For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: CUA50720 | CRICOS Code: 105818G
Diploma of Graphic Design
OverviewAbout this course
The Diploma of Graphic Design strengthens your creative and technical design skills and deepens your abilities in visual storytelling.
Design thinking and creative problem solving are skills that are in demand in both the creative and corporate sectors. In this course, you will gain experience producing designs for advertising, packaging and publishing. Learn how to research visual communication history and theory, develop graphic design practices to meet industry needs and present a body of your creative work. You will also have access to industry software, drawing tablets and scanners.
You will sharpen your drawing, illustration and other visual presentation skills and produce graphic designs for 2D and 3D applications. Be prepared to enter the workplace with a range of practical skills to hit the ground running and make your mark in this exciting creative industry.
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
- Work with a range of media - print, digital, photo media, hand drawing and illustration skills
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Hand drawing and illustration
- 3D design and construction
- Digital design
- Designing and creating publishing elements
- Creating a user interface
- Creating cross-channel ad campaigns
- Working with photo media
- Creating typography
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- Excellent communication skills
- The ability to follow client briefs
- Strong collaborative skills to work in a team and with clients
- The ability to conceive unique design ideas
- Skills to research design history, theory and trends
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Senior Graphic Designer
- Desktop Publishing Operator
- Visual Designer
- Digital Designer
- Motion Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
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.
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Location Requirements:
- Pre-requisite to study at TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore is the Certificate IV Design (Graphic Design)
- Pre-requisite to study at TAFE NSW Kingswood campus is the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
- Pre-requisite to study at TAFE NSW Campbelltown campus is the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
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.
- A natural creative ability
- 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Campbelltown | Feb, Jul | $14,560 AUD |
| Design Centre Enmore | Feb, Jul | $14,560 AUD |
| Kingswood | Feb, Jul | $14,560 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Campbelltown | Feb, Jul | $15,150 AUD |
| Design Centre Enmore | Feb, Jul | $15,150 AUD |
| Kingswood | Feb, Jul | $15,150 AUD |
| Lidcombe | 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
Grow your expertise with a TAFE NSW graphic design study 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