Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking is a part-time or full-time program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to solve complex challenges through human-centered design methods. It consists of required units on design thinking tools, research methods, and co-design strategies, along with elective units in various fields. Graduates develop skills applicable in sectors such as business, design, and the public sector, pursuing careers as User Experience Designers, Brand Strategists, and Innovation Leads. The program is developed in collaboration with industry partners to provide relevant insights and is supported by experienced tutors.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking is a part-time or full-time program that takes 0.5 years to complete. It is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to redefine problems, identify alternative strategies, and develop innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges. The program focuses on human-centered design methods, emphasizing user research, empathy mapping, and customer insights. Students will learn to prototype possible solutions in various production and service situations and apply their skills through a real-world client project. The program is suitable for graduates and professionals in fields such as business, community development, engineering, graphic design, health services, information technology, marketing, strategic communications, and sustainable development. Upon completion, students are eligible to transfer units to the Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking and Service Innovation.
Outline:
The program consists of 12 credit points, divided into required units and elective units.
Required Units (9 credit points):
- GRD503 Design Thinking Tools (3 credit points): This unit introduces students to the fundamental tools and techniques of design thinking, including brainstorming, prototyping, and testing.
- GRD504 Research Methods for Innovation (3 credit points): This unit focuses on research methodologies used in design thinking, such as user research, ethnographic studies, and data analysis.
- GRD505 Co-Design Project Strategies (3 credit points): This unit explores collaborative design approaches, emphasizing co-creation and user involvement in the design process.
Specified Elective Units (3 credit points):
Students can choose one elective unit from the following options:
- MCM502 Web Strategy (3 credit points): This unit examines the principles of web design and development, focusing on user experience and online marketing strategies.
- WEB564 Web Research (3 credit points): This unit explores research methods specific to the web, including data mining, social media analysis, and online surveys.
- MBS538 Organisational Behaviour and Management (3 credit points): This unit examines the dynamics of organizational behavior, including leadership, teamwork, and communication.
- COD545 Community Development Theory and Practice (3 credit points): This unit explores the principles and practices of community development, focusing on social change and community engagement.
Careers:
The program equips students with skills applicable across various sectors, including commercial business, resources, creative design, and the public sector. Graduates can pursue careers such as:
- User Experience Designer
- Brand Strategist
- Product Designer
- Innovation Lead Students are supported throughout their studies by passionate tutors with industry-relevant experience.
Entry Requirements:
- Higher Education: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
- Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses: Successful completion of one of the following:
- Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
- MUPC (1 Trimester)
- Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
- Creative Portfolio: Successful Portfolio application as assessed by the Academic Chair of the course.
- GCE A Levels: Aggregate of 6 points from:
- A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
- A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects. At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation. AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included. A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
- Portfolio entry: For Creative Media, Arts and Design and Communications courses, a successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.
- Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC): 70
- Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP): CPS 54 or higher. 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Total score of 24 or higher. Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.
- VET course studied at school: Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE): Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English, English Extension (Literature), English for ESL Learners.
- Certificate IV AQF level 4: Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
- Mature Age Pathway (MAP): MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
- **An AQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or higher, or satisfactory preparation/professional experience as determined by the Academic Chair.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- **For most courses, you must meet a minimum standard in English.
- **Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR, Literature ATAR, English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- **A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language, English Literature, Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language, English Literature, Knowledge and Inquiry.
