Key facts
Duration
One year (part-time only)
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Upskill and arm yourself with essential knowledge of circularity in the built environment to help build a more sustainable future with Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Science (Design for Circular Cities). This course will equip you with the skills required to succeed as a leader in the growing field of urban sustainability. The expertise you gain will enable you to help create environmentally resilient communities.
Learn how to effectively influence circular city systems through the design and implementation of urban environments that prioritise sustainable practices, such as the minimisation of waste and efficient use of resources. Learn from industry experts and graduate with the work-ready skills and cutting-edge knowledge to thrive in leadership positions.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Science (Design for Circular Cities)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- S519
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Science (Design for Circular Cities) (part-time only), students must pass 4 credit points, including the following:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 2 core units (totalling 4 credit points).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
New course from Trimester 1, 2025. This course is not available to international students.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, site visits and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Science (Design for Circular Cities) you could use the credit points you've earned to enter into further study, including:
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate of Science (Design for Circular Cities) gives you the advanced knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles in the emerging field of circular cities. You may pursue career and leadership opportunities in areas such as:
- urban design consultancies (in planning, engineering, architecture, landscape)
- urban management and governance
- property development and housing
- circular design specialists
- environmental consultancies
- urban regeneration and environmental agencies.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between urban design, architecture, engineering, social sciences, and environmental sciences in the context on circular cities. Develop an understanding of policy, governance and economic frameworks that support circular cities and critically evaluate their effectiveness in different contexts |
| Communication | Communicate complex urban concepts, processes, and outcomes persuasively through a range of media, including verbal presentations, written reports, and visual representations. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital tools and technologies to enhance circular design and planning processes. |
| Critical thinking | Apply design and systems thinking approaches to discover, analyse and reframe complex urban problems related to circularity. |
| Problem solving | Analyse and synthesize data and information to identify opportunities for circularity in cities and catalyse them into propositions that address environmental, economic, and social challenges. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate leadership and entrepreneurial skills in designing, implementing, and promoting circular urban solutions. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and sectors to develop circular city solutions that are contextually relevant and socially equitable. |
| Global citizenship | Critically reflect on the ethical, social, and cultural implications of circular cities in relation to the role of design in shaping circular cities. |