Graduate Diploma of Science (Design for Circular Cities)
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Diploma of Science (Design for Circular Cities) |
| Course Credit Points | 8 |
| Deakin course code | S619 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Campus | This course is an exit option only |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
| Supplementary Information | This course is suspended. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
Course overview
Be ready to step into the job opportunities offered by the booming green economy with the Graduate Diploma of Science (Design for Circular Cities). This course will equip you with the skills to succeed as a leader in the growing field of urban sustainability. The expertise you gain will enable you to help build a more sustainable future and create environmentally resilient communities.
Learn how to effectively influence circular city systems with a focus on the design and implementation of urban environments that prioritise sustainable practices - such as the minimisation of waste and efficient use of resources.
Looking for a career that enables you to make a real difference?
Gain in-depth foundational knowledge of circular city principles through core units before exploring a topic in urban sustainability that interests you most via an elective. Choose from topics such as food security, climate change, community development, leadership, finance and data analytics - to name a few. You'll also learn by doing, gaining hands-on experience in the applied design research lab. Here, you'll apply design thinking and research methods to real-world problems, building innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Indicative student 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.
Career opportunities
The Graduate Diploma of Science (Design for Circular Cities) gives you the advanced knowledge and skills to make a difference in the field of urban sustainability. You may pursue career opportunities in areas such as:
- circular design specialists
- environmental consultancies
- property development and housing
- urban design consultancies (in planning, engineering, architecture, landscape)
- urban management and governance
- urban regeneration and environmental agencies.
Participation requirements
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Course learning outcomes
| 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. |
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Science (Design for Circular Cities) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 7 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point course elective unit.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SRA710 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SRD743 | Components of the Circular City (2 credit points) ^ |
| SRL733 | Indigenous Narratives and Design Processes |
| SRD744 | Interactions and Enablers of the Circular City (2 credit points) ^ |
| SRR703 | Applied Design Research Lab (2 credit points) |
Plus one (1) unit (1 credit point) from the course elective list (subject to meeting unit requirements)
^ not available in 2026
Course electives
Environmental Systems - Natural Capital
| SLE740 | Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation |
| SLE742 | Systems Thinking for Sustainability and Resilience |
| ADH712 | Food and Water Security |
| SLE741 | Regional Development Economics for Sustainability |
| SLE725 | Environmental Management Systems |
| HSN706 | Policy and Practice for Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems |
| SRR722 | Built Environment Project |
Urban Life - Social Cultural Capital
| HSH703 | Health Promotion |
| ADS701 | Introduction to International and Community Development |
| HSH728 | Health Equity and Human Rights |
| AIM708 | World Heritage |
| AIM703 | Heritage Practice: Conservation and Managing Change |
| ADS705 | Participatory and Community Development Practice |
| ALR718 | Communication for Social Change |
| HSH701 | Principles and Practice of Public Health |
| HSH736 | Community Consultation and Participation |
| ADS715 | Cross Cultural Communication and Practice |
| SRR722 | Built Environment Project |
Urban Systems - Human-made Capital
| SLE757 | Environmental Science and Global Change |
| MPM780 | Foundations in Leadership |
| AIR726 | Human Rights in World Politics |
| MMP713 | Property and Real Estate Context |
| MIS772 | Predictive Analytics |
| MAF702 | Financial Markets and Digital Innovations |
| MAF752 | Principles of Finance |
| MIS770 | Foundation Skills in Data Analysis |
| SLE756 | Sustainability in the Anthropocene |
| AIP746 | Challenges to Democracy |
| ADH717 | Climate Change and Sustainability |
| SLE715 | Circular Economy |
| MPT712 | Managing Innovation (Tour) |
| MAA767 | Enterprise Value Creation: Sustainability and Integrated Reporting |
DMC713-OD Life Cycle Assessment (0.5 credit points) ^, and
MMC715-SY Sustainable Leadership to 2030 (0.5 credit points) ^
^ Must be completed together. These fully online microcredentials (Stackable Short Courses) suit professionals with busy lives and work commitments, allowing you to complete microcredentials anytime and anywhere. Please refer to Microcredential learner support for more information.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.