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Graduate Diploma of Design (Interior Design)

This course has been discontinued - the information is provided for continuing students.

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Overview

The last intake for this course will be Semester 2 (August) 2011.  From 2012 this course will be replaced by Graduate Diploma of Design (Interior Design).
The new course (DMINT61) includes a more flexible structure and options to study in specialised areas of design. To register your interest in receiving news about the new course please go to: http://www.swinpg.prospectivestudent.info//
This is a nested suite of programs with a comprehensive approach to interior design including the Graduate Diploma of Design (Interior Design) and Master of Design (Interior Design). The program deals with the design of exhibitions (such as trade shows, events and museum displays), public environments (for example, theatres, cinemas, government agencies and institutions), commercial spaces (including restaurants, offices, hotels, shopping areas and airports) and domestic environments. Design projects typically cover the construction of 3D space, surface treatments, materials, lighting, sounds, fittings and furniture design.
Please note that while most units are offered as evening classes, some units are available only as afternoon classes.
Duration1 semester full-time or 1 year part-time
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Prahran -Semester 1, Semester 2
Study modeFull-time
Part-time (day & evening)
Course codeDMINTD31
Fees
The indicative course tuition fee is $8400 for 2011, based on 0.5 year full time load (or 0.5 EFTSL). The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income-contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP is available to eligible fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $85,062 from 1 January 2010). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.
Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.
For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
For information about Swinburne's fees visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/fees

Career opportunities

Graduates may find work in the areas of interior and exhibition design, hotel/retail design, theatre design, museum design, computer-aided design and design management.

Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The last intake for this course will be Semester 2 (August) 2011.  From 2012 this course will be replaced by Graduate Diploma of Design (Interior Design).
The new course (DMINT61) includes a more flexible structure and options to study in specialised areas of design. To register your interest in receiving news about the new course please go to: http://www.swinpg.prospectivestudent.info//
This is a nested suite of programs with a comprehensive approach to interior design including the Graduate Diploma of Design (Interior Design) and Master of Design (Interior Design). The program deals with the design of exhibitions (such as trade shows, events and museum displays), public environments (for example, theatres, cinemas, government agencies and institutions), commercial spaces (including restaurants, offices, hotels, shopping areas and airports) and domestic environments. Design projects typically cover the construction of 3D space, surface treatments, materials, lighting, sounds, fittings and furniture design.
Please note that while most units are offered as evening classes, some units are available only as afternoon classes.

Course structure

The Graduate Diploma of Design (Interior Design) is a six month full-time (or equivalent part-time*) 50 credit point program.
 
The Graduate Diploma is a coursework program with emphasis on structured skills acquisition, design investigation and applied design projects. It offers advanced knowledge and experience in design practice, design management, creative strategies and relevant technical knowledge. Participants may join the program in either Semester 1 (February intake) or Semester 2 (August  intake).
Students are normally required to achieve a credit average at graduate diploma level to progress to the master program. They are required to complete a further 100 credit points to be eligible for the master award.
* Please note that international students are required to study full-time.

Units of study

The graduate diploma is a 50 credit point program consisting of 25 credit points from core units of study and 25 credit points from elective units of study.  All units of study are 12.5 credit points unless otherwise indicated. Students are normally required to achieve a credit average at graduate diploma level to progress to the master program.

Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives, career opportunities, professional recognition and graduate attributes.

Aims and objectives

Swinburne’s interior design programs produce graduates with the conceptual processes, creative tools, management strategies and research skills for innovation in the areas of public environments (such as government agencies and institutions, theatres, cinemas, sporting venues and visitor centres) commercial spaces (such as restaurants, offices, hotels, shops and airports), domestic interiors and exhibition design (such as trade shows, events and museum displays).
Issues of demographic and technological change, new materials and manufacturing techniques, social and environmental sustainability, commercial factors, consumer knowledge, design ethics and entrepreneurial activity are explored with a view to creating interior environments for the future.
Design projects cover the construction of 3D space, surface treatments, materials, lighting, acoustics, fittings and furniture design. These programs have an emphasis on structured skills acquisition, design investigation and applied design projects.

Career opportunities

Graduates may find work in the areas of interior and exhibition design, hotel/retail design, theatre design, museum design, computer-aided design and design management.

Professional recognition

Upon completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become a member of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Society of Interior Designers of Australia but should confirm eligibility with the association.

Graduate attributes

Graduates of the program will demonstrate a balance of vocationally orientated 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

Course experience

On this page: Swinburne Abroad.

Swinburne Abroad

Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies while on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Education Abroad website.

On this page: entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Academic requirements:
  • A degree in design or a design-related area from a recognised tertiary institution PLUS portfolio submission, or
  • A diploma in design or a design-related area from a recognised tertiary institution PLUS at least two years professional design experience PLUS portfolio submission, or
  • Substantial professional design experience (normally five years or more) PLUS portfolio submission.

Special entry requirements:

All applicants must submit a portfolio of design work which demonstrates their level of ability and/or achievement in their chosen postgraduate discipline specialisation. In addition to other purposes (see portfolio guidelines) it is important that the applicant's portfolio clearly shows their working knowledge of the types of software programs used in the chosen postgraduate discipline. An interview may also be required for entry into Design Centre.

Download portfolio guidelines here

Technical prerequisites include a working knowledge of the 2D graphic applications Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Indesign or the multimedia software PowerPoint, Flash, and Director (or similar) as relevant to the core specialisation.

Credit transfer

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways// 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm

Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees and find out more.

How to apply

Please refer to entry requirements before applying. 
 
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/

 

Course fees

The indicative course tuition fee is $8400 for 2011, based on 0.5 year full time load (or 0.5 EFTSL). The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income-contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP is available to eligible fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $85,062 from 1 January 2010). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.
Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.
For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
For information about Swinburne's fees visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/fees

Find out more

Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)