This hands-on course covers all you need to know to start a career in graphic design, starting with the fundamentals of graphic design, and moving to the more advanced practices of digital design, as well as UX, branding and freelancing.
Please note: Open Colleges will be migrating to a new learning management system (LMS) for this course by early 2023. Students will be moved into the new LMS, and this will have no impact on a student’s studies. Further details will be shared closer to the time.
During your studies, you will learn:
Practitioners may work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media. The job roles that relate to this qualification may include Graphic Designer, and related roles such as Studio Manager. It may also provide pathways to other related roles in graphic design and associated industries.
If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.
| Course number | E1403 |
| Qualification name | CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design |
| Course duration | Maximum 24 months |
| Delivery Method | Online |
| Recognition | Nationally Recognised  |
| Assessments | Multiple choice Quiz, Portfolio, Role plays, Video, Written assessments |
| Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
Mandatory Local Entry Requirements
To enter this qualification, students need to be able to demonstrate and/or provide evidence of their graphic design skills and ability. Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience or formal study.
Students need to be able to:
To ensure a student meets these requirements, you will be required to:
Task 1: Produce an A3 (297mm x 420mm) typographic poster that gives reasons why you want to be a graphic designer. The poster must:
IMPORTANT NOTE: While working on your poster and postcard, you must take 2 screenshots while each piece of work is in development. This allows us to see the software and tools that you are using.
Task 2: Produce a 105mm x 148mm postcard to match your typographic poster. The postcard must:
IMPORTANT NOTE: While working on your poster and postcard, you must take 2 screenshots while each piece of work is in development. This allows us to see the software and tools that you are using.
Recommended Local Entry Requirements
To successfully complete this course, students will require the following basic computing skills on enrolment. This includes:
It is also highly desirable that entrants have:
It is recommended that a student achieves the following ACSF levels to successfully complete this course and be able to learn effectively in a self-paced online environment:
If the student is still concerned about whether they have the skills to complete the course, they will be referred to Admissions as part of the enrolment process to complete a formal LLN assessment through BKSB. If the student does not achieve the recommended ACSF levels, their application will be sent to the Education Manager to determine if Open Colleges has the required level of support services available to support the needs of the student. In some cases, the student may be referred to an external provider such as their local TAFE to complete additional foundation skills training before being enrolled into the course.
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
All users:
Mac OS users:
Windows users:
You will also require a digital camera or mobile phone with camera and related software for taking photos for design tasks and projects and documenting design processes.
This course requires you to have access to a specific tools, equipment, and resources.
Software Requirement (This is Mandatory Material)
This course requires the use of design industry software.
You will need access to the Adobe Creative Suite, which can be purchased on subscription through the Adobe Creative Cloud (ACC).
The ACC subscription is not included in the course fee. Student subscriptions are available at a reduced price.
Refer to the Adobe website for current pricing.
Access to others
Students will need to work with one or two other people to participate in video or audio roleplays. It is the responsibility of the student to find their own suitable role-play participants.
Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.
Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.
| CUAGRD503 | Produce typographic design solutions |
| CUAGRD514 | Create and manipulate graphics |
| CUAACD411 | Integrate colour theory and design processes |
| CUAGRD501 | Research visual communication history and theory |
| CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools |
| CUAILL401 | Develop and refine illustrative work |
| CUAGRD617 | Develop graphic designs for branding and identity |
| CUAGRD515 | Design and manipulate complex layouts |
| CUAGRD502 | Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications |
| CUAPHI524 | Prepare digital images for pre-press processing |
| CUADES512 | Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief |
| BSBMKG551 | Create multiplatform advertisements for mass media |
| CUAACD522 | Work with photomedia in creative practice |
| CUADIG519 | Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art |
| CUADIG516 | Design interactions |
| CUAIND412 | Provide freelance services |
| CUAGRD516 | Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs |
| CUADES413 | Develop and extend design skills and practice |
| CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work |
Pay in Full
You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo
You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan. When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Payment Plan
You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.
BPAY®
With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more.
BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.
MD Faridul Islam is the trainer and assessor of Digital Design and Graphic Design. He has been teaching at Open Colleges since April 2018. MD has more than 10 years’ experience in the design industry, including seven years of teaching design in VET. MD has obtained several qualifications from a range of design courses, including; Masters in Digital Design, Graduate Certificate in Design, CIV in Graphic Design, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Diploma of Screen, and Media and Diploma of Multimedia.
MD has solid industry experience in graphic and digital technology-based designs. His areas of expertise are – logo design, illustration, web design, 3D design, UI/UX, branding and identity, digital design including game development. As a designer, MD believes there is no end of learning. Design is his passion. As a trainer, he learns every day and loves to share his skills among keen design cohorts.
