Associate Degree in Applied Design (Z2E)

Overview  2022

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 2 Years, up to a maximum of 5 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students

Take new understandings of how design shapes every aspect of our world and create change by applying hands-on design skills for positive impact. Help businesses and organisations tell their stories, visualise messages and data to help people through complexity, devise services to meet unmet community needs, or design creative events and experiences that inspire.

In this course you’ll combine foundational design knowledge – in design thinking, processes, forms and language – with a skills focus in one of three design streams: Communication, Digital and Business. You’ll engage with industry-connected projects, practices and expectations, and explore design ethics and histories to contextualise your design work.

Our practice-based learning approach with a diverse, creative community supports you to develop valued and transferable skills of collaboration, reflective and critical thinking essential for problem framing and solving. It also means that tapping into your life and work experience – no matter its length or bent – is encouraged and nurtured because design is at work everywhere!

Your tutors are established designers in Tasmania applying design to care for people and place. We see opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses to thrive by designing the transitions we all need to make swiftly, for local and global resilience. We’re inspired to design for positive social and environmental outcomes as part of our creative livelihoods – not as trade-offs. Connecting people and planet is how we do design.

Graduates of the course may take on work roles involving: inclusive user experience design; web design and digital content creation; creative direction of projects and events; visual design strategy for new and existing organisations; or launch their own creative enterprise.

On completion, you can also choose to expand and deepen your design learning and gain credit towards the Bachelor of Design. This course offers five stream options: Communication Design, Digital Design, Business Design, Object Design and Spatial Design, with engaging opportunities for cross-pollination and networking across our design, art, media, business and architecture disciplines.

Key contacts

Current student enrolment questions and advice UConnect
Course Coordinator Dr Kirsty Mate
  • 1 Identify and apply design concepts, principles and practices to develop, interpret and present ideas and information.
  • 2 Justify design propositions in professional contexts through critical analysis and self-reflection.
  • 3 Generate and refine design propositions through iterative practice employing a range of creative processes and technical skills.
  • 4 Communicate human centred design solutions or innovations by analysing and applying design concepts, processes, and principles
  • 5 Engage in ethical, professional and collaborative practice when applying design principles.
  • Practice-based, experiential learning and portfolio development is a key component of the Associate Degree in Applied Design.

    We help you develop transferable skills by providing an authentic and engaging learning experience with work-based components that you can tailor to your individual circumstances. This means you can contextualise your learning to your personal interests through authentic simulated experiences, or for those already in the industry, you are encouraged to apply and complete relevant assessments within your work environment.

    You will be introduced to:

    • different methods of, and approaches to, practice,
    • how issues such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership are reflected in the workplace and
    • the role of reflection and deliberative thinking in developing workplace-based knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations.

    Course structure

    The Associate Degree in Applied Design (Z2E) includes:

    • eight compulsory units as a core in applied design,
    • a choice of four units within an aligned stream in either Business, Digital, or Communication, and
    • four elective units.

    A student will opt into one of the streams at the commencement of their course. In both years of the degree a student would undertake four core applied design units, two stream units, and two electives. 

    A student may exit at the end of the first year of the course (minimum eight units) with a Diploma of Applied Design.

    In this unit you will learn about the relationships between design elements. Through structured activities and workshops, you will learn how to organise designs artefacts into complex compositions and assemblies. By developing an awareness of the social, material, and cultural…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will be introduced to a range of visual tools and techniques for conceptualising and communicating complex relationships and generating new insights through design. Through a combination of interactive, self-directed learning activities and practical exercises, you will…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Design thinking draws on creative, iterative and collaborative approaches to problem-solving, including exploration of potential solutions though idea generation, rapid prototyping and testing. While conventional approaches to problem-solving often rely on the application of highly structured methodologies and process controls,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Launceston5 Week Session Jan B

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will investigate elements and principles of visual language in art and design, to understand the importance of aesthetics in design and its application to real world projects. You will also be introduced to the nature of…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit explores the relationship between design and industry to develop skills in the planning, development, and production of products and services for a target market or use-case scenario. You will learn how to identify opportunities for new product and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will be introduced to historical influences on the development of contemporary design practices. You will examine the key features of art history in the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th century periods, as well as specific…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will consider a range of ethical problems that are commonly encountered by design practitioners. This can include questions relating to borrowing and acknowledging the ideas and intellectual property of other designers, the impact of design activities…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Choose one of the following:

    This unit focuses on participatory and inclusive design practices to engage diverse audiences in the co-creation of projects. Co-design is an increasingly popular practice that is used in a wide range of contexts to foster inclusion, to identify opportunities, and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the course to define, develop and deliver a personal design project. The project will be based on industry practice and involve analysing problems to recommend possible…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The Stream Business requires the completion of 50 credit points comprising:

