Want to be a graphic designer, but have no experience? Open Colleges Graphic Design Pathway is the answer! Combining the entry-level Graphic Design Essentials with the Diploma of Graphic Design, the Pathway covers everything you need to step straight into the professional design industry when you graduate:
This course is superseded by CUA50720 - Diploma of Graphic Design. For now, you may still enrol in this course, and we will transition you to the new course at no additional cost once it is available. We’ll be in touch closer to our launch date to give you more information about what this means for you. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, as our friendly Enrolment Consultants are always happy to help.
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 | E1363 |
| Qualification name | CUA50715 Graphic Design Pathway Program |
| Course duration | Maximum 27 months |
| Delivery Method | Online |
| Recognition | Nationally Recognised  |
| Assessments | Demonstrations, Multiple choice questions, Portfolio of evidence, Presentations, Projects, Scenario-based questions, Short-answer questions, Visual diaries, Written reports |
| Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
As this is a pathway program, there are no formal entry requirements.
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
This course requires you to read comprehensive learning content, interpret a range of assessments, undertake research and engage in online discussion forums. As such, entry to the course requires English proficiency to Year 10 level.
OC recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standards. OC will endeavour to provide assistance to learners who experience difficulties with these skills.
This is an entry-level course, suitable for new students of graphic design. Basic computer skills are needed.
You will need to have proficient computing skills to undertake this course.
This includes the ability to:
Mac OS users:
Windows users:
Learners require 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, you will require the following basic computing skills on enrolment. This includes:
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.
A list of recommended readings, online resources and texts will be provided to the student. Students may choose to purchase a text at their own expense.
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.
You will complete the Graphic Design Essentials first and then progress to the Diploma of Graphic Design.
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.
| Topics | Graphic Design Essentials |
| 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.
Course at a Glance
Online
Flexible payment options available
Nationally recognised
Course at a Glance
Online
Flexible payment options available
Nationally recognised
Want to be a graphic designer, but have no experience? Open Colleges Graphic Design Pathway is the answer! Combining the entry-level Graphic Design Essentials with the Diploma of Graphic Design, the Pathway covers everything you need to step straight into the professional design industry when you graduate:
This course is superseded by CUA50720 - Diploma of Graphic Design. For now, you may still enrol in this course, and we will transition you to the new course at no additional cost once it is available. We’ll be in touch closer to our launch date to give you more information about what this means for you. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, as our friendly Enrolment Consultants are always happy to help.
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 | E1363 |
| Qualification name | CUA50715 Graphic Design Pathway Program |
| Course duration | Maximum 27 months |
| Delivery Method | Online |
| Recognition | Nationally Recognised |
| Assessments | Demonstrations, Multiple choice questions, Portfolio of evidence, Presentations, Projects, Scenario-based questions, Short-answer questions, Visual diaries, Written reports |
| Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
As this is a pathway program, there are no formal entry requirements.
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
This course requires you to read comprehensive learning content, interpret a range of assessments, undertake research and engage in online discussion forums. As such, entry to the course requires English proficiency to Year 10 level.
OC recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standards. OC will endeavour to provide assistance to learners who experience difficulties with these skills.
This is an entry-level course, suitable for new students of graphic design. Basic computer skills are needed.
You will need to have proficient computing skills to undertake this course.
This includes the ability to:
Mac OS users:
Windows users:
Learners require 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, you will require the following basic computing skills on enrolment. This includes:
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.
A list of recommended readings, online resources and texts will be provided to the student. Students may choose to purchase a text at their own expense.
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.
You will complete the Graphic Design Essentials first and then progress to the Diploma of Graphic Design.
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.
| Topics | Graphic Design Essentials |
| 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.
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