This hands-on course covers all you need to know to start a career in graphic design career, 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Please note that on 15th of April 2021, this course was superseded and replaced by CUA50720 - Diploma of Graphic Design. You can still enrol, however at the moment, the new course is not yet available. Open Colleges will communicate with you in due course once the new course is available.
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 | E1329 |
Qualification name | CUA50715 Diploma of Graphic Design |
Course duration | Maximum 24 months |
Delivery Method | Online |
Recognition | Nationally Recognised ![]() |
Assessments | Demonstrations, Multiple choice questions, Portfolio, Presentations, Projects, Scenario-based questions, Short-answer questions, Visual diaries, Written reports |
Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
To enter this qualification, you need to be able to demonstrate graphic design skills to support learning at the Diploma level. In particular, you need to be able 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 software
To ensure you meet these requirements, you will be asked to complete two graphic design tasks using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and/or Photoshop:
Task 1: Produce an A3 (297mm x 420mm) typographic poster that gives reasons why you want to be a graphic designer. The poster must:
Use only 3 colours
Use only one serif font and 1 sans-serif font
As part of the design process, undertake some research into current design trends and incorporate this into your design
Important note: While working on your poster and postcard you must take 2 screenshots while the 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:
The postcard should share the same style and theme and typography, however, it can only be black and white.
The postcard should only have 1 reason why you want to be a graphic designer on it. Select the reason that is most important to you.
Important note: While working on your poster and postcard you must take 2 screenshots while the piece of work is in development. This allows us to see the software and tools that you are using.
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
This course involves reading and undertaking a range of written assessments, as well as engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 10 level.
If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 10 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:
Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided to you by Open Colleges.
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.
You will need access to a digital camera or mobile phone with camera and related software for taking photos for design tasks and projects and documenting design processes.
To successfully complete this course, learners will require the following basic computing skills on enrolment. This includes:
It is also highly desirable that entrants have:
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 www.adobe.com.au.
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.
Once you are enrolled in this course, you will receive access to the first Module, which contains the first set of units for the course. When you have successfully completed those units, you'll be given access to the next Module.
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 |
CUAGRD504 | Create and manipulate graphics |
CUAACD401 | Integrate colour theory and design processes |
CUAGRD501 | Research visual communication history and theory |
CUAACD501 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools |
CUAILL401 | Develop and refine illustrative work |
CUAGRD607 | Develop graphic designs for branding and identity |
CUAGRD505 | Design and manipulate complex layouts |
CUAGRD502 | Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications |
CUAPHI514 | Prepare digital images for pre-press processing |
BSBDES502 | Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief |
BSBADV509 | Create mass print media advertisements |
CUAACD512 | Work with photomedia in creative practice |
CUADIG509 | Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art |
CUADIG506 | Design interaction |
BSBDES403 | Develop and extend design skills and practice |
CUAGRD506 | Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs |
CUAIND402 | Provide freelance services |
CUAPPR503 | 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.
Zip Money Payment Plan
If you need a little more flexibility with your finances and would like to pay off your course fees over a longer period of time, we can assist by organising Zip Money to pay your course fees directly to us on your behalf, and you pay this loan back to Zip Money over an agreed period of time. Zip Money provides you flexible options of selecting a 24, 36 or 48 months interest-free, payment plan (dependant on which course you’re enrolling into) to suit your lifestyle, giving you more flexibility than ever before.
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.
This hands-on course covers all you need to know to start a career in graphic design career, 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 that on 15th of April 2021, this course was superseded and replaced by CUA50720 - Diploma of Graphic Design. You can still enrol, however at the moment, the new course is not yet available. Open Colleges will communicate with you in due course once the new course is available.
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 | E1329 |
Qualification name | CUA50715 Diploma of Graphic Design |
Course duration | Maximum 24 months |
Delivery Method | Online |
Recognition | Nationally Recognised ![]() |
Assessments | Demonstrations, Multiple choice questions, Portfolio, Presentations, Projects, Scenario-based questions, Short-answer questions, Visual diaries, Written reports |
Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
To enter this qualification, you need to be able to demonstrate graphic design skills to support learning at the Diploma level. In particular, you need to be able 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 software
To ensure you meet these requirements, you will be asked to complete two graphic design tasks using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and/or Photoshop:
Task 1: Produce an A3 (297mm x 420mm) typographic poster that gives reasons why you want to be a graphic designer. The poster must:
Use only 3 colours
Use only one serif font and 1 sans-serif font
As part of the design process, undertake some research into current design trends and incorporate this into your design
Important note: While working on your poster and postcard you must take 2 screenshots while the 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:
The postcard should share the same style and theme and typography, however, it can only be black and white.
The postcard should only have 1 reason why you want to be a graphic designer on it. Select the reason that is most important to you.
Important note: While working on your poster and postcard you must take 2 screenshots while the piece of work is in development. This allows us to see the software and tools that you are using.
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
This course involves reading and undertaking a range of written assessments, as well as engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 10 level.
If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 10 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:
Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided to you by Open Colleges.
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.
You will need access to a digital camera or mobile phone with camera and related software for taking photos for design tasks and projects and documenting design processes.
To successfully complete this course, learners will require the following basic computing skills on enrolment. This includes:
It is also highly desirable that entrants have:
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 www.adobe.com.au.
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.
Once you are enrolled in this course, you will receive access to the first Module, which contains the first set of units for the course. When you have successfully completed those units, you'll be given access to the next Module.
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 |
CUAGRD504 | Create and manipulate graphics |
CUAACD401 | Integrate colour theory and design processes |
CUAGRD501 | Research visual communication history and theory |
CUAACD501 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools |
CUAILL401 | Develop and refine illustrative work |
CUAGRD607 | Develop graphic designs for branding and identity |
CUAGRD505 | Design and manipulate complex layouts |
CUAGRD502 | Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications |
CUAPHI514 | Prepare digital images for pre-press processing |
BSBDES502 | Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief |
BSBADV509 | Create mass print media advertisements |
CUAACD512 | Work with photomedia in creative practice |
CUADIG509 | Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art |
CUADIG506 | Design interaction |
BSBDES403 | Develop and extend design skills and practice |
CUAGRD506 | Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs |
CUAIND402 | Provide freelance services |
CUAPPR503 | 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.
Zip Money Payment Plan
If you need a little more flexibility with your finances and would like to pay off your course fees over a longer period of time, we can assist by organising Zip Money to pay your course fees directly to us on your behalf, and you pay this loan back to Zip Money over an agreed period of time. Zip Money provides you flexible options of selecting a 24, 36 or 48 months interest-free, payment plan (dependant on which course you’re enrolling into) to suit your lifestyle, giving you more flexibility than ever before.
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.