Course Overview

About This Course

The Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design is suitable for students who have previously completed a Diploma of Graphic Design or have extensive experience in the creative industries. Throughout the next 74 weeks, students will expand on their existing design skills to create more complex projects such as package design, website interface design, digital design and client branding.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Gold Coast

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements:

Students must provide evidence of successful completion of: Advanced Diploma requires a minimum of Year 12 OR a minimum of a Certificate III level qualification or higher
If there is no evidence of the above, the student must sit the Entrepreneur Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Test and achieve a satisfactory result
Please note: home country evidence is accepted and must be translated

English Entry Requirements:

Students must pass a minimum of one of the following: Upper Intermediate Certificate or higher; Certificate IV level or higher qualification in Australia; IELTS 5.5; Entrepreneur Education English Test
To ensure that the English test score is current, the English test must have been taken either within two years before the application is made or within two years before the grant of the visa

Course Resource Requirements:

Students will require continual access to their own laptop computer during class and outside of class to meet distance education requirements
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: must have a subscription to the current version
Please note: students are required to purchase these items at their own expense

Course Entry Requirements:

Option 1: Completion of the following units of competency from the CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design: CUAIND512, CUAGRD516, CUAPPR512, CUAPPR513, CUAGRD515, BSBCMM411
Option 2: Submit at least five (5) examples of computer edited graphic work, using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign (the files must be submitted in .psd, .ai and .indd)
- At least one (1) of the above examples must be of a typographic piece (e.g. logo or business card design)
- At least one (1) of the above examples must be of a two-dimensional piece
- At least one (1) of the above examples must be of a three-dimensional piece
- At least one (1) of the above examples must be of a complex design (e.g. magazine, catalogue, multi-page brochure, etc.)

Credit Transfer:

You may be eligible for Credit Transfers if you hold the same unit(s) from another provider
You must present your certified qualification at enrolment stage, together with the completed 'Course Credit Form'
Should your achieved units be equivalent, your CoE/course duration will be reduced according to the amount of time needed to complete the outstanding units

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graphic Designer // User Interface Designer // Freelance Graphic Designer

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units15 units

CUAGRD603

Extend typographic design expertise

This advanced typography unit covers typography, styles and execution in a variety of environments. Students will work on a major project that is based around environmental, three dimensional typography.

BSBPMG430

Undertake project work

Learn how to undertake a straightforward project or a section of a larger project. You will cover developing a project plan, administering and monitoring the project, finalising and reviewing the project to identify lessons learned for application to future projects.

CUAPPR616

Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level

Gain the skills to extend your own expertise in a specialised art form in order to develop a cohesive body of professional work for the public domain. It involves self-directed research and the independent, highly developed use of specialised materials, processes and techniques.

CUAGRD611

Engage in the business of graphic design

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to adopt a professional, commercial approach to graphic design practice. Students will be researching, evaluating and completing a professional business plan for their own creative business.

CUAPPR612

Collaborate in professional creative projects

In this unit you will learn the skills and knowledge required to collaborate with other creative practitioners to establish, realise and evaluate a creative project.

CUAPPR611

Originate a body of independent creative work

Students will learn how to plan, manage and implement their own creative project from beginning to finished product.

CUADES611

Manage design realisation

Students will learn how to plan, manage and implement their own creative project from beginning to finished product.

BSBCRT611

Apply critical thinking for complex problem solving

Understand how to use logical thinking to come up with solutions to problems that occur in the workplace. This unit is for people who need to think objectively in order to come up with organised and creative solutions to complex organisational problems.

CUAILL511

Develop professional illustrations

Students will learn about commercial illustration and topics surrounding the business of Illustration. Students will then be required to produce illustrations for a national travel company promoting international locations.

CUADES512

Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief

Students will learn about commercial illustration and topics surrounding the business of Illustration.

CUADES511

Implement design solutions

Students will work on a design project that is focused on digital design practices, using industry Adobe programs to complete the complex task.

CUAGRD612

Originate graphic designs for complex briefs

Students will work on a design project that is focused on digital design practices, using industry Adobe programs to complete the complex task. This assessment will enhance digital proficiency, preparing graduates for industry.

CUAGRD617

Develop graphic designs for branding and identity

Students will learn the fundamentals of branding and develop the skills needed to create a visual identity.

CUAGRD616

Develop graphic designs for packaging

Students will learn how to create graphic designs for packaging by combining creative and technical design expertise with a comprehensive understanding of the particular factors that apply to packaging.

CUAPPR614

Publicly present a body of own creative work

Learn to present and debate ideas in a work or broader life context using creative techniques in order to provoke response, reaction and critical discussion.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design?

Students can enter via two options: Option 1 requires completion of six specified units from the CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design (including CUAIND512, CUAGRD516, CUAPPR512, CUAPPR513, CUAGRD515, and BSBCMM411). Option 2 requires submission of at least five examples of computer-edited graphic work using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, including at least one typographic piece, one two-dimensional piece, one three-dimensional piece, and one complex design such as a magazine or catalogue. Academically, students must have completed Year 12 or a Certificate III level qualification or higher, and must meet English requirements such as IELTS 5.5 or an equivalent.

How long is the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design and when can I start?

The course runs for 74 weeks in total, broken down as 50 weeks of study, 6 weeks of supervised study, and 18 weeks of holidays. Start dates are monthly — you may commence any Monday. Students who do not start on a preferred start date will complete orientation and then commence class at the start of the next unit.

What software and equipment do I need for this course?

Students will require continual access to their own laptop computer during class and outside of class to meet distance education requirements. Students must also have a subscription to the current version of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Computer system requirements can be checked at https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html. Please note: students are required to purchase these items at their own expense.

What career outcomes can I expect after completing the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design?

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design may pursue careers as a Graphic Designer, User Interface Designer, or Freelance Graphic Designer.

Am I eligible for credit transfer if I have completed similar units at another institution?

You may be eligible for Credit Transfers if you hold the same unit(s) from another provider. To be eligible, you must present your certified qualification at the enrolment stage, together with the completed 'Course Credit Form'. Once assessed, you will be notified of the outcome. Should your achieved units be equivalent, your CoE/course duration will be reduced according to the amount of time needed to complete the outstanding units.

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

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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