Diploma of Product Design
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
Not applicable
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$20,500 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Build a career out of your passion for design and problem solving. This program will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need 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 program 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 gain the knowledge and skills needed 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 program looks at all aspects of design including:
- aesthetics
- technology
- ergonomics
- usability
- sustainability
- materials
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. Past students have worked with companies such as Cocoon Republic (Victoria), Gundong ceramic manufacturers and Smiggle. Students may work on projects where design prototypes are manufactured in China and Malaysia.
If you have an enquiring mind, are creative and good with your hands and have a passion for design and detail, then this is the program for you.
Details
Hands-on learning with an interactive apprach to design
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.
What you will learn
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:
- computer-aided design (CAD)
- 3D design
- design drawing
- design for manufacturing
- design theory
- ergonomics
- manufacturing principles
- materials technology
- product design
- product development
- rapid prototyping
You will develop skills using industry standard software including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino and Keyshot.
Work with industry-standard equipment
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.
Study with a team of dedicated industry professionals
Over the course of the program, 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 myRMIT student portal.
Over the course of the program 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 program include:
- Smiggle
- Cocoon Republic
- Lush
- Moose Enterprise (toys)
- Tudor (stationery).
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:
- head model maker for Porsche Germany
- product designer Barcelona
- aircraft interior designer London
- jewellery designers France and South America
- product design Japan and Jakarta.
Graduates also work a variety of amazing design careers locally across Australia.
RMIT’s Global Mobility supports students to undertake an exchange or short-term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
This intensive two-year, full-time program sets you up to enter the industry as a junior designer or continue with your studies with RMIT’s:
The program 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.
Year 1
You will:
- work with project briefs
- apply traditional product development techniques and media
- work with the latest industry tools and practices
- use the new consumer product design process to resolve practical, manufacturing and sustainability/environmental issues
Year 2
You will:
- develop products with greater complexity and range, including assemblies, electrical enclosures and mechanical products
- research and analyse design and manufacturing ideas
- develop your skills and design communication
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 program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Product Design | City Campus |
2 years full-time
|
2 years full-time
|
C5382 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C5382
National curriculum code: 22446VIC
Career
As a product designer, you will work as part of a design or manufacturing team. Many designers also take on freelance work.
Graduates currently work in design consultancies (both locally and overseas).
They work as part of the design teams for manufacturing organisations In areas including:
- display and exhibition design
- furniture
- packaging
- confectionery
- toy design
- automotive
- engineering
- electrical
- set design and special effects
Graduates have also set themselves up as independent designers.
Program graduates are currently working for Holden, BMW, Alessi, Cocoon Republic, Schiavello, Tait furniture, Yamaha Japan and many other local and international design companies.
A product designer’s daily activities may include:
- meeting clients and stakeholders to discuss design briefs
- developing free-hand or computer-aided concept drawings of your ideas
- working with local and overseas engineers, designers, prototype makers and marketing staff
- using simple and advanced technology, production methods and various materials like textiles, wood, plastics and metals
- working with manufacturers to create prototypes and new materials like reconstituted leather, stone or sustainable plastics
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.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 50% average (check 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.
Entry requirements
You must attend a folio presentation:
- All VTAC applicants must telephone (03) 9925 4819 to book their folio presentation by the dates below for each VTAC round:
- Early round (Non year 12 only): 27 September 2018
- Main round (All applicants): 2 November 2018
- All subsequent rounds (if places are available): 1 February 2019
- Direct applicants, including RMIT current or recent students, will receive an email with interview details within a week from the date they submit their application. All direct applications will be assessed in the order they are received until 13 February 2019 unless places are filled prior.
Advisory letters will be sent in late October (Early round) and late December (Main round).
Folio presentation
Your folio should contain a variety of your personal work in art, design or media. It should demonstrate your interests and creative thinking, as well as your conceptual, design, problem-solving and technical skills. You should include evidence of how ideas were developed, as well as finished works.
Examples of work to include in your folio:
- drawings
- paintings
- graphic designs
- photographs
- digital images
- models
- sculpture
- video
- scripting
- short stories
- 2D and 3D Flash animation
Art and Design application tips
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Folio: Please supply evidence of your creativity in the form of a folio that contains a variety of your personal work in art, design or media relevant to the program/s you are applying for. The folio should demonstrate your interests and creative thinking as well as your conceptual, design, problem solving and technical skills. You should include evidence of how ideas were developed as well as finished works.
Examples of work to include in your folio are drawings, paintings, graphic designs, photographs, digital images, models, sculpture, video, scripting, short stories, and/or 2D and 3D Flash animation. We recommend you explain each work to help the Selection Officer understand the purpose and background of that work.
Folios should be submitted electronically with files in PDF, JPEG, SWF, DCR or QuickTime format suitable to be read on Mac OSX or later, unless otherwise specified. Each electronic file should be no larger than 10MB. Please ensure to include your name and applicant ID in the file name.
Submitted folios will not be returned.
Folio presentation: You may be required to present your folio to a selection panel or attend an interview, either in person or via phone/video call.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 530 (TWE 3.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 71 (with minimum of 17 in all sections)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 162 with no less than 154 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Graduates can continue their studies and apply for exemptions in:
- Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)
- Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design).
Eligible graduates of the Certificate IV in Design who achieve a minimum grade of Competency with Credit (CCR) across all units will be given automatic entry into the Diploma of Product Design.
When you successfully complete the Diploma of Product Design and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.5, you are guaranteed entry in the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) with 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points).
If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply and will need to submit a folio. You will be assessed on a case by case basis and credit is not guaranteed.
You may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
Fees
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’.
- 2019 government subsidised place: AU$6,250* per annum
- 2019 full-fee place: AU$14,250* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
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. Learn more about fees for vocational study.
- 2018 government subsidised place: AU$7500* per annum
- 2018 full-fee place: AU$13750* per annum
- Maximum VET Student Loan for program: AU$5000**
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
**The maximum loan amount for a program is indexed annually on 1 January, and the maximum loan amount denoted above is correct at the time of publication.
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 2019 is $303.
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 annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$20,500.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$41,750.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.