Diploma of Graphic Design

Torrens University Australia

CRICOS Institution Code 03389E

Duration

90 weeks

Delivery

Online, On campus, Blended

Intakes

14 Sep 2026 | 15 Feb 2027 | 31 May 2027 | 13 Sep 2027

Course Overview

About This Course

The Diploma of Graphic Design covers the theory and practice of graphic design, with students crafting original solutions for digital signage, social media, websites and more. The course explores brand development, typography, UX and web design principles, and students master Adobe Creative Suite while building a portfolio for their career. Guided by industry professionals, students cover design principles, research skills, ideas generation and brand identity, including creating and workshopping their own brand with classmates, and tackle real-world projects and briefs that prepare them for the design industry. Learning outcomes include developing the skills to run a freelance graphic design business or work in a professional studio, growing technical and theoretical design skills, understanding the use of typography and design principles in communication, manipulating photography and illustration to create original work, and mastering industry-standard software.

The course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, and students benefit from a partnership with Vogue Australia offering internship, mentoring and scholarship opportunities, plus a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the duration of study and six months after graduation. Delivered online, on campus and in blended mode at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and online, the course runs 18 months full time, up to three years part time, or 12 months accelerated, and is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd trading as Billy Blue College of Design.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

90 Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley, Queensland (QLD) 4006

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Australian secondary school certificate, or equivalent OR
Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above OR
Successful completion of at least 0.25 EFTSL at AQF level 6, 0.5 EFTSL at AQF level 5 or above, or equivalent OR
Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level, which may include approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment

International students:

Successful completion of at least 0.25 EFTSL at AQF level 6, 0.5 EFTSL at AQF level 5 or above, or equivalent OR
Australian secondary school certificate, or equivalent Senior Secondary qualification, or Baccalaureate Diploma AND
Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.0) or equivalent OR
Alternative entry requirements may be available, which may include assessment and approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment (contact the International Admissions team for more information)

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduate from this graphic design diploma prepared to take on a variety of entry-level roles - graphic designer, digital designer, visual designer, illustrator or desktop publisher - in any industry, or ready to enter a specialised bachelor's degree.

Potential career paths include:

Graphic Designer — average salary $73,702-$108,932
Web Designer — average salary $75,000-$135,000
Illustrator — average salary $60,000-$80,828

Salaries sourced from au.talent.com/salary and payscale.com (AUD, current as of April 2025).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units14 units

DGDDD100

Digital Design Foundations

DGDVL100

Visual Language of Design

DGDTY100

Typography

DGDFA100

Finished Art

DGDSB100

Symbols and Branding

DIG104A

Motion Design

DGDPM100

Publishing and Media

DGDFI200

Form and Insight

DIG103A

Interaction Design

WIL100

Work Integrated Learning

DGDPP100

Portfolio and Professional Practice

CIN100A

Data Visualisation

ICC100

Camera and Capture

DGDIL100

Illustration

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there scholarships available for international students enrolling in the Diploma of Graphic Design at Torrens University?

Yes, Torrens University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Motivational Scholarship (up to 25% off tuition), the PEPEA Scholarship (50% off tuition), and the Motivational Scholarship for Trimester 1 Accelerated intake (30% off tuition fees), among others. These scholarships are available to new students across all faculties and apply for the entire course duration.

Can I receive a scholarship if I am coming through a pathway or partner program?

Yes, students from recognised partner institutions and pathway programs may be eligible for exclusive tuition reductions. For example, the Ironwood Pathway offers 20% off, the Pearl Pathway offers 30% off, and the Kings College Malaysia partnership offers 45% off tuition fees for eligible students.

Is there a scholarship available if I plan to study online from outside Australia?

Yes, Torrens University Australia offers an Offshore Online Scholarship that provides up to 30% off tuition fees for international students who are studying online and residing outside Australia, available for undergraduate and postgraduate courses across all faculties.

When is the deadline to apply for international scholarships at Torrens University?

Most scholarships, such as the Motivational Scholarship and the PEPEA Scholarship, operate on a rolling deadline per intake. The Motivational Scholarship for the Trimester 1 Accelerated intake is specifically for students commencing in the Trimester 1 Accelerated intake of 2026. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to secure your scholarship.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$50,000 – $65,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$65,000 – $85,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$85,000 – $105,000/yr

Career Paths

Graphic Designer
Visual Designer
Digital Designer
Communication Designer
Brand Designer

Key Skills

Visual communication and design thinking
Typography selection, pairing, and layout
Colour theory and brand colour system development
Adobe Creative Suite proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Branding and brand identity design

Full course overview

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Hear From the Students

Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.

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Master of Nursing · Griffith University

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