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Diploma of Graphic Design
Overview
Cut through the noise with a design portfolio that sets you apart from competitors. Make impactful visual statements through Swinburne’s Diploma of Graphic Design. Attend practical workshops and online activities to hone creative and conceptual skills. Respond to professional-style design briefs using tools such as Adobe Suite, After Effect and InDesign. Emerge ready for a career in film, TV, web design, advertising and more.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Skills you’ll learn
- Environmental design
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Technical skills
- Adobe Suite
Your career opportunities
- Graphic designer
- Web designer
- Publisher
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Admissions
To enter this qualification, applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivilent. Applicants must also 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 (e.g. Adobe)
Applicants will be required to provide a folio of work.
Skills may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Other requirements
Students will need to have access to a small practical workspace to continue working on projects remotely from time to time.
Technical requirements
Students will also require the technology and access to the internet for facilitation of online classes including video and audio requirements.
Online digital units require students to download and use the Swinburne supported software such as the Adobe Creative Suite.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate IV in Design
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Diploma of Visual Arts
Course structure
The Diploma of Graphic Design is a 1-year program delivered over three semesters. Classes are scheduled up to 25 hours per week including online units, additional study hours may also be required to prepare and complete tasks.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
Core unit |
CUAACD531 |
|
Develop and extend design skills and practice
Core unit |
CUADES413 |
|
Research visual communication history and theory
Core unit |
CUAGRD501 |
|
Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
Core unit |
CUAGRD502 |
|
Produce typographic design solutions
Core unit |
CUAGRD503 |
|
Create and manipulate graphics
Core unit |
CUAGRD514 |
|
Design and manipulate complex layouts
Core unit |
CUAGRD515 |
|
Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
Core unit |
CUAGRD516 |
|
Present a body of own creative work
Core unit |
CUAPPR513 |
| Elective units | |
|
Work with photomedia in creative practice
Elective unit |
CUAACD522 |
|
Research and apply light and colour
Elective unit |
CUAACD534 |
|
Develop graphic designs for branding and identity
Elective unit, 65.0 credit points |
CUAGRD617 |
|
Design specifications for animation and digital visual effects
Elective unit |
CUAANM513 |
|
Create user interfaces
Elective unit |
CUADIG413 |
|
Design digital applications
Elective unit |
CUADIG512 |
|
Design interactions
Elective unit |
CUADIG516 |
|
Develop graphic designs for the built environment
Elective unit |
CUAGRD615 |
|
Develop graphic designs for packaging
Elective unit |
CUAGRD616 |
|
Develop professional illustrations
Elective unit |
CUAILL511 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$18,400
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$12,380
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$18,838
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
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I learned how to look at designs critically. My illustrations, and their composition, colour and technique, improved dramatically and I was a finalist in the Australian Good Design Award for student packaging. Now, I’m working as a freelance illustrator and designer in one of the illustration hubs of the world – the UK.
Georgia , Diploma of Graphic Design
