Kick start your career in graphic design
This nationally recognised diploma offers you an entry point into the design industry. You 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 courses, 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.
Career outcomes
Graphic designer
Studio manager
Freelance graphic designer.
Course code: CUA50720
Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 24 months
Qualification: Diploma
Nationally recognised: Yes
Awarded by: Swinburne University of Technology
Assessments
Direct observation
Portfolio of work
Written reports
Writen or oral questioning
Role plays and presentations
Start your career in a growth industry
87.9% Satisfied with training
Percentage of course graduates of this course who were satisfied with their training.
41.2% Professional roles
Percentage of course graduates working on professional roles.
$52,800 Average salary
The middle of the range of salary earned of course graduates starting their first ever full-time job after graduating.
87.9% Satisfied with training
Percentage of course graduates of this course who were satisfied with their training.
41.2% Professional roles
Percentage of course graduates working on professional roles.
$52,800 Average salary
The middle of the range of salary earned of course graduates starting their first ever full-time job after graduating.
Source: Statistics (accessed on 11 January 2023) are for course graduates of the Diploma of Accounting. See more details at MySkills.gov.au.
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Study online with our world-class learning platform
Designed and delivered online so you can learn anywhere, anytime
Study on any device - desktop, tablet or mobile
Learn through regular trainer-lead online sessions and native content
Engage with your learning community through online forums and messages
Online course modules
Once you have enrolled in this course, you can access our online platform and start with the first module. You will need to complete a module and then the next module becomes available to you.
This course contains 20 online modules, which have been designed to cover 19 units of competency, including 9 core units and 10 elective units. This course contains an introductory module.
CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use drawing and other visual representation tools to develop, refine and communicate ideas for creative work. It involves evaluating the role of drawing in communicating ideas, experimenting with drawing and visual representations and developing an individual approach to the use of drawing.
CUADES413 Develop and extend design skills and practice
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and extend skills as a practising designer. It involves obtaining and developing conceptual and technical skills, developing an individual style in these skills and evaluating the use of these skills in own work tasks.
CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research visual communication history and theory and to apply that research to own professional practice.
CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce a body of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) graphic design work in response to a variety of visual communication challenges. Design work will show a well-developed command of relevant software programs and the creative ability to generate ideas to meet the different needs of design briefs.
CUAGRD503 Produce typographic design solutions
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce professional typography for a wide range of communication needs. Typographic design solutions may include advertisements, headlines, logotypes, signage systems, posters, charts or mass text applications.
CUAGRD514 Create and manipulate graphics
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create and manipulate graphics using a combination of creative design skills and technical software proficiency. It involves the analysis, application and refinement of graphic design techniques to meet assigned design objectives.
CUAGRD515 Design and manipulate complex layouts
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design complex publication layouts by combining creative design skills with technical software proficiency. It involves the design and manipulation of layouts using graphic design software to meet design objectives.
CUAGRD516 Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop an industry focus for graphic design practice and to adapt that practice to meet current and emerging industry opportunities. It involves engaging with professional networks and researching policies and requirements in the graphic design industry.
CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use creative, technical and project management skills to produce a professional and innovative presentation of own creative work.
BSBCMM411 Make presentations
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare, deliver and review presentations for target audiences.
BSBCRT411 Apply critical thinking to work practices
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced-level critical thinking skills in a workplace context. This includes using methods of analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
BSBCRT412 Articulate, present and debate ideas
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to articulate, present and debate ideas in a work or broader life context using creative techniques in order to provoke response, reaction and critical discussion.
BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and comply with legal and risk management requirements of the business or new business venture, including negotiating, creating and planning for legal contracts used within the business, where required.
BSBLDR411 Demonstrate leadership in the workplace
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to lead teams and individuals by modelling high standards of conduct to reflect the organisation’s standards and values.
BSBMKG439 Develop and apply knowledge of communications industry
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research, analyse and apply knowledge of the communications industry. This includes the marketing communications industries.
BSBPEF501 Manage personal and professional development
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement systems and process that support the personal and professional development of self and others.
