Graduate Certificate in Interaction Design
Note
This course is not offered to international students.
This course is ideal for professionals aiming to enter or advance in the field of interaction design, which focuses on creating user-centric digital products and services. Choose this course to stay ahead in this dynamic sector, gaining both theoretical insights and hands-on industry-standard skills demanded by employers.
What sets this course apart is its blend of current theory with practical application, tailored to meet industry needs. You will acquire expertise in designing information environments and interactive systems that are both functional and cost-effective.
You will learn to apply human-centred design principles, ensuring your creations are seamlessly integrated into users' lives by understanding their practices and values.
Whether new to the field, looking to enhance related skills, or already an interaction design professional, this course will elevate your competence and employability in a variety of roles within the industry.
If you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible to upgrade to a related master’s course.
While industry demand for skilled interaction designers and various other jobs, such as user experience (UX) designers, service designers etc., is increasing, there is a lack of formal education/training offered by universities in interaction design. This course is designed to provide students with the most current and requisite skills in this fast-evolving field. Graduates possess skills in industrially applicable and cost-effective information environments (i.e. multimedia, interactive systems design and associated information technology). The course provides industry with graduates who can combine these skills with those of their original discipline in professional applications-oriented settings.
The course is committed to producing graduates who have a deep understanding of human-centred approaches to designing digital technologies. This ensures that 'products' created are more likely to 'fit' meaningfully into users' lives, because the design process is informed by a deep understanding of people's practices, particular situations and values.
The Graduate Certificate in Interaction Design is attractive to different types of learners, namely:
- those who are currently working in a job that is not related to interaction design
- those working in jobs closely related to interaction design, and
- those already working in interaction design-related jobs.
Request an info pack
Course aims
In the core subjects students learn through the practice of an iterative human-centred design process to solve a real-world problem with actual users, developing skills to analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex problems. They also gain advanced technical and theoretical knowledge in interaction design. Students also engage with interaction design for emerging computing contexts, gaining advanced knowledge and skills.
Study plan
To view the study plan please visit the UTS Handbook.Course fees
For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:
Local student
In most cases, UTS offers domestic students entry to postgraduate courses on a fee paying basis.
Tuition fees are charged:
- based on the particular course in which you are enrolled
- based on the number of credit points in which you are enrolled
- at the rates set for the current year and revised annually
Fees for future year(s) published in the online calculator, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.
Tuition fees can be found in the online calculator.
A small number of postgraduate courses offer government subsidised Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Find out whether there are CSPs available in this course by visiting our postgraduate fees page.
In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay a Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The purchase of textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional costs.
UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage
International student
Tuition fees for international postgraduate coursework students can be found using fees search.
Tuition fees must be paid in advance each session and are subject to annual increase. Fees for future year(s) published in fees search, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.
For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $1104. The total credit points are 24.
All international students should familiarise themselves with the following documents:
- Protocol on refund of fees for international students - contains the refund of fees information for international students.
- Tuition Protection Service - designed to ensure that students receive the tuition they have paid for
In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Textbooks and other course materials will also result in additional costs.
UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage
For further information on costs related to your study at UTS, visit the international students' fees information page.
Careers
Graduates can gain employment in a range of technology design-related roles, such as interaction designer, UX designer, UX researcher, service designer, or digital experience architect.
For those currently working in closely related jobs, such as web design, graphic design, interface design etc., this course provides the necessary formal training in the discipline in order to make a more definitive move into jobs in interaction design. Similarly, many find themselves working within the field of interaction design without formal training, and this course provides a good foundation and opportunities to extend their interaction design skills more formally.
For those not working in a job related to interaction design, this course provides the opportunity to learn about the discipline and to transition into the various jobs under the interaction design umbrella.
Course structure
To view the course structure please visit the UTS Handbook.Additional information
Course duration
The course duration is one year of part-time study.
