Graduate Certificate in Service Design

In this course, you will examine the fundamental practice and principles of service design and how these can be applied across a range of complex situations within society. You will investigate how service design uses human-centred methods and approaches to define problems and improve productivity and quality of services. As you
become familiar with the tools and processes service design applies to real-world situations you will also begin to situate yourself as a designer within a multi-disciplinary service economy.

Learning outcomes

• Articulate how service design supports activities in a range of fields, including corporate, social and public sectors  
• Apply a range of design processes and principles such as thinking in critical, systemic and holistic ways to analyse complex systems and issues 
• Critically reflect on the role of a designer within human-centred approaches to service design 
• Evaluate service design solutions from real-world contexts and propose solutions 

Students who complete this course may be eligible for credit (up to 36 credit points) for the GRAP2494 Service Design course within RMIT’s Master of Design Futures. See program page for more information and eligibility requirements.

In this course you will explore how designers work with corporate, social and public sectors to contribute to the envisioning, communication, execution, and innovation of strategy. You will examine the strategies behind the successful delivery of services and experiences, with attention to the broader stakeholder network both internal and external. You will investigate and apply tools, methods and processes to help you align design practices with current and emerging movements in organisational strategy.

Learning outcomes

• Identify current and emerging approaches in organisational strategy.
• Articulate and apply knowledge of how design supports strategic activities in organisations.
• Apply strategic design to an organisational problem.
• Critically evaluate the efficacy of strategic design and propose alternatives.

Students who complete this course may be eligible for credit (up to 36 credit points) for the GRAP2626 Design Strategy course within RMIT's Master of Design Futures. See program page for more information and eligibility requirements. 
 

In this course you will develop fundamental knowledge of design research practice and the role it plays within service design. You will become familiar with various design research tools and the methods by which they can be applied within a human-centred design framework.

Through activities including case-study analysis, fieldwork, observation and reflection you will develop insights into how research allows you, as a designer, to create or improve service experiences for stakeholders. The practice of critical reflection through the process will allow you to examine your own design ‘lens’ and professional identity as an ethical practitioner.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of the role design research plays within a human-centred design framework.
• Critically evaluate and apply judgment in the use of design research methods in diverse contexts.
• Analyse and synthesise material gathered in a design research process.
•  Communicate insights, possible risks, and opportunities within a professional setting.

Students who complete this course may be eligible for credit (up to 36 credit points) for an open elective within RMIT's Master of Design Futures. See program page for more information and eligibility requirements. 
 

In this course you will learn how to synthesise various design processes with observations and information in order to produce an end-to-end service prototype.

You will use design research tools to observe, assess, and then map and articulate the current state of a real-world service. Through a process of critical analysis, idea generation and iterative design, you will develop a future focussed and stakeholder-centric service prototype. The practice of critical reflection through the process will allow you to examine your own design ‘lens’ and professional identity and produce an artefact that reflects this.

*We recommend that you complete Service Futures as the last course in your program. 

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of a human-centred design approach.
• Critically evaluate and apply judgement in the contextual use of design methods and tools.
• Collaborate constructively within a multi-disciplinary professional setting.
• Articulate a professional design proposition which demonstrates a process of reflective practice.

Students who complete this course may be eligible for credit (up to 36 credit points) for an open elective within RMIT's Master of Design Futures. See program page for more information and eligibility requirements. 
 

An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification from a recognised tertiary institution. You may also be considered for the graduate certificate if you have work experience, or skills required in service design and delivery.

These include any public-facing interfaces such as but not limited to retail, corporate, government, welfare, not-for-profit or cultural organisations. This experience may include creative practice, community engagement, consultancy, transport, customer experience, process analysis, innovation and start-ups, human resources, organisational strategy and design or similar roles.

Applicants will need to submit a statement that details their experience alongside a CV.

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

If you are a local student refer to the English requirements for postgraduate coursework programs.

If you are an international student refer to the English requirements and equivalency information. The program requires a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 in IELTS (Academic).

RMIT’s Online Graduate Certificate in Service Design does not meet Australian student visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study. For more details on RMIT’s on-campus programs visit rmit.edu.au. 

At RMIT Online, we’re committed to supporting your lifelong learning journey. Our flexible learning pathways can be tailored to align with your individual educational goals. Some of our short courses, when taken in certain combinations, are eligible for credit in the Graduate Certificate in Service Design. For a full list of the short course elective bundles and eligibility, please refer here. To be eligible for a credit transfer, you will also need to meet this program’s entry requirements. The course must be a current credential or completed within the last 10 years. Individual short courses are not recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Some courses within our Graduate Certificate in Service Design may also be eligible for credit into the Master of Design Futures. See individual course descriptions for more information. Eligibility and criteria still apply.