Diploma of Graphic Design
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Are you a creative thinker with a natural eye for design?
This course combines the learning of technical, creative and conceptual skills to create graphic designs that meet client requirements and solve a range of visual communication challenges. Study at this level is underpinned by the application of design theory and practice and the ability to analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources to generate design solutions. Graphic designers work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media.
Targeting the practical aspects and employability skills for the design industry, the Diploma of Graphic Design program will interest those wishing to work as a:
- Entry Level Graphic Designer
- Junior First Design and Layout Assistant
- Entry Level Typographer
- Graphic Design Production Assistant
- Entry Level Illustrator
This course is available for Domestic Students under the Smart and Skilled Program in NSW. Under the Smart and Skilled program, the NSW Government subsidises training for students residing in specific regions of NSW. Click here to find out more about the Smart & Skilled Program NSW and apply now!
Are you a domestic or international student?
Course Structure
The Diploma of Graphic Design program comprises eight subjects:
- Design Ideas
- Typography 1
- Visual Communication History and Theory
- Brand and Identity
- 2D and 3D Graphic Design
- Advertising
- Interactive Design
- Graphic Design Studio
Equipment:
- Broadband internet access
- A video capable device and/or a digital camera
- Access to a scanner/printer (minimum 1000+ DPI, A4 size)
- Sketchbook, drawing and model making materials
- Laptop (100% Online students may use Desktop computer)
– Apple/ MAC:
macOC 10.13 or newer, 16GB, 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel® Core i7™ or newer, 8 GB RAM, Minimum 40 GB free disk space; recommend 100 GB free disk space available.
– PC:
64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 10 or Windows 11, 6 GB RAM, 30 GB free disk space.
Software:
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and XD ($21.99/mth first year, $43.99/mth after that)
- Google Suite (Google Docs, Slides and Sheets included as part of your Student Email Account)
- Relevant software to upload and download video files
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) is available for all courses, subjects and units of learning and competency being offered by APC and APC Design School.
If you have experience, skills and knowledge in your field of work – you may be eligible or even close to attaining a related qualification.
All APC vocational courses are assessed through a combination of assessment types that may include short answer questions, studio projects, essays, reports, group tasks, portfolios and/or presentations.
Torrens University Australia brings a fresh, modern, careers-focused and global perspective to higher education, with courses providing graduates with a globally oriented skill-set that will make them a valuable contribution to any employer.
| Pathway Course | Number of Credits | Approximate Length of Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Communication Design | 80 Credits | Up to 1 year |
Entry Requirements
Academic:
Successful completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent and the submission of a sample of work (portfolio) with 5-8 pieces of original creative work. View our Portfolio guide. Individuals must provide evidence of their technical skills and ability to:
- Produce multiple examples of graphic design work that respond effectively to different design challenges
- Produce typography that supports the overall design solution
- Use graphic design industry software
English language proficiency requirements:
This Course requires you to be at an Upper-Intermediate English Level or have completed the English Proficiency Skills test with an Overall Minimum Pass Rate.
See below requirements to meet an Upper-Intermediate English Proficiency level:
| ELICOS Provider | Number of Weeks in this English Level | Minimum Attendance | Entry Level Test Required |
| English Unlimited | 8 weeks minimum | 80% | Minimum Attendance achieved |
| Other approved ELICOS colleges | 10 weeks minimum | 80% | Minimum Attendance achieved |
| Absence of ELICOS school proof | YES |
For detailed information please review the documents Minimum Entry Requirements for APC Courses and English Proficiency Tests Comparison chart.
To participate in APC courses students need to have certain technical equipment, software and design equipment. Please check this Technology and Equipment Standard for Students.
Sample Timetable
| DAY TIMETABLE | ||||||
| DAY 1 | 09:00 - 12:00 | Subject 1: Livestream Lecture | 13:00 - 16:00 | Subject 2: Livestream Lecture | ||
| DAY 2 | 09:00 - 12:00 | Subject 1: Studio (on-campus) | 12:30 - 15:30 | Subject 2: Studio (on-campus) | ||
| DAY 3 | 09:00 - 13:00 | Subject 1: Interactive Livestream Studio with on-campus support | 13:30 - 15:30 | Subject 2: Interactive Livestream Studio with on-campus support | 15:30 - 17:30 | Enhance Your Employability Skills (EYES) tutorial |
- The above is a sample timetable. Actual timetables may vary between campuses. Please contact APC to find out more information on the specific timetable for this course at the campus of your choice. Student timetables are available in MyAPC.hub. Click here to access the Tutorial Topic Calendar FAQ .
- International students are expected to attend and study 20 timetabled hours per week.
Trainers & Assessors
Apply in 3 easy steps
Prepare
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Offer
We’ll contact you to confirm the details and help you through the rest of the process.
Bundle and Save on Visa Costs
Course bundling is when you apply for a series of related courses, instead of just one course, saving you money on your visa costs.
For example, if you are interested in a Certificate II or Certificate III course, you can combine it into a bundle with a related Certificate IV course. Or combine a Certificate IV course with a related Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
