Graduate Certificate Graphic Design Full Time

Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking

at Edith Cowan University · Perth, Western Australia

CRICOS course code

117364M

CRICOS provider code

00279B

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

26 weeks

Tuition (whole course)

A$18,850 total

Per year

A$37,700/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking at Edith Cowan University is built for graduates from any discipline who want to better understand creative processes and problem-solving in a professional setting. Over the equivalent of one semester of full-time study, students complete a set of specialised units designed to develop practical design strategies and creative confidence. This qualification explores how design thinking can be applied in areas such as product development, user experience, business innovation, and communication projects.

Australian graduate certificates like this one typically involve four postgraduate-level units of study, with each unit carrying a set number of credit points. The focus is on hands-on learning and critical reflection, meaning students tackle industry-inspired briefs and case studies grounded in real-life practice. Through this structure, participants analyse challenges, generate innovative solutions, and learn to communicate ideas effectively to teams and stakeholders.

This course is well suited to professionals wanting to build creative problem-solving skills or those considering a career transition into design or related roles. Students gain practical knowledge relevant to graphic design, product and service design, and creative industries. The course encourages collaborative work, presentations, and portfolio development—preparing students to demonstrate their capacities in interviews or advance to further study.

Edith Cowan University's campus in Perth provides local context through industry engagement and project-based learning opportunities. International students can confirm the exact English language requirements and policies for the Student visa (subclass 500) and will have work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during studies. After graduation, those on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may be eligible for post-study work in Australia, subject to visa conditions.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Design thinking facilitator or consultant
User experience (UX) design assistant
Project officer in creative, government, or business organisations
Junior roles in graphic design and product/service development
Entry roles in innovation or strategy teams across the Australian private and public sectors, especially where creative input is valuable

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking at Edith Cowan University?

It typically takes 26 weeks, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$18,850 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Design thinking facilitator or consultantUser experience (UX) design assistantProject officer in creative, government, or business organisationsJunior roles in graphic design and product/service developmentEntry roles in innovation or strategy teams across the Australian private...

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