Diploma of Product Design

2 years full-time

Learning and teaching

Our design projects are a way to engage that's different from conventional learning. You'll be immersed in a creative process that combines idea generation with hands-on production.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

This is an intensive design program. You'll gain the latest skills and knowledge of product design.

Group work that encourages peer-to-peer learning in a supportive environment within a flexible structure is key to this program.

Year 1

• You'll start with a project brief, and from there, you'll learn traditional product development techniques and media.
• You'll work with the latest industry tools and practices to find solutions to design problems.
• You'll be guided through the new consumer product design process (for products like toys or kitchenware), resolving practical, manufacturing and sustainability/environmental issues.

Year 2

• You'll develop products with greater complexity and range, including electrical enclosures and mechanical products.
• You'll research and analyse design and manufacturing ideas.
• You'll develop your skills and design communication.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

Our design projects see interaction between industry, students and staff.

Design projects are a key learning activity. You'll work on simulated real-world design problems and solve tasks using action-based learning techniques.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Our graduates can specialise in diverse areas of product development, like:

• computer-aided design
• product illustration
• CAD drafter
• product styling
• home wares
• model making
• furniture and lighting
• toy design
• eco design
• special effects for film and television
• as a liaison between engineering and production.

As a product designer, you'll work as part of a design or manufacturing team. Many designers also take on freelance work.

Professional recognition and accreditation

This program is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia.

You'll work with local and international manufacturers and industry partners on projects and with local communities in countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

To solve locally based design problems, you'll produce prototypes using modern communication technologies that work across international boundaries.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent senior secondary school studies, or RMIT Foundation Studies program, or a recognised post secondary Diploma or Certificate in a relevant discipline. Applicants with work experience in this field will also be considered.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

Folio presentation: Applicants will be contacted to attend the folio presentation and must attend between 4 June and 6 June.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the nominated date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check if you are eligible for a Victorian Government subsidised place. If not you will need to apply for a full-fee place.

4. Check the table below for how to apply.

5. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

* Some Certificate III and below programs are administered by direct application to RMIT.

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees vary according to each program.

There are 2 tuition fee types:

• Victorian Government subsidised places where your fee is shared between you and the Victorian Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria
• full fees where you will be responsible for the full cost.

Fee assistance

As a TAFE student you may be eligible for the following:

• TAFE fee concession
• VET FEE-HELP loan scheme.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.

Other fees

You may need to buy some materials like an equipment kit and tools. You may also be invoiced for material fees to cover the cost of additional materials in the classroom. You should be prepared to pay some conference or exhibition costs.

You can contact the School of Design (TAFE) for further details.

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

After graduating, you can apply for exemptions from the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design).

The Certificate IV in Design is an accepted pathway to this Diploma.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

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