On campus - WeeklyAdmission requirements
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian master’s or doctoral degree, or overseas equivalent
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor’s degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma, or overseas equivalent with more than 75% of all subjects completed at pass level (conceded pass not included)
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree, or overseas equivalent, with more than 70% of all subjects completed at pass level (conceded pass not included) AND A minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant post-secondary professional experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Interaction Design
OR
- Completed Australian associate degree (AQF 6), or overseas equivalent, with more than 75% of all subjects completed at pass level (conceded pass not included) AND A minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant post-secondary professional experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Interaction Design
OR
- Completed Australian advanced diploma (AQF 6) or diploma (AQF 5) or New Zealand technical and vocational NQF Levels 5-7, or other overseas equivalent AND A minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant post-secondary professional experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Interaction Design
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
- A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
For applicants who need to demonstrate interest in the course:
- Personal statement outlining:
- capacity for postgraduate tertiary study
- previous paid or unpaid work and/or life experiences that are relevant to the proposed course of study
- demonstrated knowledge and/or interest in the proposed course of study
- demonstrated awareness of expectations of the proposed course of study and its appropriateness to the applicant's needs
- demonstrated commitment to study
- other relevant experiences or information to support the application (e.g. evidence of any impact of disadvantages or inequity, experiences)
The English proficiency requirement for local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian master’s or doctoral degree, or overseas equivalent
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor’s degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma, or overseas equivalent with more than 75% of all subjects completed at pass level (conceded pass not included)
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree, or overseas equivalent, with more than 70% of all subjects completed at pass level (conceded pass not included) AND A minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant post-secondary professional experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Interaction Design
OR
- Completed Australian associate degree (AQF 6), or overseas equivalent, with more than 75% of all subjects completed at pass level (conceded pass not included) AND A minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant post-secondary professional experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Interaction Design
OR
- Completed Australian advanced diploma (AQF 6) or diploma (AQF 5) or New Zealand technical and vocational NQF Levels 5-7, or other overseas equivalent AND A minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant post-secondary professional experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Interaction Design
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
- A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
For applicants who need to demonstrate interest in the course:
- Personal statement outlining:
- capacity for postgraduate tertiary study
- previous paid or unpaid work and/or life experiences that are relevant to the proposed course of study
- demonstrated knowledge and/or interest in the proposed course of study
- demonstrated awareness of expectations of the proposed course of study and its appropriateness to the applicant's needs
- demonstrated commitment to study
- other relevant experiences or information to support the application (e.g. evidence of any impact of disadvantages or inequity, experiences)
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.
Assumed knowledge
This course does not require formal training in IT, but experience in IT would be an advantage. Some subjects require development of various implementation skills, and so an enthusiastic approach to development of technical proficiency is important, but no previous knowledge is expected.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of prior learning is not available for this course.
The substitution of core subjects with an alternative/advanced postgraduate subject in a similar field of study may be granted.
Articulation with UTS courses
This course is part of an articulated program comprising the Graduate Certificate in Interaction Design, the Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design (C06123), the Master of Interaction Design (C04222), and the Master of Interaction Design (Extension) (C04234).
Students who wish to articulate from this course to either of the master's courses are typically eligible for 24 credit points of recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships and prizes
Scholarships
For Information Technology students
- ARC Linkage Project in digital-twin driven prognostics for the mining industry
- Crescent Leadership Scholarship
- Developing a governance model for reef and fisheries governance in SE Asia
- Ericsson Technology Scholarship
- International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP)
- Mentoring of Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship
- RACE for 2030 CRC Industry PhD Scholarship
- Rosemary Johnston HDR Scholarship
- Scape Accommodation Scholarship
- Supporting sustainable and equitable coral reef and fisheries governance in SE Asia
- Telstra Enterprise Certitude Scholarship
- The Animal Logic Scholarship
- The FEIT Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship
- The Wonderful, Fluorescent, Massive World of Tiny Invisible Things: Creating Transformative Science Stories for Children. A collaboration between science and the creative arts.
- Thrive: Next Generation Graduates - PhD – Social Science and Policy
- UTS Diploma to Degree Pathway Scholarship
- UTS Housing Resident Networker Scholarship
- UTS Scholarship for European Undergraduate Students
- UTS-Vietnam Government Project 89 PhD Scholarship
- Wikipedia and Australian history and events
Only for international students
- Australia Awards Scholarships (Australian Government Scholarships)
- UTS Academic Excellence International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Merit International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Merit International Scholarship – South Asia
- UTS Chinese Postgraduate Tuition Fee Scholarship
- UTS MACC Postgraduate Scholarship
- UTS Study Abroad Excellence Scholarship
- UTS Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship
For all domestic students
Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students
Prizes and awards
For Information Technology students
- Andrew and Lina Gullotta UTS Community Pharmacy Award
- Aqua Nine and DeAúrora UTS Good Manufacturing Practice Prize
- Business Deans Merit List (Postgraduate)
- CommBank & Telstra UTS Best Venture Prize
- Dame Mary Gilmore Memorial Prize in Journalism
- Engineering (Management) Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Engineering (Technical) Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Gareth Ivory Memorial Prize in Journalism
- Guy Morrison Prize for Excellence
- Henry Davis York Prize
- Industrial Relations Society of NSW Prize for Excellence in Industrial Relations Undergraduate Study
- Information Technology Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Lance Jolly Prize
- Orthoptics Australia Prize
- Pharmaceutical Defence Limited Prize
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Prize for Excellence in Pharmacy
- PMI Project Management Prize
- SAS Postgraduate Data Mining Prize
- SHPA NSW Branch Prize for Excellence in Clinical Practice
- Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts Award for Achievement in Adult Education
- Teachers Mutual Bank Rural Student Placement Prize
- The BioCeuticals Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Carla Zampatti Foundation Design Award
- The Complementary Medicine Group (CMG) for Good Manufacturing Practice Prize
- The iNova Pharmaceuticals Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Star Combo Pharma Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Webstercare Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- Trevor Buchner Design Prize
- UTS Anthology Writing Prize
- Zonta Club of Sydney Inc Prize for the Woman MBA Graduate of the Year
UTS: Handbook
Information for international students
Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.
