proficiency and ability to accurately communicate their design outcomes as they are introduced to specialist software applications and techniques.
Introduction to Shape and Form (Co-requisite FA108A) | FA107A

Through the exploration of a variety of cutting, sewing and finishing techniques, students are introduced to the importance of shape, form, line, and volume in garment construction. Industry terminology is defined through the execution of a variety of sewing samples and methods. Students familiarise themselves with the various components that make up a garment and the interrelationships between those components. Applying this knowledge, students execute and assemble a self-designed garment and will make decisions about the most appropriate construction techniques for that garment. Throughout their time in the sewing workroom, students will apply Work Health and Safety (WHS) practices in their workroom practice. Students participate in a Sewing Skills program – a series of additional sewing workshops that run concurrently with their formal study. These two-hour workshops provide students with an opportunity to further develop their garment construction skills.
Fashion Studio Practice (Pre-requisite FA107A) | FA108A

In Introduction to Shape and Form, students develop foundational design studio practice skills and knowledge. Through idea generation, fabric manipulation and draping, student’s progress their ideas and translate these into a commercial garment design. Students gain a deeper understanding of design elements and principles as key design concepts by conceptualising and producing 2D and 3D design outcomes. These design outcomes inform the student’s final garment production in Fashion Studio Practice.
Motion Design | DIG104

This subject focuses on the foundational skills required for video production in a commercial context. The workflow of developing video media for screen is introduced, along with each stage of the video production process. Students are tasked with developing a variety of creative responses to commercial briefs within different genres. The subject explores the necessary skills in camera-based production, the fundamentals of lighting, sound design and video editing. Students are also introduced to fundamental title sequences in the post-production phase.
Psychology of Moving Image | PMI100

This subject explores a variety of theoretical and philosophical approaches to how the moving image changes the perception and psychology of the consumer. This subject is audience oriented and focuses on the reception and interpretations of communication, which then influence which visual and aural strategies are employed. Students explore fundamental psychological concepts about dynamic and moving imagery translation of meaning. Students employ these new understandings to tell stories and produce works that trigger specific emotional reactions and feelings with audiences
Interaction Design | DIG103A

This subject explores the groundwork theory and practice of user experience (UX), user interface (UI) and interaction design for digital media. The subject covers the core research phases of UX before enabling students to create UI and web-based solutions to identified problems. Students will focus on interpreting and structuring information architecture and focus on the visual aspects of UI design – how visual design affects end-user experience.
JavaScript Fundamentals | JSF100

This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of JavaScript and the application of this knowledge in jQuery. The subject explores principles of JavaScript to broaden understanding of programming languages. Students then apply these fundamentals to navigate and manipulate the document object model (DOM) of a webpage. Students subsequently design and develop their own interactive components and interfaces, expanding beyond the capabilities that web design languages such as HTML and CSS afford on their own. This subject culminates in exploring design and code interactive web animations using jQuery, and additional JavaScript libraries, increasing ability and skillsets for modern web design and development.
Animation Principles | ANP100

This subject explores the fundamental principles and a variety of techniques to produce animations within 3D software. This subject introduces the fundamental concepts and ideas relating to keyframe based animations such as speed, ease and velocity. Students are also introduced to alternative methods of animation including expressions and custom scripting, procedural and dynamics based animations. These skills are designed to expand student awareness of applying animation to a wide range of potential outcomes such as game design, broadcast motion design, social media, branded identity or advertising.
Beyond the Creative Industries | BCI100

This subject introduces a wide array of emerging trends and interdisciplinary career opportunities that sit outside traditional creative industries. This subject explores the intersection of technology and design across a range of industries looking beyond the field of entertainment. Students broaden their understanding of potential career opportunities by challenging existing stereotypes where specialist technical skills are utilised. Students are encouraged to investigate case studies, identify emergent trends and examine strategies to develop, navigate and cultivate collaborations with professionals from other specialisations.
Digital Portfolio and Showreel | DPO100

This subject focuses on developing a digital portfolio or showreel to enhance employability outcomes for students specialising in fields such as UX and Web Design, 3D Design and Animation, and Film and Video. This subject identifies the requirements and approaches to both freelance and studio employment in conjunction with investigating trends and emerging technologies to inform entrepreneurial attributes. This subject culminates with students developing their personal brand, identifying an emerging gap in the market and packaging their work into a portfolio or showreel as the central piece used to engage with future work opportunities.
2D Asset Creation | ACR101

2D Visual Asset Generation utilises traditional art foundation theories and contextualises these practices for the digital domain. Students will create artefacts in digital formats for a variety of uses including concept art, pixel art, in-game assets, colour keys, user interface flow diagrams and more. Practical applications of art specifically for games will also be covered such as the basics of 2D digital animation. Students will receive critique from lecturers and learn to evaluate their own artwork with a critical eye.
3D Asset Creation | ACR103

3D Asset Creation expands on the knowledge gained in the 2D Asset Creation (ACR101) and allows the students to utilise industry standard 3D modelling tools and techniques to communicate complex ideas and emotions. Students will critique artefacts which utilise the concepts or form, function, and silhouette learned through the underpinning knowledge gained in the previous components.
Game Design Principles | GDP102

Game Design Principles introduces students to game design foundations, techniques and paradigms through a series of lecture-led and student-led activities. Students will explore game design principles through the analysis of existing game artefacts, applying those findings to the development of their own games. Students are introduced to a variety of analysis, development and presentation techniques encouraging discussion, creation and dissemination of their design choices through prototyping and documentation.

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

The big difference at Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia is that you’ll start working in the design industry from day one – gaining valuable experience, learning from industry professionals and making industry connections.

Gain professional experience

Gain work experience as you complete an industry brief, putting your learnings into practice with guidance and mentoring from practicing professionals.

Entry details

Domestic
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.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

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

An equivalent overseas higher education qualification or equivalent

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

View full course admission information

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.

Learn more about study pathways

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.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent and

Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

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Diploma of Design