National code: CUA60320

Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (Illustration)

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Overview About this course

Gain high-level graphic design skills as you specialise in illustration. Build your portfolio and gain industry-ready experience for a career as an illustrator or designer.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Create illustrations for clients

  • Create graphic designs and illustrations for branding, identity and packaging

  • Use digital design and illustration techniques

  • Understand and effectively use typography

  • Work with industry software

  • Produce storyboards

Course outcomes

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

  • A nationally accredited qualification at advanced diploma level

  • Opportunities to collaborate with creative peers and establish a network of professional contacts

  • A portfolio of work to showcase designs in a graduate exhibition

  • Skills and knowledge to start your own business

  • Experience managing design projects to complete client briefs

  • 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

  • A portfolio of work demonstrating significant skills and/or experience in graphic design and

  • Attend an interview with teaching staff

Entry recommendations

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

  • A strong interest in design

  • The ability to think and problem solve creatively

  • Enthusiasm for working collaboratively on creative design

  • Good communication, organisational and project management skills

  • Computer skills, access to a computer and reliable internet connection

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 high school level

  • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.

  • This skills test 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.

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: illustrator, graphic designer, content creator, social media designer, storyboarding for film or television and freelance designer and illustrator.

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 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

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

The Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (Illustration) 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 (Illustration) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 Units of competency, including 6 core and 9 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 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.

  • Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief CUADES512

  • Manage design realisation CUADES611

  • Extend typographic design expertise CUAGRD603

  • Engage in the business of graphic design CUAGRD611

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 Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.