v1
Skip to main content
Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Nambucca CLC, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.
Our enrolment and student portal is undergoing an important upgrade and will be unavailable from 7:00am until 10:00pm Saturday, 8 Mar 2025.
TEST
    Overview

    About this international course

    The Diploma of Graphic Design (Illustration) strengthens your creative and technical illustration skills so you can advance your career as an illustrator or senior graphic designer.

    You'll have the opportunity to experiment with different illustrative techniques and refine your individual style. During this course, you'll create your own body of work by researching historical and contemporary illustrations and investigating how to achieve different technical effects.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:

    • Work through the design process from initial design to final product
    • Plan and present client presentations
    • Work within client briefs to meet expectations
    • Produce digital and 3D designs using software
    • Develop hand drawing and illustration skills

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Hand drawing and illustration
    • Digital illustration techniques
    • 3D design and construction
    • Digital design
    • Publishing
    • Creative problem solving
    • Working correctly with equipment and materials
    • Producing and displaying finished work

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • An eagerness to explore innovation in visual communication, advertising, publishing and 3D design
    • Excellent communication skills
    • The ability to follow briefs
    • Strong collaborative skills to work in a team and with clients
    • An aptitude for problem solving
    • Unique design ideas

    Global industry demand

    The number of graphic designers is expected to grow strongly over the next five years, especially in website design, social media and online marketing.

    Employers are looking for graphic designers who can keep up with the latest design trends, technologies, and techniques.

    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:

    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