Graduate Diploma of Design (Design Anthropology)
Postgraduate course
Overview
Less than 20 years old, design anthropology represents the synthesis of academic anthropology with the professional practice of design. It seeks to understand how the processes and artefacts of design help define what it means to be human – how design translates human values into tangible experiences.
The program is offered online through Open Universities Australia or directly through Swinburne.
Students studying this course through Open University Australia study under course code DMDA31Z.
This program is not available to on-shore international students. International students are encouraged to aim for the master degree.
Information sessions
For further information on this course, please review the faculty web page at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/design/courses/design-anthropology-postgraduate-course.html
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Study mode | Online | ||
| Course code | DMDA31 | ||
| Fees | The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
Less than 20 years old, design anthropology represents the synthesis of academic anthropology with the professional practice of design. It seeks to understand how the processes and artefacts of design help define what it means to be human – how design translates human values into tangible experiences.
The program is offered online through Open Universities Australia or directly through Swinburne.
Students studying this course through Open University Australia study under course code DMDA31Z.
This program is not available to on-shore international students. International students are encouraged to aim for the master degree.
Course structure
100 credit points, normally undertaken full-time studying 50 credit points per semester.
A full-time weekly workload includes 12 hours of contact time and expects a minimum of another 24 hours study time.
The Graduate Diploma program consists of two online compulsory units (one unit of 12.5 credit points in Research Methods and one of 25 credit points in Design Studio) of core study; followed by three online discipline units (three times 12.5 credit points) of Design Anthropology. Students also select a specialisation of two online units (two times 12.5 credit points) to complete their Graduate Diploma.
The online Graduate Diploma allows domestic and offshore international students to take advantage of the online offerings and flexible study at their own pace. Graduate Diploma students, full-time or part-time, study completely online. International students are encouraged to aim for the master degree.
Units of study
Graduate Diploma of Design (Design Anthropology)
All units are undertaken online and are 12.5 credit points unless otherwise noted.
All units are undertaken online and are 12.5 credit points unless otherwise noted.
Semester 1
HDG530 Research Methods for Design
HDG531 Fundamental Design Studio HDA650 Introduction to Design Anthropology
HDG530 Research Methods for Design
HDG531 Fundamental Design Studio HDA650 Introduction to Design Anthropology
Semester 2
HDA651 History and Theory in Design Anthropology
HDA653 Designing for Cultural Groups: Kin, Tribes and Communities
Plus two units from a selected secialisation:
Note: Units within these Specialisations are offered subject to student enrolment numbers.
HDA651 History and Theory in Design Anthropology
HDA653 Designing for Cultural Groups: Kin, Tribes and Communities
Plus two units from a selected secialisation:
Note: Units within these Specialisations are offered subject to student enrolment numbers.
Indigenous Knowledge
HDIK670 Indigenous Knowledge in Global Contexts
HDIK671 Indigenous Approaches of Designing for Cultural Wellness
or
HDIK670 Indigenous Knowledge in Global Contexts
HDIK671 Indigenous Approaches of Designing for Cultural Wellness
or
Cross Cultural Communication Design - these units will be offered online subject to student enrolment numbers.
HDCC670 Introduction to Cross Cultural Brand Identity Strategy
HDCC671 Design Strategy for a Global Context
or
Sustainable Design - these units will be offered online subject to student enrolment numbers.
HDSD670 Principles and Theories of Sustainable Design
HDSD672 Building Sustainable Design Practices
HDCC670 Introduction to Cross Cultural Brand Identity Strategy
HDCC671 Design Strategy for a Global Context
or
Sustainable Design - these units will be offered online subject to student enrolment numbers.
HDSD670 Principles and Theories of Sustainable Design
HDSD672 Building Sustainable Design Practices
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
The purpose of the Graduate Diploma of Design (Design Anthropology) program is threefold:
(1) to provide design and social science undergraduate students direct pathways into the highly professionalised design anthropology field at the master level, which is the minimal degree requirement for placement in the field;
(2) to offer current untrained or under-trained ‘design anthropologist’ and ‘anthrodesigner’ professionals (e.g. user experience designers and researchers, branding and consumer insights specialists, social and product innovation consultants) a degree that systematically credentials the design and anthropological theory and skills necessary for recognition and advancement in those professions;
(3) to lay the intellectual and practical foundation for research pathways into the Swinburne Faculty of Design’s PhD program as related to the activities of the Cultures-Based Innovation research group.
Career opportunities
Employment may be found in areas such as marketing, user experience designers and researchers, branding and consumer insight specialists, social and product innovation consultants.
Further research in this field may also be undertaken.
Professional recognition
Graduates of university degree courses would have sufficient points to be eligible for associate membership in the Design Institute of Australia on graduation.Graduate attributes
Graduates of the program will demonstrate a balance of vocationally oriented attributes, including:
- strong industry connections and awareness of the pace of development in the design industry, ensuring their professional capability and preparation;
- experience of ‘just-in-time’ strategies and interaction with actual clients, ensuring graduates are adaptable and are tested in their ability to manage the process and timeframes of industry practice;
- the capacity for high levels of innovation in the development of creative projects;
- ‘state of the art’ skills for design development, production, presentation and management, as well the capacity to integrate design into diverse organisational cultures;
- an awareness of the changing nature of design consultancies and services and the capacity to embrace and manage change;
- the scope to become future leaders in design industries and businesses internationally, or in directing design activity in government or other social and cultural organisations.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Successful completion of a bachelor degree program with the equivalent of an Australian system 60% grade average (or better) from a university recognised for social science or design education is required. Candidates with other tertiary qualifications and relevant industry experience will also be considered. An entrance essay and design/design strategy portfolio is required for all applicants to the program. A design strategy portfolio consists of a series of 1-2 page project case studies that demonstrate the applicant’s holistic approach to formulating and solving social challenges through anthropological and design thinking.The normal requirement for admission to the Master of Design (Design Anthropology) program and the Graduate Diploma of Design (Design Anthropology) program is a bachelor degree with the equivalent of an Australian system 60% grade average (or better) in a design, social science (especially anthropology), humanities, information science or human-computer interaction discipline.
The Master of Design (Design Anthropology) and the Graduate Diploma of Design (Design Anthroplogy) also provide an entry point for applicants who do not hold a degree but have at least eight years relevant industry experience demonstrating potential to undertake work at this level.
Apply
How to apply
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/
Application forms for students studying through Open University Australia can be downloaded from the OUA website.
Course fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.
Find out more
Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
Website: www.swinburne.edu.au/design