Highlights

  • Elevate your design skills and career potential in as little as one year. 

  • This course is a career-focused learning experience that is a solid pathway to further studies such as the Master of Design (Strategic Design) or research-based careers. It will equip you with advanced knowledge in strategic design tailored for experienced design professionals looking to further their education, or those from other backgrounds looking to gain a design qualification.  

  • Create holistic and sustainable solutions to address complex challenges while driving meaningful change within a range of contexts such as social services, health, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure.  

  • Apply design approaches to develop products and services through connecting creativity, community engagement, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. 

  • Experience site excursions, guest lectures and projects with corporate partners such as the BMW Group, ARM Hub and Herston Biofabrication Institute. 

Highlights

  • Elevate your design skills and career potential in as little as one year. 

  • This course is a career-focused learning experience that is a solid pathway to further studies such as the Master of Design (Strategic Design) or research-based careers. It will equip you with advanced knowledge in strategic design tailored for experienced design professionals looking to further their education, or those from other backgrounds looking to gain a design qualification.  

  • Create holistic and sustainable solutions to address complex challenges while driving meaningful change within a range of contexts such as social services, health, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure.  

  • Apply design approaches to develop products and services through connecting creativity, community engagement, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. 

  • Experience site excursions, guest lectures and projects with corporate partners such as the BMW Group, ARM Hub and Herston Biofabrication Institute. 

Why choose this course?

QUT is globally ranked in the top 100 universities for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023), and number one in Queensland. This course was developed to not only further your existing skills, but to enhance your capabilities so you can tackle complex challenges, drive innovation, and create positive, lasting impacts in a diverse range of career settings. You’ll be an adaptable graduate with competitive skills in the global and fast evolving industry landscape.  

In an era marked by rapid change and uncertainty, understanding and shaping potential future outcomes are essential. As part of the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Design, you will have the option to explore speculative design, scenario-based design, futuring and anticipatory research methods.  

Many of our teaching staff are also award-winning professors, accomplished researchers and industry leaders. They bring the latest insights from their field of study and practice to the classroom, creating an authentic learning environment.  

Real-world learning

This course will prepare you for challenges in authentic settings by covering topics including: 

  • innovative problem solving 

  • strategic design leadership 

  • ethical and prudential decision making  

  • sustainable design 

  • intermediation skills 

  • adaptability and applied research.

Take advantage of the many strong partnerships the QUT School of Design maintains with local and international players including Adobe, ARM Hub, BMW Group, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Fashion Festival, HEAL Lab, Orange Sky Australia, and the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads. 

Explore this course

What to expect

This course mirrors the interdisciplinary nature of real-world projects. You’ll learn through immersive workshops, studios and real-world assignments. The Graduate Diploma in Strategic Design emphasises ethical and sustainable design and promotes the development of intermediation skills in recognition of the importance of facilitating cooperation between diverse stakeholders to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.  

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

There is increasing market demand for education that equips people with strategic design capabilities to solve innovation problems for industry, government and communities. Healthcare, manufacturing, design services, government services, energy and social services are just some of the sectors where innovation is needed and employment for strategic designers is growing. Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Design program are equipped to work in a wide range of industries and sectors due to their diverse skill set and deep understanding of design thinking and strategy. You will play a crucial role in identifying emerging opportunities, addressing complex challenges, and driving forward-thinking solutions. 

Professional recognition

This course is a Design Institute of Australia Recognised Course. Graduates may meet the educational eligibility requirements to become a DIA Accredited Designer, with benefits including business support and mentoring, full access to practice notes, and development programs. 

Possible careers

  • Business analyst
  • Design strategist
  • Design thinking facilitator
  • Entrepreneur
  • Innovation consultant
  • Service designer
  • Social impact designer

Details and units

The Graduate Diploma in Strategic Design is comprised:

  • 12 credit points of core units.
  • 84 credit points of complementary studies.

The Graduate Diploma in Strategic Design is comprised:

  • 12 credit points of core units.
  • 84 credit points of complementary studies.

Requirements

Course code
DE88
CRICOS code
115460E
Delivery
  • Kelvin Grove
Delivery
  • Kelvin Grove
Duration
1 years full-time
2 years part-time
Duration
1 years full-time
Entry
February and July
Entry
February and July

Entry requirements

You must have completed one of the following:

0.5 year program

1 year program

  • A recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline.

Minimum academic requirements

Entry requirements

You must have completed one of the following:

0.5 year program

1 year program

  • A recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT 79 16 16 21 18

Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2025 fees

2025: $25,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2025 fees

2025: $35,700 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2024 fees

2024: $23,900 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2024 fees

2024: $32,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)

FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

International Merit Scholarship

A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

QUT Real World International Scholarship

A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

How to apply

Follow our step-by-step applying guide to make sure your application is complete, giving you the best chance of getting in.

How to apply


Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today.

Apply now

How to apply

Follow our step-by-step applying guide to make sure your application is complete, giving you the best chance of getting in.

How to apply


Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today.

Apply now

Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today or contact our MBA Program Manager +61 468 575 146 or mba@qut.edu.au

Apply now

Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today or contact our MBA Program Manager +61 468 575 146 (Brisbane),
(02) 6198 3098 (Canberra), emba@qut.edu.au

Apply now

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