Course Overview
This nationally recognised diploma offers an entry point into the design industry. Students 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 course, 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.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Graphic designer
- Studio manager
- Freelance graphic designer
Recognition
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration Study Load
The course has a maximum duration of 12–36 months and is self-paced. The diploma is divided into three study periods, each scheduled for 12 months, with a total course duration of up to 36 months.
Estimated total hours per study period: 450 hours. Estimated completion time based on weekly study hours:
- 8 hours/week: approximately 12 months
- 16 hours/week: approximately 7 months
- 24 hours/week: approximately 5 months
Each study period allows an extension window of up to 5 months (eligibility criteria apply).
Delivery
This course is delivered entirely online. All learning materials are accessed through Swinburne Open Education's online learning platform, accessible on desktop, tablet or mobile.
Entry Requirements
To enter this course, students must:
Be at least 18 years old
Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or resident
Provide evidence of 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.
IT Requirements:
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 or iOS (students using a mobile or tablet will need to upload documents from a laptop or desktop or have a Dropbox account)
Pathway for applicants without a portfolio: Students who do not yet have a qualifying portfolio can complete the Graphic Design Portfolio Builder course, a preparatory short course that guides students in developing a professional portfolio meeting the entry criteria for the Diploma.
Course Features
- Innovative online delivery — study on any device: desktop, tablet or mobile
- Self-paced study with flexible rolling monthly intakes
- Diploma split into three manageable study blocks, each earning a statement of attainment
- Access to Adobe Creative Cloud included
- Monthly Course Spotlight videos from trainers
- One-on-one video calls with trainers available
- Student forums and comprehensive academic and student services support
- Extension windows of up to 5 months per study period (eligibility criteria apply)
Professional Recognition
NRT – Nationally Recognised Training. Upon successful completion, students receive the nationally recognised qualification CUA50725 Diploma of Graphic Design, awarded by Swinburne University of Technology (RTO 3059).
Courses are delivered and assessed by UP Education, one of the largest private education groups in the Asia-Pacific.
Assessment
The course is assessed online through the learning management platform. Students are assigned a specialist assessor for each module. Assessment tasks include:
- Short answer questions
- Portfolio of work
- Written reports
- Video role plays and presentations
- Projects
- Reflective journal
Some assessments require role plays to demonstrate communication and problem-solving skills, which are recorded via video on the student's device and uploaded to the online platform.
Materials
Learning materials are accessed through the online learning portal and include:
- Learning activities
- Rich media including video resources and web links
- Access to Adobe Creative Cloud
Additional Information
Online modules are broken down into topics and subtopics specific to each module. Each module contains a range of learning styles including written text, diagrams, instructional videos and formative activities that provide instant feedback and prepare students for summative assessments.
Trainer support is available through the course messaging system, with one-on-one video calls available if needed. A Monthly Course Spotlight video is also provided, and students can request topics for future Spotlights through the form in their course.
Through the learning platform, students will:
Access learning materials and assessments
Undertake and upload assessments
Engage and interact with their trainer
View monthly Course Spotlight videos recorded by their trainer
Participate in student forums
Access assessment grades and feedback
Access student support services
Subjects
About Swinburne Open Education
We are focused on helping more and more Australians achieve their career aspirations and ensuring they’re prepared for future workforce needs. We support you to achieve your career goals, from work-integrated learning, to work placement. We’ve partnered with industry experts that need people like you, now.
Swinburne Open Education courses are delivered and assessed by UP Education, one of the largest private education groups in the Asia-Pacific. All qualifications are nationally recognised in Australia and are awarded by Swinburne University of Technology.
Together, UP Education and Swinburne University of Technology have established Swinburne Open Education – a world-class, online native learning platform, to help you reach your career goals, anytime, anywhere.
Swinburne University of Technology is a registered training organisation (RTO 3059)
