Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking

About the course

This graduate certificate introduces design thinking as a human-centred approach to reframe problems and develop innovative solutions for services, products and complex organisational challenges. You’ll learn to use user research, empathy mapping and customer insights to prototype and test ideas, including a real-world client project. It’s suited to professionals across business, technology, health and creative fields, building applied capability in design thinking at postgraduate level in media and communication.

Career outcome

Graduates can apply design thinking skills across commercial, public and creative sectors to improve services, develop products and lead innovation initiatives. The course supports career progression into roles that translate research and customer insights into practical solutions, such as user experience designer, product designer, innovation lead, brand strategist or design researcher. It also provides a pathway to further postgraduate study in design thinking within the media and communication discipline.

Entry requirements

An AQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or higher, or satisfactory preparation/professional experience as determined by the Academic Chair.

Living Costs in Perth**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 17 - 23	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,255 - 1,660	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 866 - 1,146
Transportation (Daily) A$ 6 - 8	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 243 - 321

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)