Not applicable
AU$24,750 (2024 annual)
This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2024.This may result in changes to the program structure, duration, content and fees.
Are you ready to build a career out of your passion for design and problem solving?
This diploma will equip you with the skills and knowledge to bring products from conception to market.
We are the makers, the sketchers, the inventors, the experimenters, the idea generators, the thinkers and tinkerers. We are product designers.
This is your hands-on pathway to the world of design. This diploma allows you to imagine, explore and create objects that people will manufacture, buy, use and appreciate. You will gain the skills and experience you need to work in small or large design companies or as an independent designer.
Through your studies you will learn to create designs for consumer products, experiences and systems. You will present your ideas through a combination of skills in visual and verbal communication, 3D models and computer software.
The curriculum looks at all aspects of design, including:
You will learn cutting-edge product development techniques, starting from a project brief, and find solutions to design problems using the latest industry tools and practices. You’ll become familiar with new consumer product development processes for a variety of products, resolving practical, manufacturing and sustainability/environmental issues.
You will also be involved in design projects with local and international manufacturing companies. Graduates have worked with companies such as Cocoon Republic (Victoria), Gundong ceramic manufacturers and Smiggle. You may also work on projects where design prototypes are manufactured in China and Malaysia.
Study in product design studios and workshops, learning from industry professionals and practising designers.
Work with external companies on live projects and competitions, rather than undertaking block work experience.
Join the Design Institute of Australia as a student member, then apply for associate membership on graduation.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You’ll study in the product design studios and workshops, which model the best practices of a commercial design studio, and learn from teachers and lecturers who are industry professionals and practising designers.
Through hands-on studio sessions, lectures, workshops, presentation and group discussions, you will learn from experienced staff that will treat you as though you are a junior designer in a design firm.
You will build essential skills in design through the use of advanced modelling, presentation techniques and digital platforms. You will learn to create solutions for consumer product needs and address problems associated with sustainable growth in both urban and international contexts.
Through your studies you’ll develop skills in:
You will develop skills using industry standard software including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino and Keyshot.
You will use industry-standard equipment including 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, ceramic slip casts, as well as metal fabrication and composites. Software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Keyshot.
You will interact and undertake work experience with key people from small and large Australian and international companies on live design projects. This models the practice of product designers in industry.
You will be assessed throughout each semester via topical design projects, reports, verbal presentations, group projects, research and practical assignments.
You will have access to online resources through the student portal.
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.
You will work with external companies on live projects and competitions, rather than undertaking block work experience.
This models the consultancy approach product designers take with clients and stakeholders.
Companies that have worked with the course include:
This valuable industry networking has in previous years led to invitations to take part in industry-based committees and boards, such as the AgIdeas student representative board.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
You’ll work with local and international companies on live projects and competitions.
Product design graduates work across the globe in positions such as:
Graduates also work a variety of amazing design careers locally across Australia.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
View the learning outcomes for each stream:
This intensive two-year, full-time diploma sets you up to enter the industry as a junior designer or continue with your studies with RMIT’s:
This diploma also works with organisations to help disadvantaged people. Past projects have included working with the Royal Childrens Hospital and the Philippine women’s collective on the reuse of local waste into retail products.
You will:
You will:
Full-time students are expected to attend 21 hours of classes over four days and undertake approximately 15 hours of extra study and research weekly. You will be required to build models of your work, as well as present them in class and to industry in a professional manner.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
As a product designer, you will work as part of a design or manufacturing team. Many designers also take on freelance work.
Your daily activities may include:
Graduates work as part of design teams for manufacturing organisations. They may work in areas including display and exhibition design, furniture, packaging, confectionery, toy design, automotive, engineering, electrical, set design and special effects.
Graduates have gone onto work for:
While studying, you can join the Design Institute of Australia as a student member. Graduates can apply for associate membership and full membership once they have obtained their professional experience.
Please note: eligibility for full membership is based on a points system.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements.
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.
All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
VTAC applicants | Register and submit the selection task by |
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December round | 13 December 2023 |
January rounds | 22 December 2023 |
February rounds | 30 January 2024 |
If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.
Applicant type | Register and submit the selection task by |
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Direct applicants | 9 February 2024 |
A statement outlining how you believe your current skills and capabilities and/or past experience will support you in the Product Design program (maximum 250 words).
A folio of 8 to 10 images of your work demonstrating your interest in product design and creative and conceptual thinking. It should reflect your design, problem-solving and technical skills in some or all of the following:
Your folio should include evidence of how ideas were developed as well as finished work. Include work that shows how you document your ideas, creative thinking and any work that demonstrates your potential to follow a design process.
You can include work from secondary school, previous study and personal or work-related design experience (including sketchbooks), and the work can come from a variety of discipline areas (e.g. product design, model making, furniture, lighting, wearable design, illustration, photography).
Provide a short description for each project or image, including the context of development and the key activities undertaken (maximum 200 words per project)
Your selection task will be assessed using the following selection criteria:
Upload your folio as:
OR
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.
Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF145kb) along with your application.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
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) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Design guarantees you entry into the Diploma of Product Design.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
When you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Design, you are guaranteed entry into the Diploma of Product Design.
Alternatively, you can gain entry to this diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
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.
When you successfully complete the Diploma of Product Design you are guaranteed entry in the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) with 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
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 2024 is $351.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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.
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.
It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$24,750.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$50,000.
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.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
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.
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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
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.