At a glance
Channel your creative flair with this diploma qualification from TAFE Queensland. This course is ideal for people seeking to advance or develop skills in graphic design, digital arts and visual communications.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Typesetter
- Creative Entrepreneur
- Illustrator
- Digital Artist
- Web Page Designer
- Multimedia Designer
- Graphic Designer
COURSE OUTCOME
CUA50715 Diploma of Graphic Design
Course overview
Embrace your creative side with this hands-on graphic design diploma. This comprehensive design course will provide you with the specialised skills and hands-on experience to flourish within the fast-paced world of graphic design. You will learn the professional skills necessary to work successfully in any business environment including interpreting briefs, marketing strategies and project management.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, there's strong future growth predicted for a range of digital creative roles including graphic and web designers and illustrators. There's likely to be around 27,000 jobs created in these occupations over the next five years.
In this course you will gain a diverse range of skills in technical and theoretical design principles and their application in everyday design. Expand on your creative talents through practical exercises in web design, photography, typography, branding, packaging, digital and online design, illustration and portfolio design, all while working in a collaborative, studio environment. You will have access to commercial grade studios and the opportunity to develop close industry contact through site visits to professional design studios.
Successful completion of this TAFE Queensland diploma will give you the skills you need to work individually or collaboratively as a graphic designer, multimedia designer or digital artist within the creative industries environment. Successful completion also provides great articulation opportunities into higher education courses.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding, meaning it could be $133 for eligible school-leavers, young people and job seekers looking to develop new skills. Training is proudly delivered by TAFE Queensland and jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government. Learn more >
If you complete a TAFE Queensland diploma you can take advantage of our diploma-to-degree pathway options. Get in the fast lane and jump straight into the second year of a related bachelor’s degree at some of Australia’s top universities.
Students in the Greater Brisbane area wishing to continue their studies can take advantage of our partnership with the University of Canberra. Successful completion of your diploma will automatically qualify you for a provisional place in the Bachelor of Digital Design (Visual Communication Design) with up to one year of credit.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 10 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| BSBDES403 |
Develop and extend design skills and practice | |
| CUAACD501 |
Refine drawing and other visual representation tools | |
| CUAGRD501 |
Research visual communication history and theory | |
| CUAGRD502 |
Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications | |
| CUAGRD503 |
Produce typographic design solutions | |
| CUAGRD504 |
Create and manipulate graphics | |
| CUAGRD505 |
Design and manipulate complex layouts | |
| CUAGRD506 |
Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs | |
| CUAPPR503 |
Present a body of own creative work | |
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast | ||
| BSBCRT501 |
Originate and develop concepts | |
| BSBDES402 |
Interpret and respond to a design brief | |
| BSBDES501 |
Implement design solutions | |
| BSBMKG534 |
Design effective digital user experiences | |
| CUAACD506 |
Refine 2-D design ideas and processes | |
| CUAACD512 |
Work with photomedia in creative practice | |
| CUAGRD603 |
Extend typographic design expertise | |
| CUAGRD607 |
Develop graphic designs for branding and identity | |
| CUAPHI514 |
Prepare digital images for pre-press processing | |
| SITXEBS002 |
Develop, implement and monitor the use of social media in a business | |
| Sunshine Coast | ||
| BSBCRT501 |
Originate and develop concepts | |
| BSBDES402 |
Interpret and respond to a design brief | |
| BSBDES501 |
Implement design solutions | |
| CUAACD506 |
Refine 2-D design ideas and processes | |
| CUAACD512 |
Work with photomedia in creative practice | |
| CUAGRD603 |
Extend typographic design expertise | |
| CUAGRD607 |
Develop graphic designs for branding and identity | |
| CUAPHI514 |
Prepare digital images for pre-press processing | |
| SITXEBS002 |
Develop, implement and monitor the use of social media in a business | |
| SITXEBS003 |
Build and launch a small business website | |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Vet Student Loan - $16,077 cap
This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Western Union and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more
Important Information
Entry requirements
To enter this qualification, individuals must provide evidence of their technical skills and ability to:
- produce multiple examples of graphic design work that respond effectively to different design challenges
- produce typography that supports the overall design solution
- use graphic design industry software.
Skills may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.
Selection criteria
Domestic and International Students
To apply for this course you must present a collection of work, which demonstrates an interest in art and design. Folio pieces may include both hand rendered and computer-generated images, through the use of software from the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. You may also wish to include developmental sketches and process work as well as the finished work.
Compulsory items:
Develop a logo. For example you may select one of the following:
- Black Cat Surf Wear
- Bouncing Ball Fitness
- Mad Chef Kitchen
Develop a piece of typography. For example you may select one of the following words:
- Lunchbox Lectures
- Bungy-Jump
- Sophisticated Sox
Your folio should include 2-5 images of your choice. These could include images of your:
- Paintings, drawings or Illustrations
- Sculpture
- Photography, photoshop or digital work
In approximately 250 words, explain why you wish to study this course and how this course will help you achieve your goals. The work must have been produced in the last 18 months
You must submit this electronically based on your study location:
Greater Brisbane locations - Submit electronically to gdportfolio.brisbane@tafe.qld.edu.au
Gold Coast locations - Submit electronically to gdportfolio.goldcoast@tafe.qld.edu.au
Sunshine Coast location - Submit electronically to gdportfolio.eastcoast@tafe.qld.edu.au
Please note: Electronic Files should not exceed 5mb. Website links, multiple submissions and zipped files will be accepted due to the size limitation
N.B Students who have completed the CUA30715 Cert III in Design Fundamentals may use their work as a portfolio.
International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International
- Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Resources required
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
You will also be required to have access to and bring to class some design resources and a portable external hard drive (no USBs). Details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. Please note: the purchase of these items may incur additional costs of approximately $260.
It is also recommended that you have access to a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Suite software. This software can be purchased after enrolment to access a student discount price.
International Students Only
There may be additional costs associated with this course that are not included in your tuition fees. Further information on resources will be given at Orientation:
South Bank, Brisbane:
- Stationery/media
- Professional printing
- Professional folio printing
Nambour:
- A Kit list will be discussed in further detail at orientation. The cost of the Kit is approximately $260 AUD and this cost is not included in the total cost of the course.
Coomera:
- Student Subscription to Adobe Creative Suite
- 1 x external hard drive to store/backup all class project files and learning resources
- Textbooks, if required, are not included in the program fees
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.
International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways 