Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design) at University of South Australia

University of South Australia offers the Graduate Diploma of Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design) as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its City West campus in Adelaide, Australia. Taught in English and completed over 1 year, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for graduate diploma in design (communication design) and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on February 1, 2027.

About Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design)

Gain advanced design and research skills, as they relate to visual communications.
Benefit from our networks and relationships with the design industry – locally, nationally and internationally.
Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
Learn from teachers who are established designers.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Masters.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in communication design is ranked world-class¹.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World's Top Young Universities², we'll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it'll feel like you're studying one minute and in your career the next.

¹Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
²UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

To be an effective communication designer you need to be able to identify problems, and to examine and develop strategies and approaches to overcome them. This qualification addresses design issues that you may be faced with in the workplace such as socio-cultural change, economic constraints, and environmental impacts.

This graduate diploma comprises design research studio classes, advanced research skills, introduction to sustainable design, business practice and a choice of electives. You will develop an advanced understanding of communication design principles and graduate with the ability to develop and design effective communications for a range of audiences. You will also acquire the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design) at University of South Australia

Entry Requirements

At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

English Requirements

PTEMin 58
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design)

Creativity, patience, motivation, commitment - and of course excellent communication skills - are all qualities of a successful communication designer. This industry is expecting strong growth in employment prospects¹. Careers to consider:

animation and motion designer: use graphic software to create animated images
art director: responsible for the visual aspects of a publication, campaign or other published material; a chief liaison between the client and designers
graphic designer: create visual concepts to inspire, inform and captivate an audience
communications designer: specialised graphic designer that uses software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, web developers and multimedia companies
illustrator: produce still drawings for use in advertisements, magazines, on packaging, greeting cards and in newspapers
typographer: create the typeface that graphically reflects a client's brief
web designer: create and maintain websites, this may include the design, layout and coding

¹Australian Government, Job Outlook, 2020

Fee Information

How to Apply

Set off on a new course in life by applying to become an international student at the University of South Australia. Just follow these four steps.

The University of South Australia does not charge an application fee.

Find the best program for you

Start your search and discover the possibilities

Check entry requirements

Make sure you are aware of entry requirements for the University as well as individual program requirements.

English language requirements
Guidelines on genuine temporary entry
Guidelines on living costs and evidence of funds

Undergraduate – you must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 program or an equivalent program in your home country or a recognised Pathway or Foundation Studies Program. If you are an international student studying Year 12 in Australia you need to apply via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).

Postgraduate – At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

See if you need to apply through a registered UniSA Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through a registered UniSA education agent unless you are already onshore in Australia. View the full list of countries by citizenship here.

You will also find a full list of registered UniSA agents on our website (Find an agent).

Find an agent

Apply using our online International Application System

Once you have found the program you wish to study, from the program's home page click 'apply online' which will take you to our easy to use online International Application System. What can you expect from UniSA’s new International Application System:

A quick and easy to use online application form
Ability to track the progress of your application throughout the submission, assessment, offer and acceptance stages
Ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment through our secure online system

Accept your offer

Follow our step-by-step guide to accepting your offer, then get excited preparing for student life in Adelaide.

Important information

There is no closing date for submitting your application. Application outcomes will be advised within one to two weeks from the date we receive your application and all required supporting documentation. If you require a student visa, you will need to allow additional time to apply for a student visa.

Graduate Diploma in Design (Communication Design) at University of South Australia

University of South Australia

Australia, Adelaide