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  • Study Design at Curtin
    GC-DESIGN

    Design

    Graduate certificate

    An introduction to the fundamentals of design-led innovation

    Course outline
    • Qualification
      Graduate Certificate in Design
    • Duration

      Duration

      6 months full-time, part-time
    • Credit

      Credit

      100
    • CRICOS

      CRICOS

      103009A
    • Location

      Location

      Curtin Perth
    Course outline

    Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

    Select your preferred campus:

    Intake Application open Application close

    Semester 1, 2026

    21 April 2025

    Applications now closed!

    Semester 1, 2027

    1 May 2026

    28 January 2027

    Course outline

    Overview

    Overview

    This course will introduce you to contemporary design practice and research, providing a firm grounding towards design-led innovation and the application of design practice to social, economic and cultural life.

    The course is an entry point to further postgraduate study in the Master of Design or to further practice as a designer, design leader or design strategist.

    Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate, you may transfer to the graduate diploma. On successful completion of the graduate diploma, you may enrol in the master degree.

    What you'll learn

    • develop a foundational knowledge of their field of design practice articulated through the creation of new artefacts, services, products or processes
    • apply specialised knowledge, theories, frameworks and practices relevant to design leadership to inform design-led innovation
    • demonstrate a critical reflection on design theory, practice and history in a social and cultural context
    • apply knowledge of design to the framing and interrogation of problems to develop appropriate design solutions
    • professionally communicate concepts, proposals, ideas, and final designs to a target audience
    • understand the complexity and global context of contemporary design practice
    • apply emerging technologies effectively to design practice or process to communicate the value of design
    • contextualise design practice and process for real-life application in industry and practice
    • understand and apply the value of design to communities, enterprises and public

    Admission criteria

    What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

    Applicants are required to have either: work experience in Design or cognate areas, or a Bachelor degree in Design or cognate areas to enter this course. Applicants with work experience or a Bachelor degree in non-cognate areas, or other pathways, should contact the course Coordinator.

    English requirements

    Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

    You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

    IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

    Writing

    6

    Speaking

    6

    Reading

    6

    Listening

    6

    Overall band score

    6.5

    Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

    Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

    Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

    Fees and scholarships

    Domestic fee paying postgraduate

    2026 Fee year:

    $11,742*

    Domestic

    Domestic

    Fees are indicative only.

    * Based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

    Looking for more detail on the course structure?

    View course structure

    Location

    For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

    Curtin Perth flag

    2026

    Semester 1
    • On campus

    2027

    Semester 1
    • On campus

    All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

    The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

    How to apply

    Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

    Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

    Apply now
    • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

      The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

      While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

      View courses information disclaimer.

    • Curtin course code: GC-DESIGN
    • CRICOS code: 103009A
    • Last updated on: 9 March 2026

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