Course at a Glance
Online
Flexible payment options available
Nationally recognised
Course at a Glance
Online
Flexible payment options available
Nationally recognised
This hands-on course covers all you need to know to start a career in graphic design, starting with the fundamentals of graphic design, and moving to the more advanced practices of digital design, as well as UX, branding and freelancing.
Please note: Open Colleges will be migrating to a new learning management system (LMS) for this course by early 2023. Students will be moved into the new LMS, and this will have no impact on a student’s studies. Further details will be shared closer to the time.
During your studies, you will learn:
Practitioners may work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media. The job roles that relate to this qualification may include Graphic Designer, and related roles such as Studio Manager. It may also provide pathways to other related roles in graphic design and associated industries.
If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.
| Course number | E1403 |
| Qualification name | CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design |
| Course duration | Maximum 24 months |
| Delivery Method | Online |
| Recognition | Nationally Recognised |
| Assessments | Multiple choice Quiz, Portfolio, Role plays, Video, Written assessments |
| Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
Mandatory Local Entry Requirements
To enter this qualification, students need to be able to demonstrate and/or provide evidence of their graphic design skills and ability. Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience or formal study.
Students need to be able to:
To ensure a student meets these requirements, you will be required to:
Task 1: Produce an A3 (297mm x 420mm) typographic poster that gives reasons why you want to be a graphic designer. The poster must:
IMPORTANT NOTE: While working on your poster and postcard, you must take 2 screenshots while each piece of work is in development. This allows us to see the software and tools that you are using.
Task 2: Produce a 105mm x 148mm postcard to match your typographic poster. The postcard must:
IMPORTANT NOTE: While working on your poster and postcard, you must take 2 screenshots while each piece of work is in development. This allows us to see the software and tools that you are using.
Recommended Local Entry Requirements
To successfully complete this course, students will require the following basic computing skills on enrolment. This includes:
It is also highly desirable that entrants have:
It is recommended that a student achieves the following ACSF levels to successfully complete this course and be able to learn effectively in a self-paced online environment:
If the student is still concerned about whether they have the skills to complete the course, they will be referred to Admissions as part of the enrolment process to complete a formal LLN assessment through BKSB. If the student does not achieve the recommended ACSF levels, their application will be sent to the Education Manager to determine if Open Colleges has the required level of support services available to support the needs of the student. In some cases, the student may be referred to an external provider such as their local TAFE to complete additional foundation skills training before being enrolled into the course.
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
All users:
Mac OS users:
Windows users:
You will also require a digital camera or mobile phone with camera and related software for taking photos for design tasks and projects and documenting design processes.
This course requires you to have access to a specific tools, equipment, and resources.
Software Requirement (This is Mandatory Material)
This course requires the use of design industry software.
You will need access to the Adobe Creative Suite, which can be purchased on subscription through the Adobe Creative Cloud (ACC).
The ACC subscription is not included in the course fee. Student subscriptions are available at a reduced price.
Refer to the Adobe website for current pricing.
Access to others
Students will need to work with one or two other people to participate in video or audio roleplays. It is the responsibility of the student to find their own suitable role-play participants.
Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.
Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.
| CUAGRD503 | Produce typographic design solutions |
| CUAGRD514 | Create and manipulate graphics |
| CUAACD411 | Integrate colour theory and design processes |
| CUAGRD501 | Research visual communication history and theory |
| CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools |
| CUAILL401 | Develop and refine illustrative work |
| CUAGRD617 | Develop graphic designs for branding and identity |
| CUAGRD515 | Design and manipulate complex layouts |
| CUAGRD502 | Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications |
| CUAPHI524 | Prepare digital images for pre-press processing |
| CUADES512 | Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief |
| BSBMKG551 | Create multiplatform advertisements for mass media |
| CUAACD522 | Work with photomedia in creative practice |
| CUADIG519 | Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art |
| CUADIG516 | Design interactions |
| CUAIND412 | Provide freelance services |
| CUAGRD516 | Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs |
| CUADES413 | Develop and extend design skills and practice |
| CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work |
Pay in Full
You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo
You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan. When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Payment Plan
You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.
BPAY®
With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more.
BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.
MD Faridul Islam is the trainer and assessor of Digital Design and Graphic Design. He has been teaching at Open Colleges since April 2018. MD has more than 10 years’ experience in the design industry, including seven years of teaching design in VET. MD has obtained several qualifications from a range of design courses, including; Masters in Digital Design, Graduate Certificate in Design, CIV in Graphic Design, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Diploma of Screen, and Media and Diploma of Multimedia.
MD has solid industry experience in graphic and digital technology-based designs. His areas of expertise are – logo design, illustration, web design, 3D design, UI/UX, branding and identity, digital design including game development. As a designer, MD believes there is no end of learning. Design is his passion. As a trainer, he learns every day and loves to share his skills among keen design cohorts.
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