Course Overview

About This Course

This course reflects the role of individuals who have highly specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills in visual communication to conceive, negotiate and realise design solutions. Practice at this level is underpinned by the application of visual communication, design theory, history and the ability to critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources. Advanced communication, organisational and project management skills are also required. Practitioners may work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media. Targeting the practical aspects and employability skills for the design industry, this program will interest those wishing to work.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Level 1 29 King William St, ADELAIDE, SA 5000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

$6,600

Duration

Part Time*: 8 terms (approx. 2 year/s); * Part-time option only available for domestic students.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

ACADEMIC - Successful completion of the CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design or equivalent qualification and submission of a design portfolio with 5-8 pieces of original creative work. Individuals must provide evidence of their ability to:
produce professional typography that demonstrates application of visual communication history and theory
produce graphic designs for two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications
create and manipulate graphics and design complex publication layouts. Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through graphic design work experience or through formal study.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
International students - Successful completion of 8 weeks of General English at Intermediate level or equivalent (plus 80% attendance) at English Unlimited or 10 weeks at other approved providers.
Domestic students applying for VET Student Loans (VSL) - a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, or a Certificate IV level course delivered in English, or competency at or above Exit Level 3 in the ACSF in both reading and numeracy using an approved English test.
Other Domestic students who have not completed either an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (year 12 certificate), an International Baccalaureate diploma or a Certificate 4 or above in the AQF or equivalent (where the course was delivered in English), must undertake an Academic Aptitude Test (AAT) administered by APC and available in an online format.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graphic Designer
Multimedia Artist
Pre-press designer
Junior Art Director
Computer Finished Artist
Illustrator Layout artist

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units19 units

CUADES413

Develop and extend design skills and practice

CUAACD531

Refine drawing and other visual representation tools

CUAILL401

Develop and refine illustrative work

CUAGRD503

Produce typographic design solutions

CUAGRD501

Research visual communication history and theory

CUAPHI531

Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice

CUAGRD516

Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs

CUADIG519

Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art

BSBCRT512

Originate and develop concepts

CUAGRD502

Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications

CUAPPR513

Present a body of own creative work

BSBMKG551

Create multiplatform advertisements for mass media

CUAPHI524

Prepare digital images for pre-press processing

CUADIG516

Design interactions

CUADIG512

Design digital applications

BSBCRT413

Collaborate in creative processes

CUAGRD514

Create and manipulate graphics

CUAGRD515

Design and manipulate complex layouts

CUADIG304

Create visual design components

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design at Australian Pacific College?

The estimated total course cost is AU$13,800, which comprises a tuition fee of AU$13,200 and a non-tuition fee of AU$600.

How long is the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design and does it include a work component?

The course runs for 52 weeks and includes a mandatory work component totalling 864 hours, structured as 24 hours per week over 36 weeks.

In which states and cities is the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design offered?

The course is offered at Australian Pacific College campuses across New South Wales (multiple Sydney locations), Queensland (Brisbane locations), South Australia (Adelaide), and Victoria (Melbourne).

What is the CRICOS code for this course and who is the registered provider?

The CRICOS course code is 106737M and the national VET code is CUA60320. The registered provider is Young Rabbit Pty Ltd (CRICOS Provider Code: 01331F), trading as Australian Pacific College.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

No. This course is not eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights because it is a VET-level Advanced Diploma, not a Skills Level 1 qualification (Bachelor, Masters or PhD), and its duration of 52 weeks is below the required 92-week minimum threshold.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $50,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Graphic DesignerVisual DesignerDigital DesignerCommunication DesignerBrand Designer

Key Skills

Visual communication and design thinkingTypography selection, pairing, and layoutColour theory and brand colour system developmentAdobe Creative Suite proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)Branding and brand identity design

Full Course Overview

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