Diploma of Design

As one of Australia’s fastest growing universities, we take a progressive approach to learning. Our courses are co-designed, developed and delivered with industry, giving you confidence that you’ll graduate job-ready.

During this course you will:

1. Develop creative confidence in a specialist field of your choice. 
2. Learn to create real design solutions to real problems.  
3. Learn to examine, question and evolve ideas in the same way professionals do in the industry. 
4. Learn how to communicate your design ideas to different audiences. 
5. Understand how design shapes the world around us.  
6. Understand the impacts of and advocate for ethical design practices.

Whether you’re new to the design field, or have some experience, the Diploma of Design provides an overview of a career in the industry. With a bank of electives, you’ll be able to deep dive into a variety of design specialisms. During your studies you'll build a solid foundation of the design principles that guide our industry, working alongside other creatives and supported by industry experts. Tailored specifically for direct entry, this diploma gives you full credit into a bachelor’s degree. This course is the perfect way to kickstart a design career.

Tailor your study to your lifestyle thanks to our innovative digital learning system, accessible from anywhere with 24/7 personalised support. With all your course materials online, and the option to study full or part time, on-campus, online or a blend of both it's all about flexibility.

Course duration: 1 year full time, 2 years part time, 6 months accelerated.

Recommended study pattern

The course structure compromises of 4 common core subjects and 4 elective subjects.

• Level 100: 4 common core subjects; 4 elective subjects (Level 100).

Award requirements

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $25,290

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

At Torrens University Australia you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle. Thanks to their innovative digital learning system you’ll gain the ultimate in flexibility, and still receive personalised guidance from academics and access to work placement, mentorship and internship opportunities. Online you can attend live classes or view recorded sessions, connect with lecturers and fellow students, and access content on-demand 24/7.

Learn more about Torrens.

Explore Torrens courses.

Torrens University Australia offers flexible entry options and study pathways, whether you’re finishing school, pursuing career progression or looking for a change.

Entry requirements for this course includes:

• An equivalent overseas higher education qualification or equivalent.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent.

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

Don’t meet the entry requirements? We have numerous pathway programs to get you started. Contact our Future Student Advisors to learn about alternative entry options.

Standard English language requirements apply.

Torrens University offers pathway opportunities to further your learning. If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against a degree with Torrens University, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. Under Torrens University's Recognition of Prior Learning policy, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition costs if you have previous study and/or work experience.

Our Future Student Advisors will happily walk you through the application process.