Graduate Certificate in Design
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 0.7 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Paddington
- Codes
- Program code 7306
- CRICOS code 082200B
-
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2025 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $5,000*
-
2025 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $5,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $23,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $24,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Art & Design campus
-
Career-focused
-
Further study pathways
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in DesignÌýconsists of four courses, two in the design core which introduce you to design processes and communication, and two from areas of design practice or other studio electives.
These electives include Spatial Experiences, Interaction Design and UX Experience, Visualisation and Visual Effects, Future Making, Graphic Communication, Planar Practices and Temporal and Spatial Practices.
Why study at UNSW?
- We're ranked #3 in Australia for Art and Design according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription includedÌýfrom the day you start for the duration of your studies
- Be supportedÌýby our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn throughÌýresearch-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success - UNSW won the Australian Financial Review's Most Employable Students Award in 2024.
- Benefit from strongÌýindustry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join aÌýglobal top 20 universityÌý(QS World University Rankings, 2024)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigiousÌýGroup of Eight (Go8)Ìýuniversities
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Design requires a Bachelors degree in any field.Applicants who apply with a bachelors degree completed more than 10 years ago can be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Design where they have 5 or more years professional experience in a design or media-related field since graduation.Applicants without a Bachelors degree may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director, on the basis of a Portfolio of work and professional experience.
English language requirements
Ìý
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Design requires a Bachelors degree in any field.Applicants who apply with a bachelors degree completed more than 10 years ago can be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Design where they have 5 or more years professional experience in a design or media-related field since graduation.Applicants without a Bachelors degree may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director, on the basis of a Portfolio of work and professional experience.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Full program structure
Potential careers
- UX and experiential design
- Graphics, media and digital design
- Events, theatre and production design
- Creative consultancies
- Social innovation and entrepreneurshipÌý
- Design management and strategy
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through ourÌýÌýportal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.Ìý.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýour  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencementÌýdate. ForÌýmore information visitÌýour .
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$5,500*
$5,500*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your feesÌý subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.Ìý
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visitÌý.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
