Diploma of Product Design

Diploma of Product Design - 22622VIC

VOCATIONAL

As a product designer, imagine, explore and create objects that people will manufacture, buy, use and appreciate. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Brunswick
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$25,250 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
July
Location:
Brunswick

Unfortunately, this qualification is no longer available for the 2025 intake due to changes in Victorian government funding. We apologise for any inconvenience but would encourage you to consider these alternative courses, which are open for applications for Semester 1, 2025:

Overview

Are you ready to build a career out of your passion for design and problem solving?

The RMIT Diploma of Product Design, based in Melbourne, is your hands-on pathway to the world of product design. In this 2 year course, you will gain the skills and experience you need to work in small or large design companies or as an independent designer.

This includes cutting-edge product development techniques, finding solutions for consumer products, experiences and systems using the latest industry tools and practices. Create designs, then present your ideas through a combination of visual and verbal communication, 3D models and computer software.

This course is focused on working with external companies on live projects and competitions, modelling the consultancy approach that product designers take with clients and stakeholders. Companies that have worked with this diploma include Rice Cube, Rain Bird, Neomad and Melbourne City Council.

Why study product design at RMIT?

Hands-on learning

Study in product design studios and workshops, learning from industry professionals and practising designers.

Industry focus

Work with external companies on live projects and competitions, rather than undertaking block work experience.

Professional recognition

Join the Design Institute of Australia as a student member, then apply for associate membership on graduation.

Practical, hands on learning

Through your studies you will learn to create designs for consumer products, experiences and systems. You will present your ideas through a combination of skills in visual and verbal communication, 3D models and computer software.

The curriculum looks at all aspects of design, including:

  • aesthetics
  • technology
  • ergonomics
  • usability
  • sustainability
  • materials.

You will learn cutting-edge product development techniques, starting from a project brief, and find solutions to design problems using the latest industry tools and practices. You’ll become familiar with new consumer product development processes for a variety of products, resolving practical, manufacturing and sustainability/environmental issues.

You will also be involved in design projects with local and international organisations.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

You will study in the product design studios, makerspaces and workshops, which model the best practices of a commercial design studio.

Through hands-on studio sessions, lectures, workshops, presentations and group discussions, you will learn from experienced staff who will treat you as though you are a junior designer in a design firm.

You will build essential skills in design through advanced modelling, presentation techniques and digital platforms. You will learn to create solutions for consumer product needs and address problems associated with sustainable growth in both urban and international contexts.

Through your studies you’ll develop skills in:

  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • 3D design
  • design drawing
  • design for manufacturing
  • design theory
  • ergonomics
  • manufacturing principles
  • materials technology
  • product design
  • product development
  • rapid prototyping.

You will develop skills using industry standard software including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino and Keyshot.

You will use industry-standard equipment including 3D printers, CNC machines and laser cutters as well as plastic, timber, composites and metal fabrication tools and techniques.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes project work that incorporates:

  • concept design and development
  • visualisation
  • digital and verbal presentations
  • group projects
  • research and practical tasks.
  • digital outcomes such as CAD models and renders
  • physical outcomes such as form studies, product models and prototypes

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You will work with external companies on live projects and competitions, rather than undertaking block work experience. This models the consultancy approach that product designers take with clients and stakeholders.

Companies that have worked with this diploma include:

  • Rice Cube
  • Rain Bird
  • Neomad
  • Melbourne City Council.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You’ll work with local and international companies on live projects and competitions.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Year 1

You will work on project briefs that

  • explore and apply traditional product development, communication techniques and media
  • work with the latest industry tools and practices
  • develop consumer product design process to resolve practical, manufacturing and sustainability/environmental issues.

Year 2

You will:

  • develop products with greater complexity and range, including assemblies, electrical enclosures, and mechanical products
  • research and analyse design and manufacturing ideas
  • further develop your product development skills and design communication through physical and digital processes.

Full-time students are expected to attend 20 to 21 hours of classes over four days and undertake approximately 15 hours of extra study and research weekly. You will be required to build models of your work, as well as present them in class and to industry in a professional manner.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Product Design
Program code: C5435
National curriculum code: 22622VIC
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Product Design
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
C5435
114571F
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C5435
CRICOS
114571F
View plan
Diploma of Product Design
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time
C5435
114571F
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5435
CRICOS
114571F
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

As a product designer, you’ll work as part of a design or manufacturing team. Many designers also take on freelance work.

Your daily activities may include:

  • meeting clients to discuss design briefs
  • developing concept drawings of your ideas
  • working with local and overseas engineers, designers, prototype makers and marketing staff
  • using technology, production methods and various materials (such as textiles, timber, plastics and metal)
  • working with manufacturers to create prototypes and develop new materials (for example, reconstituted leather, stone or sustainable plastics).

Graduates work as part of design teams in a studio environment or for manufacturing organisations. They may work in areas including display and exhibition design, furniture, packaging, confectionery, toy design, automotive, engineering, electrical, set design and special effects.

Graduates have gone on to work for:

  • Sussex Taps
  • Rakumba
  • Holden
  • Schiavello
  • Yamaha Japan.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF248kb) along with your application. 

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Explore pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages in VTAC.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) with 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the Diploma of Product Design.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$8,500* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$13,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information