Course Overview

About This Course

Are you a creative thinker with a natural eye for design? This course combines the learning of technical, creative and conceptual skills to create graphic designs that meet client requirements and solve a range of visual communication challenges. Study at this level is underpinned by the application of design theory and practice and the ability to analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources to generate design solutions. Graphic designers 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, the Diploma of Graphic Design program will interest those wishing to work. This course is available for Domestic Students under the Smart and Skilled Program in NSW. Under the Smart and Skilled program, the NSW Government subsidises training for students residing in specific regions of NSW. Click here to find out more about the Smart & Skilled Program NSW and apply now!

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Level 1 29 King William St, ADELAIDE, SA 5000

Open in Maps ↗

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

To enter this qualification, applicants must provide portfolio evidence of their technical skills and ability to:
produce multiple examples of graphic design work that meets different design requirements
produce typography that supports the overall design solution
use graphic design industry software. Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience or 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 a 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

Entry level Graphic Designer
Junior First Design and Layout Assistant
Entry level Typographer
Graphic Design Production Assistant

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

How much does the Diploma of Graphic Design cost in total?

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

How long does the Diploma of Graphic Design take to complete?

The Diploma of Graphic Design has a duration of 52 weeks.

Where can I study the Diploma of Graphic Design?

The course is offered across multiple Australian Pacific College campuses in New South Wales (Hickson Rd, Clarence St, Kent St, and Sydney Rd), Queensland (Beach Rd and Albert St), South Australia (King William St), and Victoria (Queen St and William St, Melbourne).

What field of study does this diploma fall under?

The Diploma of Graphic Design falls under the broad field of Creative Arts, with a narrow field of Graphic and Design Studies, and a detailed field of Graphic Arts and Design Studies.

Is the Diploma of Graphic Design a dual qualification?

No, the Diploma of Graphic Design is not a dual qualification. It is a standalone VET-level Diploma with the national code CUA50720 and CRICOS code 105821A.

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

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses