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- Diploma of Graphic Design
Back to:Art and Design
Overview
About this course
Prepare for success in the fast-paced graphic design industry. Build skills in print and digital design while creating a portfolio that includes examples of packaging, branding, UX UI, motion graphics, web, publishing, advertising and promotion.
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
respond to a design brief and deliver creative solutions
use typography effectively
design apps and motion graphics
draw and conceptualise by hand
use digital design techniques
create advertisements across multiple media platforms.
Course outcomes
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level.
Graphic design skills at professional entry-level standards.
A portfolio of your own creative work.
A pathway to further study in graphic design.
Suitability
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Design (Graphic) or its equivalent as evidenced by a copy of your transcript, or
Relevant skills or work experience as evidenced by a portfolio including multiple examples of your graphic design work.
AND
A portfolio that demonstrates typographical skills and use of graphic design industry software. A head teacher may contact you to discuss your portfolio prior to enrolment.
Completion requirements
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
access to a personal computer or laptop with a reliable internet connection
ability to use features of Adobe Creative Suite (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), to which you’ll gain access when you enrol
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 11/12 high school level.
Note:
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Pathways
Future career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers 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.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
73%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
20,100 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
37 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$1,330
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
42 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
Very high
Gender share
57% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: junior graphic designer, graphic designer and studio manager.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study2 Courses
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Units
Units taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Graphic Design qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 19 units of competency, including 9 core and 10 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units - 9
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
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
TAFE NSW services
Facilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs - be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning - an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations - get social with our student community
Study options