Domestic students
Before you apply
Here are a few important things for you to check out before you apply:
- session dates
- admission requirements for postgraduate coursework at UTS
- required levels of English proficiency for the course you’re interested in.
- recognition of prior learning guidelines if you’ve undertaken previous study that might be credited towards your course at UTS.
How to apply
Domestic applicants can apply via UTS Student Portal.
Intake
Spring Session 2025
Important dates
JANUARY 2025
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26
|
Postgraduate applications close for Main Calendar Autumn Session 2025
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FEBRUARY 2025
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---|---|
3
|
Postgraduate applications open for Spring and Summer Session 2025
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3 - 14
|
Orientation for Main Calendar Autumn Session
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17
|
Main Calendar Autumn Session 2025 commences
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MARCH 2025
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3
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Last day to be admitted to a course or enrol in (add) subjects for Main Calendar, Health UG Calendar, Education UG + PG Calendar Health Extended Teaching Calendar Autumn Session 2025
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JUNE 2025
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29
|
Postgraduate applications close for Spring Session 2025
|
JULY 2025
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21 - 25
|
Orientation for Main Calendar Spring Session
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28
|
Main Calendar Spring Session 2025 commences
|
AUGUST 2025
|
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---|---|
11
|
Last day to be admitted to a course or enrol in (add) subjects for Main Calendar, Health UG Calendar, Health Extended Teaching Calendar Spring Session 2025
|
OCTOBER 2025
|
|
---|---|
TBC
|
Postgraduate applications close for Summer Session 2025
|
DECEMBER 2025
|
|
---|---|
1 - 5
|
Orientation for Main Calendar Summer Session 2025
|
JANUARY 2026
|
|
---|---|
TBC
|
Postgraduate applications close for Main Calendar Autumn Session 2026
|
Need more information?
Scholarships, prizes and awards
Scholarships
For Information Technology students
- ARC Linkage Project in digital-twin driven prognostics for the mining industry
- Crescent Leadership Scholarship
- Developing a governance model for reef and fisheries governance in SE Asia
- Ericsson Technology Scholarship
- International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP)
- Mentoring of Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship
- RACE for 2030 CRC Industry PhD Scholarship
- Rosemary Johnston HDR Scholarship
- Scape Accommodation Scholarship
- Supporting sustainable and equitable coral reef and fisheries governance in SE Asia
- Telstra Enterprise Certitude Scholarship
- The Animal Logic Scholarship
- The FEIT Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship
- The Wonderful, Fluorescent, Massive World of Tiny Invisible Things: Creating Transformative Science Stories for Children. A collaboration between science and the creative arts.
