Graduate Diploma of Design

This Graduate Diploma of Design at Collarts is a one-year postgraduate qualification for people who want to work in industrial design. It's for students who already have a degree in another field, or a design background they want to sharpen, and who want a focused year of studio work rather than a full master's. You'll spend your time on the things industrial designers actually do: sketching and concept development, CAD and digital modelling, materials and manufacturing processes, design research, and prototyping. There's a strong emphasis on making things and testing them, not just talking about them.

How the course is structured

As a graduate diploma, this sits at AQF level 8. That's one step above a bachelor degree and below a master's. It's normally one year of full-time study, split into trimesters at Collarts. You'll complete a set of units of study, each worth a fixed number of credit points, and you need to pass them all to graduate. The exact unit list and credit point values are set by Collarts, so check the official course page for the current structure. Because it's a graduate diploma, you won't do a full research thesis, but you will do a substantial final project where you take a design from brief to finished prototype.

What you'll actually learn

You'll learn to take a design brief and turn it into a product. That means research, ideation, drawing, 3D modelling, choosing materials, working out how something gets made, and presenting your work to a room of people. You'll also build a portfolio that shows employers what you can do. The course is hands-on, so expect to spend time in studios and workshops. Collarts is based in Melbourne, and the city has a decent design and manufacturing scene, so there are chances to connect with people working in the field.

Who it suits

This suits someone who wants to move into industrial design without committing to a two-year master's. Maybe you studied architecture, engineering, or visual art and want to specialise. Maybe you're already working and need a formal qualification to change direction. It's also a pathway if you want to go on to further study later. International students should note that this course is registered on CRICOS, so it's available to Student visa holders. While you study, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. English requirements are IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for this level, or an equivalent test. Always confirm the latest details, including tuition, on the official CRICOS register and the Collarts website.

• Industrial designer
• Product designer
• Furniture designer
• Design consultant
• CAD technician
• Design researcher
• Prototype developer
• Exhibition or set designer
• Design project coordinator

Graduates work in design studios, manufacturing companies, furniture and lighting businesses, consumer product brands, and consultancies. Some go into exhibition design for museums or events. Others join architecture or engineering firms that need someone who can handle product development. The skills also transfer to roles in design management or production planning. Melbourne and other Australian cities have a mix of small studios and larger manufacturers that hire industrial designers, and the qualification can help you get a visa to work in Australia after you finish.