Diploma of Product Design

Diploma of Product Design - 22446VIC

VOCATIONAL
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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

IELTS 5.5

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$23,250 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick

Overview

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:

  • 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. 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.

Guaranteed Pathway options available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed? Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages in VTAC so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Hands-on learning with an interactive approach 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

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.

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:

  • 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.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

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.

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.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Product Design
Program code: C5382
National curriculum code: 22446VIC
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Product Design
City Campus
2 years full-time
C5382
097301G
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5382
CRICOS
097301G
View plan
Diploma of Product Design
City Campus
2 years full-time
C5382
097301G
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5382
CRICOS
097301G
View plan
Diploma of Product Design
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time
C5382
097301G
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5382
CRICOS
097301G
View plan
Diploma of Product Design
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time
C5382
097301G
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5382
CRICOS
097301G
View plan

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

  • Plan C5382 - 3200172364
  • Guaranteed Pathway package Product Design (Diploma)/Industrial Design (Honours) - 3200111044

Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

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

Career

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:

  • meeting clients to discuss design briefs
  • developing concept drawings of your ideas
  • working with local and overseas engineers, designers, prototype makers and marketing staff
  • using technology, production methods and various materials (such as textiles, wood, plastics and metal)
  • working with manufactuers to create prototypes and new materials (for example, reconstituted leather, stone or sustainable plastics)

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:

  • Holden
  • BMW
  • Alessi
  • Cocoon Republic
  • Schiavello
  • Tait furniture
  • Yamaha Japan
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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 need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Design

OR

Complete and submit the Selection Task.

NOTE: Applicants who have completed the Certificate IV in Design are not required to complete the Selection Task.

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

Semester 1, 2023

You must complete and submit the Diploma of Product Design selection task.

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.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants

If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the selection task by the following dates:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
Early round (Non year 12 only) 28 October 2022
Main round (All applicants) 2 December 2022
All subsequent rounds (if places are available) 16 December 2022
Selection task dates for direct applicants

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
Direct applicants 3 February 2023

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement

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).

Folio

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:

  • 3-dimensional design
  • Drawing and visualisation both by hand and digitally
  • Model-making
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  • Material exploration
  • Colour, texture and form

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:

  • Evidence of development and finished work
  • Ability to provide context for your work
  • Previous knowledge, skills and/or experience
Submissions instructions

Upload your folio as:

  • A single PDF Document (maximum 10MB). Include the page number, and your full name and application number on each page.

OR

  • Provide a URL to your folio (please provide a password if applicable). If using a URL all images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio
Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork
Art and design selection interviews

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 an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification 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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

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:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: 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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

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.

Explore the pathway finder
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Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Design guarantees you entry into the Diploma of Product Design.

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages in VTAC.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

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 eligible for exemptions from the courses below, subject to meeting the entry requirements.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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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.

Fees

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2023 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.

  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$7,500* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$12,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**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

Defer your payment

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.

Payments and 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.

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

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 2022* is $315. 

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.

VET Student Loans

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.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

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.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

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.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$23,250.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$46,500.

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.

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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
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