Graduate Diploma in Design

The Graduate Diploma in Design is a one-year program that features eight courses drawn from the Master of Design. It provides a strong foundation in design theory and practice but is a shorter qualification suited to those who wish to extend their professional qualifications without completing the full master's degree, or those looking to broaden or change direction in their design and media practice.

Students can choose from studio electives and practice areas including Spatial Experiences, Interaction Design and UX Experience, Visualisation and Visual Effects, Future Making, Graphic Communication, Planar Practices, and Temporal and Spatial Practices, alongside core courses covering design processes, design practice and history, and design communication and research.

For 2026, the indicative first-year full fee for international students is $48,500, with an indicative total fee to complete the degree of $49,500. For domestic students, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available, with a 2026 indicative CSP first-year fee of $10,000 and a total CSP fee to complete the degree of $10,000. Fees are subject to annual review and may vary.

Yes, UNSW is ranked #5 in Australia for art and design according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, and is also ranked in the top 20 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024–2026.

The program commences in Term 1, Term 2, or Term 3 of the academic year, offering multiple entry points throughout the year. It is delivered face-to-face (including blended learning) at UNSW's Paddington campus, which is the Art & Design campus.