Diploma of Graphic Design

COURSE CODE

CUA50725

Gain the skills you need to launch or accelerate a creative career in graphic design. Learn how to produce engaging, professional designs for digital ads, 3D design, print publications, brand packaging and more. By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills you need to land a role such as being a Graphic Designer, Junior Art Director or Brand Designer.

If you’re a graduate of the Certificate IV in Design (or hoping to become one), this course can be a great next step.

Key learning outcomes

Build and refine your professional typography skills, including your ability to recognise and use different type fonts, faces and styles
Learn how you can use Adobe Creative Cloud tools to create illustrations, produce graphics manipulate photos and more
Discover how you can create 3D designs using industry-respected software
Develop your understanding of key colour management concepts and learn how to keep colour consistent across digital and print designs
Build your ability to produce engaging and creative online ads
Discover techniques and best practices you can use to create a body of creative work, such as an evolving portfolio of your own graphic designs
Learn how you can use approaches such as professional development to continually update and enhance your design skills

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Key benefits of studying this course

Launch or advance your graphic design career – Develop the skills you need to land a dynamic and creative job centred on graphic design
Extend your graphic design portfolio – As you progress through this course, you’ll build up examples of designs that you can share with potential clients and employers
Gain a nationally recognised qualification – Gain a qualification that’s recognised by employers across Australia
Learn from experts – When you study with ACBI, you’ll learn from dedicated trainers who hold a wealth of teaching and design experience
Open the door to further design studies – Gain the graphic design skills you need to go onto more advanced studies, such as an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
Be supported to succeed – Enjoy access to high-quality student and academic support. From guiding you through assessment questions to helping you use design software, ACBI is here to support your learning journey

Tools you’ll learn

Adobe InDesign,Adobe Illustrator,Adobe Photoshop,Adobe Lightroom,Adobe Firefly,Adobe Premiere,Final Cut Pro

Domestic students

Domestic students
International Students

1 year 6 months (78 weeks)

Sydney Campus

Blended delivery

Next on-campus intakes

6 Apr 2026
4 May 2026
6 July 2026

Next online intakes

Course Guide

Apply now

CRICOS code:

118932J

1 year 6 months (78 weeks)

