Graduate Certificate of Design Innovation and Technology

Graduate Certificate of Design Innovation and Technology

POSTGRADUATE

Redefine your career trajectory and address the ecological and technological global challenges that face the world today.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$18,720 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$22,560 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Design Innovation and Technology is designed to provide a pathway for development for graduates from both design and non-design backgrounds.

You will broaden the breadth and depth of your professional practice by engaging in research driven collaborative design projects. During your studies you will not only develop specific specialist knowledge in emerging technology you will also work on cutting-edge industry partnered projects that explore the future of design practice.

Why study the Graduate Certificate of Design Innovation and Technology at RMIT?

Community engagement

Work with practice-based academic researchers and professional designers, as part of a dynamic environment.

Global connections

Collaborate on international projects as part of your studies, learning techniques from around the world.

Hands-on learning

Hone your craft on cutting-edge industry partnered projects, exploring the future of design practice.

You will also develop design skills that integrate the needs of people with the potentials that lie within technological innovation. Through the engagement with an international community of forward-thinking practice-based academic researchers and professional designers, you will engage in a dynamic learning environment that is in a continual state of evolution.

Details

In this graduate certificate, you will update your knowledge and learn strategic approaches to confront and solve the ecological and technological challenges of today's world.

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The Graduate Certificate of Design Innovation and Technology will provide you with the technical training in one of the key research streams, which are:

  • sustainable futures
  • digital design and fabrication
  • interactive technologies
  • immersive experience. 

Elective subject options provide you with the technical base to understand a particular research stream while design studios will present you with the opportunity to engage in real world projects that employ technology in novel and unique ways to solve the pressing issues of the modern world.

Learning and teaching

Your learning in this graduate certificate will take multiple forms, including seminars, studios, lectures and tutorials, and use methods such as collaborative group work, negotiated learning, peer review, presentations, exercises, workshops, and discussion. You will engage with case studies, solution-based learning, and reflective techniques. 

Access to fabrication workshops, electronics laboratories, and sound studios will enable you to fulfill the creative experimentation and hands-on production aspects of your studies. 

Assessment methods

Assessment in this course will often be practical so that you can learn by doing. You will be assessed through a range of activities such as presentations, portfolios, reports, written reflection, research projects, peer or industry review. Your project proposals will be related to industry-specific needs and contemporary issues, and may involve contacting and working with industry practitioners.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Each semester, this qualification offers a selection of design studios from the different research streams that form the core of your studies.

The studios address issues relating to the development of technologies and their innovative application. You will work to briefs that are connected to industry partnered projects and academic research collaborations. Previous studios collaboration have involved:

  • The development of an Urban Living Lab in Victoria Harbour Docklands with Lendlease
  • Designing digitally connected immersive experiences with Melbourne Museum
  • Exploring interactive lighting technologies with Ramus Illumination
  • Proposing concepts for Noise Wall Sound Parks with TransUrban.

International opportunites are also available as part of your studies. Recent international projects and collaborations involved students:

  • developing digital prosthetic concepts for the Reshape 19/Cognified Matter Forum at Fira De Barcelona
  • designing systems-based sustainable products and services for the Bio-Design Challenge at the Museum of Modern Art in New York
  • producing 'smart city' transport solutions for safe urban mobility with the City of Barcelona.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

To complete this graduate certificate, you must complete two elective subjects, and one design studio. 

As part of you studies, you have the opportunity to specialise in one of four different streams:

Sustainable futures

In the sustainable futures stream, you will focus on sustainable design in the context of social-environmental-technological systems and speculate on how strategic design can mobilise and support systemic changes, from products and services to governance. You will explore sustainability from understanding the complexities of urban systems to the molecular dimension of bio-design approaches and the sociological understanding needed to promote large scale behavioural change within the general population.

Digital design and fabrication

In the digital design and fabrication stream you will develop experience and expertise in the creation of flexible computational, physical and mixed reality models. You will utilise fused deposition modelling print technology, laser-cutting and CNC fabrication in the prototyping of complex geometrical form. This knowledge will lead to the application of performance based and generative modelling in response to specific physical criteria of site, function and usage.

Interactive technologies

In the interactive technologies stream you will investigate the connections between data, information and people in the design of interactive and intelligent objects and spaces. You will explore interactive systems using electronic sensing devices, actuation mechanisms and integrations with digital media. You will be challenged to extend these principles into specific case studies that seek to integrate user interface and user experience methodologies into holistic design proposals.

Immersive experience

In the immersive experience stream you will explore techniques for the creation of embodied, sensorial and affective immersive environments. In the suite of sound electives you will develop methods for the production of recorded or synthesised sound fields to create complex three-dimensional acoustic effects. Ultimately you will develop phenomenological approaches to the shaping of both virtual environments and physical installations.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate of Design Innovation and Technology
Program code: GC192
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate of Design Innovation and Technology
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
GC192
104979J
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
GC192
CRICOS
104979J
View plan
Graduate Certificate of Design Innovation and Technology
City Campus
0.5 years full-time
GC192
104979J
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
GC192
CRICOS
104979J
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

As a graduate from this program you will develop multidisciplinary skills and approaches to your professional practice.

Graduates may go on to work in the fields of architecture, engineering, interior design, product design, interaction design, service design, and UX/UI/XD.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)

OR

  • Undertaken at least 3 years of work experience or professional practice in a related field.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)

OR

  • Undertaken at least 3 years of work experience or professional practice in a related field.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

To have your professional experience considered, you must include in your application:

  • a curriculum vitae (CV)
  • a statement that details your experience.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce your study load by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this program, you can continue your studies in MC231 Master of Design Innovation and Technology, subject to the program's entrance requirements and receive 48 credit points of advanced standing into the master program.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you may be eligible for entry into a range of postgraduate programs at RMIT University.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$18,720* (2025 total).

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

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

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information