Home > Courses > Graphic Design > Diploma of Graphic Design
CUA50725

Diploma of Graphic Design

Study Method Online
Provider Swinburne Open Education
Recognition Nationally Recognised Training
Start Date Enrol anytime
Swinburne Open Education

Course overview

This nationally recognised diploma offers an entry point into the design industry. Students will learn the skills and knowledge required to 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.

This course has been designed with a focus not only on graphic design skills but also includes learning outcomes that prepare students for business and freelance work. Business skills have been incorporated throughout the course, such as how to establish a new business and manage the associated risks, how to build and maintain professional business relationships, as well as project management and leadership skills.

Job outcomes

  • Graphic designer
  • Studio manager
  • Freelance graphic designer

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Recognitions

Nationally Recognised Training

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia

Study method

  • Online Online info icon
    Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
  • Blended Blended info icon
    Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
  • In-class In-class info icon
    In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
  • Virtual Virtual info icon
    Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

Duration study load

The course has a maximum duration of 12–36 months and is self-paced. The diploma is divided into three study periods, each scheduled for 12 months, with a total course duration of up to 36 months.

Estimated total hours per study period: 450 hours. Estimated completion time based on weekly study hours:

  • 8 hours/week: approximately 12 months
  • 16 hours/week: approximately 7 months
  • 24 hours/week: approximately 5 months

Each study period allows an extension window of up to 5 months (eligibility criteria apply).

Delivery

This course is delivered entirely online. All learning materials are accessed through Swinburne Open Education's online learning platform, accessible on desktop, tablet or mobile.

Entry requirements

To enter this course, students must:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or resident

  • Provide evidence of technical skills and ability to:

  • Produce multiple examples of graphic design work that meets different design requirements

  • Produce typography that supports the overall design solution

  • Use graphic design industry software

Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience or formal study.

IT Requirements:

  • Desktop or laptop: Latest version of Chrome or Safari, Microsoft Office (2010 or higher), Adobe PDF Reader

  • Mobile or tablet: Latest version of Chrome or Safari, latest version of Android or iOS (students using a mobile or tablet will need to upload documents from a laptop or desktop or have a Dropbox account)

Pathway for applicants without a portfolio: Students who do not yet have a qualifying portfolio can complete the Graphic Design Portfolio Builder course, a preparatory short course that guides students in developing a professional portfolio meeting the entry criteria for the Diploma.

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Course features

  • Innovative online delivery — study on any device: desktop, tablet or mobile
  • Self-paced study with flexible rolling monthly intakes
  • Diploma split into three manageable study blocks, each earning a statement of attainment
  • Access to Adobe Creative Cloud included
  • Monthly Course Spotlight videos from trainers
  • One-on-one video calls with trainers available
  • Student forums and comprehensive academic and student services support
  • Extension windows of up to 5 months per study period (eligibility criteria apply)

Professional Recognition

NRT – Nationally Recognised Training. Upon successful completion, students receive the nationally recognised qualification CUA50725 Diploma of Graphic Design, awarded by Swinburne University of Technology (RTO 3059).

Courses are delivered and assessed by UP Education, one of the largest private education groups in the Asia-Pacific.

Assessment

The course is assessed online through the learning management platform. Students are assigned a specialist assessor for each module. Assessment tasks include:

  • Short answer questions
  • Portfolio of work
  • Written reports
  • Video role plays and presentations
  • Projects
  • Reflective journal

Some assessments require role plays to demonstrate communication and problem-solving skills, which are recorded via video on the student's device and uploaded to the online platform.

Materials

Learning materials are accessed through the online learning portal and include:

  • Learning activities
  • Rich media including video resources and web links
  • Access to Adobe Creative Cloud

Additional information

Online modules are broken down into topics and subtopics specific to each module. Each module contains a range of learning styles including written text, diagrams, instructional videos and formative activities that provide instant feedback and prepare students for summative assessments.

Trainer support is available through the course messaging system, with one-on-one video calls available if needed. A Monthly Course Spotlight video is also provided, and students can request topics for future Spotlights through the form in their course.

Through the learning platform, students will:

  • Access learning materials and assessments

  • Undertake and upload assessments

  • Engage and interact with their trainer

  • View monthly Course Spotlight videos recorded by their trainer

  • Participate in student forums

  • Access assessment grades and feedback

  • Access student support services

Subjects

This course contains 20 online modules, split into three study blocks. The modules have been designed to cover 19 units of competency, including 9 core units and 10 elective units. The course also contains an introductory module.

Students are required to complete all units of competency in a study block to meet the eligibility criteria to move onto the next study block. Students must enrol into each study block individually. On successful completion of each study block, a statement of attainment is awarded; on successful completion of all three study blocks, the full diploma is awarded.

Core Units
Introduction to Diploma of Graphic Design
CUAGRD501Research visual communication history and theory
CUADES413Develop and extend design skills and practice
CUAACD531Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
CUAGRD516Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
CUAGRD514Create and manipulate graphics
CUAGRD503Produce typographic design solutions
CUAGRD515Design and manipulate complex layouts
CUAGRD502Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
CUAPPR513Present a body of own creative work
BSBMKG439Develop and apply knowledge of communications industry
BSBXCM401Apply communication strategies in the workplace
BSBLDR411Demonstrate leadership in the workplace
BSBPMG430Undertake project work
BSBCRT412Articulate, present and debate ideas
BSBCRT411Apply critical thinking to work practices
BSBTWK401Build and maintain business relationships
BSBESB402Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
BSBPEF501Manage personal and professional development
BSBCMM411Make presentations

Want more information about the subjects for this course?

Payment options

Eligible students may be able to access a VET Student Loan (VSL). For details on eligibility criteria, refer to Swinburne University of Technology's website.

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About Swinburne Open Education

We are focused on helping more and more Australians achieve their career aspirations and ensuring they’re prepared for future workforce needs. We support you to achieve your career goals, from work-integrated learning, to work placement. We’ve partnered with industry experts that need people like you, now.

Swinburne Open Education courses are delivered and assessed by UP Education, one of the largest private education groups in the Asia-Pacific. All qualifications are nationally recognised in Australia and are awarded by Swinburne University of Technology.

Together, UP Education and Swinburne University of Technology have established Swinburne Open Education – a world-class, online native learning platform, to help you reach your career goals, anytime, anywhere.

Swinburne University of Technology is a registered training organisation (RTO 3059)

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