BSBPMG430 Undertake project work
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake a minor project or a section of a larger project. It covers developing a project plan, administering and monitoring the project, finalising the project and reviewing the project to identify lessons learned for application to future projects.
BSBTWK401 Build and maintain business relationships
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, develop and maintain effective work relationships and networks through relationship building and negotiation skills required by workers. These workers may be within an organisation as well as freelance or contract workers.
BSBXCM401 Apply communication strategies in the workplace
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to facilitate and apply communication strategies in the workplace within any industry.
Course requirements
To enter this diploma graphic design course, students must be at least 18 years old and must provide evidence of their 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.
Eligible for Australian and New Zealand Residents and Citizens only.
Computer skills requirements
You will need to have intermediate computer skills to undertake this course. This includes the ability to:
Navigate Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Xd*
Create, save and edit Microsoft Office documents
Access and search the internet
Download and save documents from websites
Upload documents through websites
Create audio files and videos.
* Swinburne Open Education provides all students enrolled in CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design with access to Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Our modern online learning platform has been designed so that you can study anywhere, anytime. You will need to meet the following IT requirements to use or platform:
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
Latest version of iOS
* Students using a mobile or tablet will need to upload documents from a laptop or desktop or have a Dropbox account.
Eligible students may be able to access a VET Student Loan (VSL). For more details on this initiative, as well as eligibility criteria, please visit Swinburne University of Technology.
Intake dates
Study period 1
Last enrolment date: Monday 31 July, 2023
Start date: Monday 7 August, 2023
Census date: Wednesday 6 September, 2023
Finish date: Sunday 7 January, 2024
Maximum extension: Sunday 3 March, 2024
Study period 2:
Last enrolment date: Monday 15 January, 2024
Start date: Monday 22 January, 2024
Census date: Wednesday 21 February, 2024
Finish date: Sunday 23 June, 2024
Maximum extension: Sunday 18 August, 2024
Study period 3:
Last enrolment date: Monday 1 July, 2024
Start date: Monday 8 July, 2024
Census date: Wednesday 7 August, 2024
Finish date: Sunday 8 December, 2024
Maximum extension: Sunday 2 February, 2025
Study period 1
Last enrolment date: Monday 28 August, 2023
Start date: Monday 4 September, 2023
Census date: Wednesday 4 October, 2023
Finish date: Sunday 4 February, 2024
Maximum extension: Sunday 31 March, 2024
Study period 2:
Last enrolment date: Monday 12 February, 2024
Start date: Monday 19 February, 2024
Census date: Wednesday 20 March, 2024
Finish date: Sunday 21 July, 2024
Maximum extension: Sunday 15 September, 2024
Study period 3:
Last enrolment date: Monday 29 July, 2024
Start date: Monday 5 August, 2024
Census date: Wednesday 4 September, 2024
Finish date: Sunday 5 January, 2024
Maximum extension: Sunday 2 March, 2025
Frequently asked questions
We understand you need to fit study around your busy life. Our online learning platform is designed with this in mind, so you can study on any device, anywhere, anytime.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q. How can I access trainer support?
You can access our dedicated trainer support using your choice of communication – online chat, email, phone call, or video chat.
Q. Do you help me find a job once I graduate?
At Swinburne Open Education, it’s not only about qualifications. We know you want to get a good job when you finish your studies, and our Careers Team will help you with valuable job-hunting skills such as CV writing and interview techniques. We are here to support you every step on the way. Our job finishes when yours starts.
Q. Can I pause my study if something in my life changes?
Self-paced learning gives you the flexibility to fit study around your life. We understand life doesn’t always go to plan. You can apply for extensions for up to 6 months (3 months per extension) if needed. See more details in our full FAQs.
Q. What if the course end up not being right for me?
If you are less than half way through your enrolment period and it’s not working out, you can opt-out of the second half and reduce your course fee liability to 50% of the total course fee. Refer to the Student Agreement for full terms and conditions.
Wondering how to fit online learning into your life?
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