Graduate Diploma in Design (Contemporary Art)

This unique graduate diploma will not only help to further extend practical skills in your chosen specialisation, but it will provide you with valuable business management skills.

You will focus on the development and application of research processes and methodologies, and you will develop skills in marketing and critical analysis.

The specialised fields you can choose from include:

photo, digital and graphic media painting and drawing spatial studies, involving public art, sculpture, textiles, glass, ceramics, jewellery and metal This qualification forms part of a nested degree, leading to a Master of Design (Contemporary Art).

Entry requirements

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 seven years of professional experience in a related discipline will also be considered.

All applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.

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.

This qualification provides graduates with advanced practical and theoretical skills and knowledge, advanced research skills and valuable business and financial management skills. A key focus is on research, as it relates to your chosen specialisation. You will also study marketing and business, covering areas such as:

• grant sourcing and applications
• industry associations and professional recognition
• communication skills and marketing strategies
• copyright, trademarks, intellectual property and taxation

You’ll explore online art and design practice and online marketing, business management and self-employment practices related to the art and design industries, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand critical research methodologies.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. There will be essays and assignments and you could also expect:

Learn from practicing artists, writers and researchers, and benefit from their industry experience and real-life connections. Our teaching staff are highly trained industry professionals who bring with them years of experience. They have strong industry links and many hold professional positions with national and international organisations. For students this means links to industry and the opportunity to build important networks.

UniSA also has well over 2,500 national and international industry partnerships – providing further opportunities for you to build important industry relationships. The University's matchstudio learning experience offers additional opportunities for you to gain practical experience – here you will take on real-life projects, which requires liaison with real-world clients. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Your career

Contemporary artists are highly creative, highly motivated, disciplined and committed. To succeed in this creative profession you need to be willing to take risks, push boundaries and experiment with concepts, contexts and materials. If you think you've got what it takes, the job prospects for artists in Australia are looking great, with strong growth in the sector1. Careers to consider:

• artist/designer: ceramicist, painter, illustrator, sculptor, jeweller, textile artist, printmaker, photographer, furniture designer, digital media
• arts administrator: responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of an arts organisation
• art historian: an authority on art history; you may work for a museum, library, art gallery or historical centre
• art critic: specialise in analysing, interpreting and evaluating art

1Australian Government, Job Outlook 2020

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.