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National code: CUA60320

Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design

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Overview About this course

Strengthen your design and creative expertise. Develop your sense of self as a graphic designer as you expand your visual communication skills in print media, digital design, branding and campaigning, packaging and publishing.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Collaborate and work with industry mentors
    Use advanced creative thinking and strategy techniques
    Use digital design techniques
    Develop an in-depth understanding of typography
    Work with industry software including user experience (UX)/user interface (UI) and motion graphics
    Develop sustainable design and business practices

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Opportunities to collaborate with creative peers and establish a network of professional contacts
    A portfolio of work to show potential employers
    Opportunities to showcase designs in a graduate exhibition
    Skills and knowledge to start your own business
    Experience managing design projects to complete client briefs, using industry-specific programs, equipment and materials to meet creative and commercial design needs
    A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

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 Diploma of Graphic Design or its equivalent as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or

    You are required to supply a portfolio of work that demonstrates significant skill and/or experience at a diploma of graphic design level or equivalent. A head teacher may contact you to discuss your portfolio prior to enrolment in the course

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • A strong interest in design
    The ability to think and solve problems creatively
    Enthusiasm for working collaboratively on creative design
    Interest in developing project management skills
    Digital literacy and access to a computer with sufficient specs for graphics
    Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 high school level

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

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: graphic designer digital designer studio manager junior art director.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 2 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design does not have any related courses.

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 Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 6 core and 9 speciality units.

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.

  • Extend typographic design expertise CUAGRD603

  • Originate graphic designs for complex briefs CUAGRD612

  • Engage in the business of graphic design CUAGRD611

  • Collaborate in professional creative projects CUAPPR612

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

  • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

  • 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

Delivery options Find a location to enrol

On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.