Why Graduate Diploma in Design?
Looking to enhance your skills in interior design, or transition into the field of interior architecture?
Prepare for professional practice in interior architecture and design with the Adelaide University Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Interior Architecture. Combine design principles with architectural concepts and focus on creating innovative and functional interior spaces.
Thanks to our strong ties with global industry experts, you’ll learn from an industry-relevant and practical curriculum. Embrace the opportunity to shape interior spaces and make your mark in the design world.
Overview
Explore the creative and innovative world of design with this Adelaide University diploma. Our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Interior Architecture will expose you to key creative principles and practices, while building your confidence in design research.
During your studies, engage in hands-on projects that challenge you to think critically and creatively. Dive into cultural, social, economic, and technological aspects of sustainable design and develop ideas to enhance the way society lives. You’ll also focus on environmentally responsible design practices and materials for interior spaces – ready to pioneer a new wave of ‘green’ homes or carbon-neutral office buildings.
Understand how to navigate art and design policy and funding – including grant sourcing and applications. Build communication skills and strategies to effectively collaborate with others in the design community.
Whether you're designing a residential space or a commercial environment, your work will influence how people experience their surroundings.
Key features
Explore contemporary interior design culture. - Gain advanced design and research skills.
- Learn from academics who are established designers.
- Work on real-life projects in professional studio spaces.
- Build close working relationships with key cultural institutions and local industry partners.
- Use this qualification as a stepping stone to further study, including masters.
What you'll learn
Our Graduate Diploma in Design will equip you with the confidence and practical skills essential for success in the creative field. Explore design theory, industry trends and innovative processes, honing your research and analysis skills.
Over one year of full-time study, explore topics on:
- Art and design masters foundation studio
- Nature, culture and sustainability
- Art and design advanced theory
- Art and design business practices
- Art and design interdisciplinary studio
- Art and design research methods.
As part of your Interior Architecture specialisation, explore sustainability within art and design contexts and investigate contemporary interior design culture and issues from an international perspective. Look into sustainable design and business practices, and build your project management and research skills. You’ll also participate in design research studio classes, where you can apply creative processes to a variety of projects. Prepare to meet the dynamic demands and complexities of interior design practice.
As a graduate, be ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of interior architecture.
Want to take your studies further? Use this qualification as a pathway to our Master of Design specialising in Interior Architecture.
Specialisations
The Graduate Diploma in Design is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Communication Design
- Illustration and Animation
- Industrial Design.
Degree Structure: Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Interior Architecture
Program code: GDDES
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for all Core courses, and
- Either:
- 12 units for all Discipline courses, or
- 12 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for all Core courses, and
- Either:
- 12 units for all Discipline courses, or
- 12 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations
Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Interior Architecture will ensure you graduate with the tools needed for a successful career in this competitive field.
You could create temporary or permanent displays for museums and galleries. Maybe you’ll focus on the structural aspects of interior spaces, working closely with architects to modify or create interior environments. Perhaps you’ll design and oversee the construction of sets for theatre, film and television productions.
Graduates can find opportunities in a range of sectors, from residential and commercial design to education and research.
You could also consider the following careers:
- Interior architect
- Commercial space designer
- Residential interior designer
- Hospitality designer
- Retail space planner
- Exhibition designer.
Industry trends
The National Skills Commission Market Insights (2024) projects a 19.1% increase in employment for interior designers by 2026. Escalating demand for smart infrastructures, along with an expanding residential sector means interior architecture graduates will be in high demand. With your specialisation in Interior Architecture, you’ll influence how people experience the spaces and structures within their everyday life. Use your skills to make an impact by studying at Adelaide University.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
