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    Overview

    About this international course

    The Diploma of Graphic Design strengthens your creative and technical design skills and deepens your abilities in visual storytelling.

    Design thinking and creative problem solving are skills that are in demand in creative and broader industries. The graphic design creative practices and processes implemented in this course help graduates to think outside the square and problem solve on a physical, digital and conceptual level.

    Learn how to develop and extend your design skills and practice, research visual communication history and theory, develop graphic design practices to meet industry needs and present a body of your creative work.

    You will also sharpen your drawing, illustration and other visual representation skills, produce graphic designs for 2D and 3D applications, produce typographic design solutions, create and manipulate graphics, and design and manipulate complex layouts.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through theory and practical course work, you will learn to:

    • Develop and extend your design skills and practice
    • Use drawing and other visual representation tools
    • Research visual communication history and theory
    • Produce graphic designs for 2D and 3D applications
    • Produce typographic design solutions
    • Create and manipulate graphics
    • Design complex layouts
    • Present a body of your own creative work

    Gain practical experience

    Strengthen your real-world skills in design:

    • Manage the design process from initial design to final product
    • Plan and present to clients
    • Work to a brief to meet client expectations
    • Work to a brief to meet client expectations
    • Produce digital designs
    • Digital design, hand drawing and illustration
    • 3D design and construction
    • Producing and displaying finished work

    Develop your professional confidence

    Stand out in a global job market by developing a range of soft skills that equip you with the confidence to work in graphic design settings with colleagues and clients:

    • Creative ideation
    • Critical thinking
    • Collaboration and team work skills

    Global industry demand

    The global market for design services is forecast to reach AUD $386 billion by 2022, which is an annual growth rate of 13%.

    Current labour shortages in emerging technologies and standards mean graphic designers with strong tech skills are in demand. In fact, graphic design is the second most popular design skill employers are looking to hire, after user experience (UX).

    Suitability

    International entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locations

    Starting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and units

    What you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    9 core units plus 10 elective units, of which: 6 must be from the electives listed below 4 may be from the remaining listed electives or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course. CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools CUADES413 Develop and extend design skills and practice CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory
    CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications CUAGRD503 Produce typographic design solutions CUAGRD514 Create and manipulate graphics CUAGRD515 Design and manipulate complex layouts CUAGRD516 Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    Pathways

    Continue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Take your learning to the next level with a TAFE NSW Design pathway:

    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Services

    Campus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, simulated workplaces, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.

    Student facilities, amenities and support services include:

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International