Graduate Diploma in Communication Design
The Works has been repositioned as a Post Graduate degree, over one year. 

This is to provide impetus to an expanded scope of study that in turn responds to the ever widening need for students to be better equipped to gain the best jobs and be better prepared to enter a competitive and complex world of design and communication.

The Works will provide opportunities for students to work with real clients and on projects that reflect current social and economic problems in a collaborative and ideas based environment. The program fits the current approach and philosophies around ‘Design Thinking”

“Design thinking is essentially a human-centred innovation process that emphasizes observation, collaboration, fast learning, visualisation of ideas, rapid concept prototyping and concurrent business analysis. Which ultimately influences innovation and business strategy “ Thomas Lockwood, Design Thinking 2010 

To gain a competitive advantage the successful design practitioner needs to be creative but also understand the attributes of Design Thinking. The concept of Design Thinking is becoming better understood in the business world so designers who can apply these innovations will be well placed to succeed.

In this unique environment students will explore relevant, contemporary social issues.  These ‘themes’ will contain a client based output or communication objective, which will allow students to explore, research and understand cultural behaviours and contexts. This knowledge will ultimately enrich design thinking. With this understanding in place students are able to collaborate with clients in an evolving, equal partnership.

By understanding a clients objective within a broader social framework students are able to think strategically when designing a communication response. This creates a learning environment where students are socially aware, adaptable, creatively agile and ultimately able to consider all aspects of media and communication. The end out come is driven by informed choices leading to appropriate design applications.

The coursework content of eight courses over one year will support and complement projects undertaken.

Courses like Design Narratives / Collaborative Studio Practice and Advanced Communication Design will be structured around projects. Online electives like Client Service Strategy and Analysis  / Luxury Brand Management and Design Management and Quality Systems will allow students to join Masters students from different countries and a variety of industry environments to discuss and explore current issues. All online and in flexible time frames.

There are other electives which permit students to follow individual interests –courses such as -Advertising Theory and Practice / Communication Management; Theory and Practice. At the conclusion of The Works year students can take an option to continue for one more semester , complete four masters courses and gain a Master of Communication Design.