    • 25 credit points at Introductory (100) level
    • 25 credit points at Intermediate (200) level

    This unit investigates events of varying scale, and identifies their contribution as a potential key driver of growth and economic development of businesses, cities and communities. It analyses the social, cultural and environmental impacts of events on destinations and communities.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces you to the creative industries and the roles of the so-called ‘creative class’ and creative entrepreneur in shaping communities, urban development and digital economies in recent decades. By delving critically into the discourse of creative entrepreneurship you…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will investigate approaches to design and delivery of projects in industry contexts. This will include identifying and analysing relevant concepts, tools and processes used in the formulation, delivery and management of projects. Investigations will focus on…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This capstone unit will provide opportunities for you to bring together the knowledge learned, and skills developed through your course of study and apply these to entrepreneurial and innovative contexts. This unit creates a practical awareness of the concepts of…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The Stream Communication requires the completion of 50 credit points comprising:

    • 25 credit points at Introductory (100) level
    • 25 credit points at Intermediate (200) level

     

    In this unit, you will examine branding and visual identity – the use of conceptual and visual signs to embody, evoke and represent the qualities, meaning or ‘narrative’ of a product or service to a particular group of people, customers…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Choose one of the following

    This unit will introduce you to the techniques of drawing and printmaking as processes of enquiry and creation. You will learn about the technical and material possibilities of both mediums and how to use a studio as both a site…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Photography 1 will introduce you to the medium of photography. Directed by staff and technicians, in the context of a studio/workshop/tutorial curriculum, you will be introduced to traditional techniques, new technologies and approaches to contemporary practice. Study of this unit…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will explore differences and intersections between virtual/conceptual and physical/experiential fields of design. Through practical fieldwork, you will consider human interactions with public and private spaces, objects, and buildings and architecture in the physical world, and compare…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces digital design applications for image making, illustration and digital visualization, in both vector and raster formats. It explores the diverse nature of digital media tools available and the specific areas of the creative industries they service. Although…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The Digital Stream requires the completion of 50 credit points comprising:

    • 25 credit points at Introductory (100) level
    • 25 credit points at Intermediate (200) level

    User Experience (UX) design seeks to improve the usability, accessibility, and pleasure a product or service provides by identifying the specific points of interaction. By adjusting these points, data can be captured, and improvements measured and replicated. Once you learn…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Choose one unit from the following

    This unit introduces you to the design and prototyping of 3D objects using digital modelling and fabrication techniques. Through hands-on exercises, you will gain knowledge of contemporary additive and subtractive rapid prototyping technologies and develop skills in object design and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will examine branding and visual identity – the use of conceptual and visual signs to embody, evoke and represent the qualities, meaning or ‘narrative’ of a product or service to a particular group of people, customers…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces digital design applications for image making, illustration and digital visualization, in both vector and raster formats. It explores the diverse nature of digital media tools available and the specific areas of the creative industries they service. Although…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will focus on key web design practices and methodologies and applying web development tools to a web design brief. Through guided sessions and self-paced tutorials, you will learn the fundamentals of current HTML and CSS languages,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Select four of the following units

    Entry requirements

    Applicants who have recently completed secondary education

    - Completed the TCE (or equivalent)

    Applicants with higher education study

    - Completed at least one undergraduate unit (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points).

    Applicants with VET / TAFE study

    - A completed VET Certificate III or higher

    Applicants with work and life experience

    f you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course. Prerequisites Nil

    SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

    If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability. We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course.

    You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit) in this associate degree if you:

    • Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma at the University, from TAFE or another institution;
    • Are currently studying another associate degree at the University or at another institution;
    • Have completed studies towards a Bachelor degree at the University or from another institution.

    Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning, or talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

    Students articulating into the Associate Degree in Applied Design from a completed Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Design will receive 50 credit points of advanced standing. Articulation from other courses will be in line with the University’s standard application for credit process.

    Graduates of the Associate Degree in Applied Design are eligible to continue their studies in the Design discipline through an approved articulation pathway to the Bachelor of Design and will receive 200 credit points of advanced standing. Graduates will also be able to continue their studies in a range of Bachelor level courses at the University of Tasmania.

    Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    Scholarships

    Each year the University of Tasmania administers an estimated $7 million in scholarships to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability.

    There are a number of scholarships available to those students studying an Associate Degree in Applied Design.

    For more information on scholarships and to view the full range of scholarships available to you, head to the Scholarships website.

    Additional costs

    In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

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