- Thrive: Next Generation Graduates - PhD – Social Science and Policy
- UTS Diploma to Degree Pathway Scholarship
- UTS Housing Resident Networker Scholarship
- UTS Scholarship for European Undergraduate Students
- UTS-Vietnam Government Project 89 PhD Scholarship
- Wikipedia and Australian history and events
Only for international students
- Australia Awards Scholarships (Australian Government Scholarships)
- UTS Academic Excellence International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Merit International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Merit International Scholarship – South Asia
- UTS Chinese Postgraduate Tuition Fee Scholarship
- UTS MACC Postgraduate Scholarship
- UTS Study Abroad Excellence Scholarship
- UTS Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship
For all domestic students
Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students
Prizes and awards
For Information Technology students
- Andrew and Lina Gullotta UTS Community Pharmacy Award
- Aqua Nine and DeAúrora UTS Good Manufacturing Practice Prize
- Business Deans Merit List (Postgraduate)
- CommBank & Telstra UTS Best Venture Prize
- Dame Mary Gilmore Memorial Prize in Journalism
- Engineering (Management) Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Engineering (Technical) Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Gareth Ivory Memorial Prize in Journalism
- Guy Morrison Prize for Excellence
- Henry Davis York Prize
- Industrial Relations Society of NSW Prize for Excellence in Industrial Relations Undergraduate Study
- Information Technology Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Lance Jolly Prize
- Orthoptics Australia Prize
- Pharmaceutical Defence Limited Prize
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Prize for Excellence in Pharmacy
- PMI Project Management Prize
- SAS Postgraduate Data Mining Prize
- SHPA NSW Branch Prize for Excellence in Clinical Practice
- Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts Award for Achievement in Adult Education
- Teachers Mutual Bank Rural Student Placement Prize
- The BioCeuticals Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Carla Zampatti Foundation Design Award
- The Complementary Medicine Group (CMG) for Good Manufacturing Practice Prize
- The iNova Pharmaceuticals Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Star Combo Pharma Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Webstercare Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- Trevor Buchner Design Prize
- UTS Anthology Writing Prize
- Zonta Club of Sydney Inc Prize for the Woman MBA Graduate of the Year
International students
Before you apply
Here are a few important things for you to check out before you apply:
- session dates
- admission requirements for postgraduate coursework at UTS
- required levels of English proficiency for the course you’re interested in.
- recognition of prior learning guidelines if you’ve undertaken previous study that might be credited towards your course at UTS.
You can meet an international student advisor at one of our events worldwide to ask questions and submit an application.
Important dates
View the Academic year dates for information on session start and end dates, census dates, study vacation and exam periods.
Visit essential information for international students for the application closing dates.
How to apply
This course is not available to international applicants. UTS International has information on all courses available to international applicants wishing to study at UTS.
Download an application formNeed more information?
Scholarships, prizes and awards
Scholarships
For Information Technology students
- ARC Linkage Project in digital-twin driven prognostics for the mining industry
- Crescent Leadership Scholarship
- Developing a governance model for reef and fisheries governance in SE Asia
- Ericsson Technology Scholarship
- International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP)
- Mentoring of Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship
- RACE for 2030 CRC Industry PhD Scholarship
- Rosemary Johnston HDR Scholarship
- Scape Accommodation Scholarship
- Supporting sustainable and equitable coral reef and fisheries governance in SE Asia
- Telstra Enterprise Certitude Scholarship
- The Animal Logic Scholarship
- The FEIT Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship
- The Wonderful, Fluorescent, Massive World of Tiny Invisible Things: Creating Transformative Science Stories for Children. A collaboration between science and the creative arts.
- Thrive: Next Generation Graduates - PhD – Social Science and Policy
- UTS Diploma to Degree Pathway Scholarship
- UTS Housing Resident Networker Scholarship
- UTS Scholarship for European Undergraduate Students
- UTS-Vietnam Government Project 89 PhD Scholarship
- Wikipedia and Australian history and events
Only for international students
- Australia Awards Scholarships (Australian Government Scholarships)
- UTS Academic Excellence International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Merit International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Merit International Scholarship – South Asia
- UTS Chinese Postgraduate Tuition Fee Scholarship
- UTS MACC Postgraduate Scholarship
- UTS Study Abroad Excellence Scholarship
- UTS Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship
For all domestic students
Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students
Prizes and awards
For Information Technology students
- Andrew and Lina Gullotta UTS Community Pharmacy Award
- Aqua Nine and DeAúrora UTS Good Manufacturing Practice Prize
- Business Deans Merit List (Postgraduate)
- CommBank & Telstra UTS Best Venture Prize
- Dame Mary Gilmore Memorial Prize in Journalism
- Engineering (Management) Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Engineering (Technical) Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Gareth Ivory Memorial Prize in Journalism
- Guy Morrison Prize for Excellence
- Henry Davis York Prize
- Industrial Relations Society of NSW Prize for Excellence in Industrial Relations Undergraduate Study
- Information Technology Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Lance Jolly Prize
- Orthoptics Australia Prize
- Pharmaceutical Defence Limited Prize
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Prize for Excellence in Pharmacy
- PMI Project Management Prize
- SAS Postgraduate Data Mining Prize
- SHPA NSW Branch Prize for Excellence in Clinical Practice
- Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts Award for Achievement in Adult Education
- Teachers Mutual Bank Rural Student Placement Prize
- The BioCeuticals Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Carla Zampatti Foundation Design Award
- The Complementary Medicine Group (CMG) for Good Manufacturing Practice Prize
- The iNova Pharmaceuticals Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Star Combo Pharma Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Webstercare Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- Trevor Buchner Design Prize
- UTS Anthology Writing Prize
- Zonta Club of Sydney Inc Prize for the Woman MBA Graduate of the Year