Overview

Eligibility

Academic

Applicants should hold a Bachelors degree with the equivalent of an Australian system 60% grade average (or better) in a design, social science (especially anthropology), information science or human-computer interaction discipline. Candidates with other tertiary qualifications and relevant industry experience will also be considered.

Work Experience

 Applicants who do not hold a degree but have at least eight years relevant industry experience demonstrating potential to undertake work at this level should contact the course coordinator.

English language requirements

Required IELTS Score: overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0; or, a TOEFL (Paper-based) minimum score of 575 (with Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5); or, a TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 85 with no band less than 18.

How to Apply

This course is restricted.  Students are required to apply and be approved by Swinburne University before they can enrol in units through OUA.

Applications for the Graduate Diploma of Design (Design Anthropology) are due by Friday two weeks prior to the close of enrolment.

1. Read information requirements

   • Select to apply for one or more courses listed on the application form, taking note of the eligibility criteria for each course. If you want to apply for a (restricted) course with a different university, you'll need to submit a separate application from the relevant course page.

   • Read all parts of the application form in advance:

     Receive a faster response by ensuring you have all the required information ready before you start. If you have a web account, sign in first to pre-fill personal details we already have for you on record.

     If you do not have a web account, you'll need to register one within the application form. Once you've registered an account, you'll then be signed in. From here you can choose to complete your application and submit it, or save and return to it later.

     Completing this application should take 15 to 20 minutes.

   • Need help completing your application? Contact us:

     If in doubt about any of the information required to support your application, the more information you can provide the better. If you have any academic queries including how to request credit transfer, contact Swinburne University of Technology directly. For all other enquiries, contact us.

   • Next steps:

     After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email containing a copy of your application for your records.

     Your application will be assessed within 2-4 weeks, and if further information is required, we will contact you. Once your application has been assessed, we will be in touch via email to notify you of the outcome. At the latest this will be one week after the closing date for applications.

     If, after submitting your application, you wish to change your preferences or submit an additional document, please email apply@open.edu.au. Include your full name as it appeared on the application.

2. Prepare supporting documents

   • Check that you have all the required documents, according to individual course requirements and your personal circumstances, specifically:

     1. Your curriculum vitae - required for entry into postgraduate courses only.
     2. Certified copies of academic transcripts - required in most cases but check course eligibility rules.
     3. A letter of recommendation from your employer on company letterhead - recommended for entry using work experience.
     4. Certified legal documentation - if you have changed your name e.g. a marriage certificate, deed poll name change certificate.
     5. Certified legal documentation - if you need to correct an error in your date of birth e.g. a birth certificate.
     6. English language test results - if your courses were not predominantly in English e.g. IELTS or equivalent test results.
     7. Official translations of any documents not in English.

     A "certified" copy is a copy bearing the recognised mark of a Justice of the Peace, Commission of Oaths or declarations, Public Notary or a Solicitor.

   • Create an electronic copy of your attachments:

     For each certified document, scan and save it on your computer. Save your curriculum vitae to your computer, then get ready to upload all documents in the form.

   • Do not send original documents as they will not be returned.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Design (Design Anthropology) students must complete seven units including one double unit.

Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit

Applicants with substantial relevant industry experience may apply for exemptions through RPL. The Faculty of Design’s RPL panel will assess the prior learning and experience of applicants and determine appropriate unit exemptions in accordance with the University’s policy and procedure for RPL.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students must complete 5 core units including one double unit Fundamental Design Studio. Students may select one of the three Specialisations in Indigenous Knowledge, Cross Cultural Brand Identity or Sustainable Design and complete both units in the specialisation.

Course Structure