Combining the entry-level Graphic Design Essentials with the CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design, the Pathway covers everything you need to step straight into the professional design industry when you graduate.
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 | E1414 |
Qualification name | Graphic Design Pathway Program |
Course duration | Self paced - maximum of 27 months |
Delivery Method | Online |
Recognition | Nationally Recognised ![]() |
Assessments | Multiple choice Quiz, Projects, Role plays, Video, Written assignments |
Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
Mandatory Local Entry Requirements
Students need to be able to demonstrate and/or provide evidence of their graphic design skills and ability. Students need to be able to:
Successful completion of D0121 Graphic Design Essentials will provide you with the knowledge and skills to meet this entry requirement.
If you already have knowledge and skills (from working or prior education) then you may be eligible to enrol directly in CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design and you should speak with an Enrolment Consultant about the direct entry requirements.
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.
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.
IT Requirements
It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:
Operating System
Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
Hard Drive Space: 2 GB free disk space
Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
Software
Internet Connection
DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed
Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
Peripherals
E-Mail Capability
Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)
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.
You will complete the Graphic Design Essentials short course first, and then progress to the Diploma of Graphic Design. You will not get access to the CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design until you have completed Graphic Design Essentials.
Graphic Design Essentials
NB: The Graphic Design Essentials section of the Graphic Design Pathway Program is non-accredited training.
CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design
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.
Combining the entry-level Graphic Design Essentials with the CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design, the Pathway covers everything you need to step straight into the professional design industry when you graduate.
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 | E1414 |
Qualification name | Graphic Design Pathway Program |
Course duration | Self paced - maximum of 27 months |
Delivery Method | Online |
Recognition | Nationally Recognised ![]() |
Assessments | Multiple choice Quiz, Projects, Role plays, Video, Written assignments |
Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
Mandatory Local Entry Requirements
Students need to be able to demonstrate and/or provide evidence of their graphic design skills and ability. Students need to be able to:
Successful completion of D0121 Graphic Design Essentials will provide you with the knowledge and skills to meet this entry requirement.
If you already have knowledge and skills (from working or prior education) then you may be eligible to enrol directly in CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design and you should speak with an Enrolment Consultant about the direct entry requirements.
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.
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.
IT Requirements
It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:
Operating System
Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
Hard Drive Space: 2 GB free disk space
Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
Software
Internet Connection
DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed
Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
Peripherals
E-Mail Capability
Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)
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.
You will complete the Graphic Design Essentials short course first, and then progress to the Diploma of Graphic Design. You will not get access to the CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design until you have completed Graphic Design Essentials.
Graphic Design Essentials
NB: The Graphic Design Essentials section of the Graphic Design Pathway Program is non-accredited training.
CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design
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.