Design

Graduate Certificate of Design

CRICOS 114513E
Delivered by
Billy Blue College of Design
Graduate Certificate of Design

What is a Graduate Certificate of Design?

A Graduate Certificate of Design equips you with advanced design and problem-solving skills to enhance professional practice. You’ll explore new technologies, learn new design methodologies and develop modern practices to solve business or societal problems through design thinking and critical analysis.

This course aims to provide an understanding of critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems with innovative solutions through design.

Alongside the three core subjects –Professional Identity, Design Methods and Design Communication – you’ll also complete one elective from our postgraduate UX Design program or Project Management programs, ensuring you graduate as a design expert with an extensive understanding of operating in global creative businesses.

If you don’t have an undergraduate degree in design, this course offers a platform to start exploring new opportunities in the field. Or to level up your current career by learning how to transform your business model or solve complex societal challenges.

More

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse current practices and trends in design practice as they relate to social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts.
  • Research information and theoretical concepts to inform the development of design outcomes and solutions through analysis and synthesis.
  • Communicate concepts and processes to justify design outcomes or solutions.
  • Demonstrate informed judgement and effective management to facilitate collaboration across global teams and communities.
  • Practice critical and creative thinking to define and solve problems through design projects.
Adobe Affiliation logo

Adobe affiliation benefits

You'll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you're studying Design with us.

DIA recognised course

DIA-recognised courses

Certain courses are recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, so you know your education is of the highest industry standard.

Study mode
Online, On campus, Blended
Campus locations*
Sydney, Online
Student
Domestic
International
Course duration
6 months full time, 1 year part time
Start date
3 June 2024
16 Sep 2024
Fees & scholarships

This is an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd T/A Billy Blue College of Design.

*For more details on international student study options.

Workshops Lecture | Billy Blue Design College
Explore emerging design practices
Gain fresh perspectives from creative experts who are at the forefront of design innovation.

Accelerated Study Icon | Billy Blue Design College
Graduate in six months
Complete three specialist design subjects with one elective option enabling you to align your studies to your career or business aspirations.

Choices Icon | Billy Blue Design College
Ultimate flexibility
With the option to study full or part time and all your learning materials online, you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle.
Learn about our Graduate Certificate of Design.
Career Opportunities | Graduate Certificate of Design | Torrens University

Career opportunities

Upon graduating, you’ll be well equipped for a successful career as an inter-disciplinary designer. Embark on your adventure and apply the theoretical and practical skills you’ve learnt, flexing your advanced skills in digital software and design methodologies to solve complex business problems through design. You will be ready to pursue a career in one of the below roles or pursue further study with the Master of Design.

Potential career paths

  • Art Director
    Average salary: $96,457 - $150,000
  • Design Strategist
    Average salary: $125,000 - $138,654
  • Design Researcher
    Average salary: $96,134 - $127,398
  • User Experience Designer
    Average salary: $109,572 - $141,735
  • Service Designer
    Average salary: $112,035 - $158,450
  • Product Manager
    Average salary: $115,000 - $170,000
Daniel Coman - Master of Design student testimonial
Even in the early stages of my masters course I could see my approach to design changing. It elevated my design thinking and I started to base my decisions on research rather than opinion or trend.
Dan Coman
Master of Design

Subjects and units

This course comprises three core subjects and one elective subject.

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 the three core subjects listed. Additionally, you’re required to select one elective from the electives tab.

Core subjects

  • Professional Identity | DSG401
  • Design Methods | DSG402
  • Design Communication | DSG403

Requirements

Choose one elective from the elective bank.

Elective subjects

  • User Research | DSG407
  • User Experience Design | DID602A
  • Multi-Platform Experience Design | DID603A
  • Management, People and Teams | MGT600
  • Principles of Project Management | PROJ6000
  • Financial Management | FIN600
  • Principles of Programming | MIS501
  • Marketing | MKT600
  • Business Environment | MGT501 
  • Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship | MGT607
  • Management Perspectives | MGMT6012
  • Dynamic Leadership | MGMT6000
  • Organisational Best Practice | MGMT6014
  • Contracts and Procurement | PROJ6004
  • Project Planning and Budgeting | PROJ6002

Study pathways

Torrens University offers undergraduate and postgraduate students with flexible entry options and study pathways. Whether you prefer a full program or a modular approach, we can tailor your studies to your needs. Start your journey with an undergraduate diploma or bachelor degree, or grow your career with a postgraduate qualification.

Need more help?

Let us customise a study plan and pathway for you.

Undergraduate

  • Diploma of Design

    CRICOS 094008C

    8 core subjects
    Online | On campus | Blended
    1 year full -time, 2 years part time, 6 months accelerated

    Start with a Diploma to explore a new career area, or gain guaranteed entry into our Bachelor program.

    View course
  • Bachelor of Communication Design

    CRICOS 090295A

    24 core subjects
    Online | On campus | Blended
    3 years full time, 6 years part time, 2 years accelerated

    Experience industry placements, internships or industry-linked projects with our Bachelor degree.

    View course

Postgraduate

  • Graduate Certificate of Design
    4 core subjects
    Online | On campus | Blended
    6 months full time, 1 year part time

    Complete just four subjects to expand your knowledge in a specific area, or take the first step towards your Masters.

  • Master of Design
    9 core subjects
    Online | On campus | Blended
    Master of Design (Cognate) 1.5 years, Master of Design (Non-Cognate) 2 years full time, part time options available

    Become a specialist in your field, or take the first step towards your Doctorate degree.

    View course

Industry partners and Work‑Integrated Learning

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.
Vogue
DDB | Torrens University
Revlon
OzHarvest | Torrens University
Red Havas logo

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 all of the requirements listed below.

Completion of a Bachelor degree or equivalent

OR

Completion of any recognised Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 5 years of work experience demonstrated by a resume.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. 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.

Completion of a Bachelor degree or equivalent

OR

Completion of any recognised Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 5 years of work experience demonstrated by a resume.

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) 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

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

  • What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
  • What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
  • Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
  • Can I get course credit for previous experience?
  • What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
  • How do I apply for a scholarship?

Similar courses

Torrens University | Contact Us | Billy Blue College of Design

Want to find out more?

Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.

X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Confirm