OverviewAbout this course
Strengthen your creative and technical design skills and gain experience in producing designs for advertising, packaging and publishing. Advance your career and become a senior graphic designer, digital designer, visual designer or desktop publisher.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Work through the design process from initial design to final product
Work within client briefs to meet expectations
Produce digital and 3D designs using software
Develop hand drawing and illustration skills
Plan and present client presentations
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at Diploma level
Specialist skills in graphic design
A pathway to further study in the creative arts
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Design (Graphic) or its equivalent as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or
Relevant skills or work experience as evidenced by a portfolio which includes multiple examples of your graphic design work. The portfolio must meet different design requirements, demonstrate typographical skills and use graphic design industry software. A head teacher may contact you to discuss your portfolio prior to enrolment in the course.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A flair for creativity
Good illustration and drawing skills with an enthusiasm to produce graphics for 2D and 3D objects and designs
A strong interest in advertising, visual communication and visual story telling on a corporate platform
A passion for publishing
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers plan, design, develop and prepare information for publication and reproduction using text, symbols, pictures, colours and layout to achieve commercial and communication needs with particular emphasis on tailoring the message for the intended audience.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
73%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
20,100 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
37 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$1,330
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
42 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
Very high
Gender share
57% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: graphic designer, desktop publishing operator, visual designer, digital designer, motion graphic designer and illustrator.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study2 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study3 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Diploma of Graphic Design does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Graphic Design qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 19 units of competency, including 9 core and 10 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Refine drawing and other visual representation toolsCUAACD531
Develop and extend design skills and practiceCUADES413
Research visual communication history and theoryCUAGRD501
Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applicationsCUAGRD502
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 12 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to