For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: CUA50720 | CRICOS Code: 105818G
Diploma of Graphic Design (Illustration)
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.
Academic Requirements:
- Year 12 or equivalent
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Additional Requirement:
· Submission of a
portfolio, design or written task. Download document
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you.
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended 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
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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.
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Design Centre Enmore | Feb, Jul | $14,560 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Design Centre Enmore | Feb, Jul | $15,150 AUD |
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 2-D and 3-D applicationsCUAGRD502
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.
- 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