Study Graduate Diploma in Design (Contemporary Art) in Australia

About this Study Course

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art with UniSA’s Graduate Diploma in Design. With a legacy spanning over 159 years, our program builds on the rich foundation of the former South Australian School of Art, ensuring you receive a cutting-edge education in visual arts. At UniSA, we don’t just teach art; we cultivate unstoppable artists.

Gain advanced practical skills and knowledge in your chosen specialization, whether it’s photography, digital and illustration, animation, painting and drawing, or spatial and material studies in public art, sculpture, textiles, glass, ceramics, jewelry, and furniture. Our custom-built studio spaces and workshops provide the perfect canvas for your creativity to flourish.

Taught by practicing artists, writers, and researchers with significant industry experience, our faculty goes beyond imparting knowledge—they inspire. Build crucial industry networks and access the state-of-the-art library, boasting the largest collection of art, craft, and design resources in the state. This diploma is not just a qualification; it’s a pathway to future learning, including our esteemed Master of Design (Contemporary Art).

UniSA is more than a university; it’s a community of unstoppable individuals. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities, we ensure you’re not just studying for a career; you’re preparing for a profession. Our research in contemporary art is globally recognized, placing you at the forefront of artistic innovation. Your journey at UniSA will feel like a seamless transition from student to career professional, setting the stage for your unstoppable future.

Overview

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, UniSA’s Graduate Diploma in Design stands out as a unique opportunity to extend both practical and theoretical skills in your chosen specialization. Beyond artistic proficiency, this program equips you with invaluable business management skills, ensuring you’re not just a creative force but a strategic one too.

Choose your path in photography, digital and illustration, animation, painting and drawing, or delve into spatial and material studies covering public art, sculpture, textiles, glass, ceramics, jewelry, and furniture. This diploma, forming part of a nested degree, opens the door to a Master of Design (Contemporary Art), unlocking even greater possibilities for your artistic journey.

Seamlessly blending research processes, methodologies, marketing skills, and critical analysis, this program prepares you for a dynamic career in the contemporary art scene. With a focus on real-world application, UniSA’s Graduate Diploma is your gateway to becoming a versatile and sought-after artist in today’s competitive landscape.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed a three-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution, or equivalent, in a related discipline.

Alternative Entry

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in an unrelated discipline, plus two years of professional experience in a related discipline, or applicants who do not have a completed degree but who have five years of professional experience in a related discipline will also be considered.

All applicants must submit a portfolio comprising a digital portfolio, curriculum vitae, statement of qualifications and a statement of intent. More information can be found here.

In addition to the portfolio, students who are submitting an application for the program via Alternative Entry without a completed Bachelor degree are also required to submit a letter of recommendation, of no more than one page in length, from a professional referee.

Related design disciplines include:

Communication Design:visual communication design; graphic design; graphic communication; communication design.
Contemporary Art : visual art; contemporary art; illustration and animation.
Design and Construct: architecture; planning and urban design.
Industrial Design: industrial design; product innovation; product design; furniture design.
Interior Architecture: interior architecture; interior design; furniture design; architecture.
Sustainable Design: architecture; interior architecture; industrial design; furniture design; planning and urban design; contemporary art.

English language test

IELTS total [6.5]

Future Career Outcomes

Embark on your artistic journey with confidence, knowing that UniSA’s Graduate Diploma in Design aligns with industry demands. Our successful alumni, thriving in diverse roles, are a testament to the program’s effectiveness in shaping resilient and adaptable artists. Develop the skills necessary to navigate the evolving job market and carve your niche as a contemporary art professional.