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    OverviewAbout this course

    The Diploma of Graphic Design (Illustration) strengthens your creative and technical illustration skills so you can advance your career as an illustrator or senior graphic designer.

    You'll have the opportunity to experiment with different illustrative techniques and refine your individual style. During this course, you'll create your own body of work by researching historical and contemporary illustrations and investigating how to achieve different technical effects.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:

    • Work through the design process from initial design to final product
    • Plan and present client presentations
    • Work within client briefs to meet expectations
    • Produce digital and 3D designs using software
    • Develop hand drawing and illustration skills

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Hand drawing and illustration
    • Digital illustration techniques
    • 3D design and construction
    • Digital design
    • Publishing
    • Creative problem solving
    • Working correctly with equipment and materials
    • Producing and displaying finished work

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • An eagerness to explore innovation in visual communication, advertising, publishing and 3D design
    • Excellent communication skills
    • The ability to follow briefs
    • Strong collaborative skills to work in a team and with clients
    • An aptitude for problem solving
    • Unique design ideas

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Illustrator
    • Senior Graphic Designer
    • Motion Graphic Designer
    • Visual Designer
    • Digital Designer
    • Desktop Publishing Operator

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    9 core units plus 10 elective units, of which: 6 must be from the electives listed below 4 may be from the remaining listed electives or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course.

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Refine drawing and other visual representation toolsCUAACD531

    • Develop and extend design skills and practiceCUADES413

    • Research visual communication history and theoryCUAGRD501

    • Produce graphic designs for 2CUAGRD502

    • Produce typographic design solutionsCUAGRD503

    • Create and manipulate graphicsCUAGRD514

    • Design and manipulate complex layoutsCUAGRD515

    • Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needsCUAGRD516

    • Present a body of own creative workCUAPPR513

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Take your learning to the next level with a TAFE NSW Design pathway:

    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International