For domestic students, start your study journey here.
Course code: CUA60320 | CRICOS Code: 110850J
Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
OverviewAbout this course
The Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design deepens your visual communication skills and enables you to leave your creative mark on the world. Tailor your career to specialise in print media, advertising, corporate branding, digital design or illustration for commercial purposes.
Learn to collaborate with your creative team to realise design projects, mastering each step in the design process from the initial brief to the final art.
Graduates can use their new creative knowledge to build a career as a graphic designer, social media designer or content creator, or take the helm at a design business as a studio manager. If drawing and illustrating is your passion, you can focus on that speciality.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
- Develop your typographic design expertise
- Execute graphic designs for complex briefs
- Collaborate with clients
- Undertake project work
- Establish and maintain an environmentally sustainable work practice
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Hand drawing and illustration
- 3D design and construction
- Digital design and illustration techniques
- Publishing techniques
- Creative problem solving solutions
- Teamwork and collaborative preparation
- Producing typography that supports the overall design solution
- Using industry software
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- A passion for exploring innovation in visual communication, advertising, publishing, digital and 3D design
- Excellent communication skills
- The ability to follow briefs
- Strong collaborative skills to work in a team and with clients
- A willingness to take professional feedback
- A desire to learn the business side of the graphic design industry
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Graphic Designer
- Digital Designer
- Studio Manager
- Junior Art Director
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.
Pre-Requisite:
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Additional Requirement:
- For direct entry into this course submission of a portfolio, design or written task is required for assessment. 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 strong interest in areas of design
- The ability to think creatively
- A willingness to work collaboratively on creative design
- Problem-solving skills
- Good communication, organisational and project management skills
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
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 | $13,660 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Design Centre Enmore | Feb, Jul | $14,210 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.
6 core units plus 9 elective units, of which:
6 must be from the electives listed below 3 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.
Establish, negotiate and refine a design briefCUADES512
Manage design realisationCUADES611
Extend typographic design expertiseCUAGRD603
Engage in the business of graphic designCUAGRD611
Originate graphic designs for complex briefsCUAGRD612
Collaborate in professional creative projectsCUAPPR612
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
Whatever your career ambitions, we will help you get there with a range of courses to develop your skills, build your knowledge and prepare you for work.
TAFE NSW is here to create exceptional learner experiences and to support you on your study journey to make sure you achieve your goals.
Explore your study options across a range of disciplines and talk to your TAFE NSW Education Agent or contact us.
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