Sydney Campus

Blended delivery

Next On-campus intakes

6 Apr 2026
4 May 2026
6 July 2026

Course Guide

Apply now

hs-cta-trigger-button hs-cta-trigger-button-179384868404

Course content

Units

Unit code	Unit name	What you’ll learn
CUAGRD515	Design and manipulate complex layouts	Be equipped to lay out different elements (e.g., headings, body copy, images and more) in ways that make your designs more effective. In this unit, you’ll learn how to use elements like placement, contrast, colour and size to make your layouts visually engaging. You’ll also discover how to use layouts that guide people through understanding the information in your designs.
CUAGRD503	Produce typographic design solutions	Build your ability to use type in your designs in polished and professional ways. Discover how to recognise and use different type fonts, faces and styles. Also build your confidence in manipulating and arranging type for different kinds of designs.
CUAPPR513	Present a body of own creative work	Prepare an up-to-date portfolio of creative work that you can share with others. Learn how to format and finalise portfolios that look professional, capture your unique style and send the right messages. Also explore innovative and interactive ways for presenting portfolios of work.
CUAGRD514	Create and manipulate graphics	Develop your technical skills in creating and manipulating graphics. Learn how to use bitmap and vector images. Also build your ability to use a range of techniques in Adobe Creative Cloud and other industry-respected graphic design software.
CUAPHI523	Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace	Colour management is a vital part of graphic design. It ensures that colour is reproduced consistently across different mediums and devices, such as printed brochures, websites and TV ads. In this unit, you’ll build your practical skills in using colour management techniques. Discover how to use colour profiles, calibration tools, closed loop systems and more.
CUAACD531	Refine drawing and other visual representation tools	In this unit, you’ll refine your ability to use both offline and online drawing approaches. You’ll learn how to use different materials, techniques, compositions, spatial fields and more to evoke different moods and messages with your drawings.
CUAACD522	Work with photo media in creative practice	Build your skills in editing photos and using them in your designs. As a graphic designer, being able to manipulate images is a core skill. In this unit, you’ll explore a range of digital and experimental techniques for working with photos and images. You’ll discover how to use Adobe Creative Cloud to produce creative and polished photomedia work.
BSBMKG551	Create multiplatform advertisements for mass media	Jump into the world of online advertising. Discover how you can interpret a client’s requirements for digital ads. Then go about creating options for different digital ads, presenting them to clients and seeking their feedback.
CUAGRD516	Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs	Explore how graphic design, and the approaches graphic designers use, are evolving. Build your ability to research design trends and incorporate them into your designs. Also discover how to use networking to connect with other graphic designers and learn from them.
BSBCRT512	Originate and develop concepts	Build your ability to come up with design ideas and potential solutions. Learn how to use a range of brainstorming and other techniques to generate creative ideas. Then evaluate these ideas, select the most promising ones and present these potential solutions to others.
CUADES511	Implement design solutions	Learn how to take a design concept and transform it into a finalised prototype. In this unit, you’ll build your ability to experiment with different design solutions. You’ll discover ways to challenge and refine your design solutions with input from others.
CUAGRD501	Research visual communication history and theory	Deepen your understanding of visual communication, including the use of images, graphics, type and other elements to communicate a message. In this unit, you’ll explore how to gather information on existing graphic designs and design concepts, then take inspiration from this research and apply it to your own graphic design work.
BSBCRT413	Collaborate in a creative process	In this unit, you’ll build your skills in working with other designers. You’ll develop your understanding of how to collaborate to come up with ideas and effective design solutions. You’ll also learn how to agree on tasks and timelines within a team and use approaches for maximising team creativity.
BSBMKG437	Create and optimise digital media	Build your understanding of different digital media used for marketing, such as social media, online ads and email campaigns. Discover how you can work with marketers to review the performance of different media and propose options for improvement.
CUADIG304	Create visual design components	Discover how to create designs for interactive media, such as websites, social media and marketing emails. In this unit, you’ll build your skills in developing high-impact visual designs in response to a project brief. Learn how to clarify project requirements, discuss the design process and finalise designs according to technical specifications.
BSBPEF501	Manage personal and professional development	In this unit, you’ll explore how you can refine your design and other skills on an ongoing basis. You’ll build your ability to recognise areas where you could improve your own skills, as well as areas where team members could enhance theirs. Then create clear, professional plans for building these skills.
BSBWHS521	Ensure a safe workplace for a work area	Discover how you can avoid injuries, manage work stress and improve workplace health and safety. In this unit, you’ll learn about Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs, then explore how you can contribute to implementing and maintaining a WHS management system for your organisation.
CUAGRD502	Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications	Explore a range of 2D and 3D graphic designs, including illustrations, logos, motion graphics and videos. In this unit, you’ll enhance your skills in responding to a design brief that requires a body of 2D and 3D work. You’ll learn how to manage creative production, collaborate with others and use hands-on technical skills in industry software such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
CUADES413	Develop and extend design skills and practice	In this unit, you’ll explore how to extend your technical skills in graphic design and refine your unique creative style. You’ll learn how to extend your conceptual design skills, such as interpreting client needs and generating ideas. You’ll also discover how to research and pursue graphic design work opportunities.

Hear from our students

“I have only good things to say about my time with ACBI. The curriculum for the Diploma of Graphic Design is very complete and very hands on. All the trainers I've had were highly qualified and the staff always provided me and other international students with amazing support.” <br>-Manoela Prusch

“The Diploma of Graphic Design has been an incredibly enriching experience. The faculty members are not only highly qualified professionals but also very supportive and encouraging. The classes are well-structured, covering both theoretical concepts and practical skills essential for a career in graphic design. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of education and support offered by the ACBI and would highly recommend it to anyone passionate about pursuing a career in graphic design.” <br>-Maria Isabella Martinez

“I’m from Japan and I had been working as a freelance illustrator. However, when I came to Australia, I didn’t have any local career experience. I wanted to enhance my skills and explore more career options. The Diploma of Graphic Design offers both basic and practical studies with essential skills that designers need nowadays. The area around the school is vibrant and diverse, which really helps with my creativity. The classes are face-to-face, and the school provides all the equipment I need. The trainers and staff members are very friendly and always willing to support students.” <br>-Aiko Sakano

Potential Salaries

Graphic Designer

$78K

Graphic Designers use their understanding of design techniques, such as colour, contrast and scale, to create engaging print and digital designs. For example, they may create videos, images and printed materials that business’s use for their marketing.

Illustrator

$80K

Illustrators produce creative sketches, drawings, infographics and other illustrations for print and digital media. For example, their work may appear in books, in animated videos and on websites.

Design Coordinator

$115K

Design Coordinators play a key role in bringing designs to life. They are responsible for coordinating activities and materials that are needed to produce designs. For example, they may gather information to be featured in a design and present design concepts to clients.

Source: Seek 2026

Demand for graphic designers is booming – Demand for graphic designers is predicted to grow by 21.7% over the next 5 years (Seek 2026). Completing a Diploma of Graphic Design can be a great way to build industry-ready skills and kickstart your graphic design career.
Graphic designers enjoy good job satisfaction – Graphic Designers in Australia score their job satisfaction as being 4 out of 5 (Seek 2026). This shows that choosing design for a career can be a rewarding option.
There’s growing demand for illustrators – Demand for illustrators is predicted to grow by 22% over the next 5 years (Seek 2026). Completing a Diploma of Graphic Design can be a great way to kickstart or advance your career as an illustrator.

After completing your Diploma of Graphic Design, you may wish to further expand your skills and career opportunities by studying:

An Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design – With this course, you can elevate your graphic design skills while also building your management skills. You’ll open the door to job opportunities like becoming a Senior Graphic Designer, Design Manager, Art Director and more.
An Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management – If you’re interested in leading a design team, this qualification will help you build important leadership skills that managers need.
A Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Digital Marketing – Designers and marketers often work closely together, with designers often creating marketing materials. Gaining a qualification in digital marketing can help you become a marketing designer. Or, if you wish to freelance or have your own a design agency, gaining digital marketing skills can help you to promote yourself and your business.
A Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Build your skills in using AI tools that can help you in your career.

Entry requirements

Domestic Students
To enter this qualification, you will need to:

Have completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent), or a Certificate IV qualification

Be at least 18 years of age

You will also need to provide evidence of your technical skills and ability in graphic design, such as in the form of a short design portfolio. This includes:

Producing multiple examples of graphic design work that respond effectively to different design challenges

Producing typography that supports an overall design solution

Providing evidence of being able to use graphic design industry software

These skills may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.

Note: You may also have an initial interview to assess your individual learning needs and your language, literacy and numeracy skills.

Brand new to design? You may wish to considering studying a Certificate IV in Design first, followed by a Diploma of Graphic Design.
International Students
To enter this qualification, you will need to:

Have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent

Hold IELTS 6.0 English language equivalence if a non-native English speaker

Be at least 18 years of age

You will also need to provide evidence of your technical skills and ability in graphic design, such as in the form of a short design portfolio. This includes:

Producing multiple examples of graphic design work that respond effectively to different design challenges

Producing typography that supports an overall design solution

Providing evidence of being able to use graphic design industry software

These skills may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.

Please note: ACBI assesses the suitability of international student applicants using a range of methods. These can include reviewing prior educational qualifications, English level, LLN and students’ resumes.

Brand new to design?
You may wish to considering studying a Certificate IV in Design first, followed by a Diploma of Graphic Design.

How to apply

Domestic Students
Enrol this course in 3 simple steps:

Complete ACBI’s online application form

Once your form is submitted, our Admissions team will check your application to make sure we have everything we need. If not, we’ll send you a quick email or give you a quick phone call.

Accept your letter of offer

If your application is successful, we will issue you an offer including an official Letter of Offer and Acceptance of Offer documents.

Receive confirmation of your enrolment

A welcome letter will be sent to you confirming your course. You’ll also receive all the necessary details you need to start your course.

Need help with applying? Our friendly team is here to help. Connect with your Course Advisor or simply fill out this form to get in touch.
International Students
Enrol in this course in 4 simple steps:

Complete ACBI’s online application form.
Get started by completing our online application form, or getting your education agent to submit the form on your behalf.

Once your form is submitted, our Admissions team will process your application.

Need help finding an education agent? Check out our list of agents.

Accept your letter of offer
If your application is successful, we will issue you an offer including an official Letter of Offer and Enrolment Acceptance Agreement document.

Receive confirmation of your enrolment
We will provide you or your education agent with a copy of your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This document is essential for the student visa application process. You will separately receive a welcome email and an invitation for an ACBI Orientation Day.

Apply for a student visa
You will now need to apply for your visa to travel to Australia. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for further details: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

Need help with applying? Our friendly team is here to help. Connect with your Course Advisor or simply fill out this form to get in touch.

Apply now

FAQs

Who is this course for?

This course can be a great choice for people who have some design knowledge or experience and are looking to specialise in graphic design. By the end of this Diploma, you’ll be ready to land a job focused on visual communication (graphic design). For example, you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to become a Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Brand Designer, Illustrator, Marketing Designer or Advertising Designer. You’ll also have the option of going on to complete an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design to further your skills in graphic design.

What design tools will I learn?

In the Diploma of Graphic Design, you’ll build your skills in using a range of industry-respected design tools including:

Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Firefly
Adobe Premiere
Final Cut Pro

Why should I study this course at ACBI?

When you choose to study your Diploma of Graphic Design at ACBI you’ll enjoy:

Excellent student support – Be supported throughout your student journey. From study plans to interactive online sessions, you’ll be supported to succeed at your studies.
Being taught by experienced trainers – Our trainers have a wealth of both industry and teaching experience.
Pathways to an Advanced Diploma qualification – