Diploma of Design and Architecture (Accelerated)

This diploma is a fast, focused introduction to design and architecture, taught at UTS College in Sydney. It runs for 36 weeks, shorter than a standard diploma, so you move through the material at a quicker pace. The subject area is graphic design, which means you spend most of your time on visual communication: typography, layout, colour, image-making and digital design tools. You also get a grounding in how buildings and spaces are designed, which is where the architecture side comes in. It is a good fit if you want to test whether design is for you before committing to a full degree, or if you need a pathway into an Australian bachelor's programme.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. They are made up of units of study, each with a set credit point value, and you normally complete them over two or three study periods. At UTS College, the academic year is split into trimesters, so you can start at more than one point in the year. The accelerated format means you take a heavier load each trimester rather than stretching the same units over a longer time. Assessment is mostly practical: design projects, studio work, presentations and a portfolio you build as you go. There is no research thesis at diploma level, that comes later if you continue to an honours year or a master's. Work-integrated learning is common in design diplomas, and UTS College builds industry-style briefs into the coursework so you graduate with pieces you can show an employer or a university admissions team.

What you actually learn

You learn to use the software designers use every day, and more importantly, you learn why one layout works and another does not. Typography, grid systems, visual hierarchy, colour theory, sketching and digital illustration all come into it. On the architecture side you look at how structures are planned, how space is used and how design decisions affect the people who live and work in buildings. Group projects are part of the deal, so you practise explaining your ideas and taking feedback, the same thing you will do in a design studio or an agency. By the end you should have a portfolio, a working knowledge of design principles and a clearer idea of which direction you want to take.

Who it suits

This is for school leavers who did not get the ATAR they wanted, for career changers who have always been drawn to design, and for international students who need an Australian qualification before moving into a bachelor's degree. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while you study, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. English requirements are set out on the official page, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the usual standard for courses at this level, with TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 082795C. Check the official UTS College page for current entry requirements, start dates and credit arrangements if you plan to continue to a degree.

• Junior graphic designer, working in design studios, advertising agencies and in-house marketing teams across Australia.
• Digital designer, social media content, web graphics and email design for retail, media and not-for-profit organisations.
• Production assistant, preparing artwork for print and digital publication in publishing houses and print businesses.
• Studio assistant, supporting architects and interior designers with drawings, models and presentation material.
• Freelance designer, building a client base in branding, illustration or layout work.
• Pathway to further study, many graduates use the diploma for credit towards a bachelor's degree in design, architecture or visual communication, which opens up roles in UX design, exhibition design and urban planning.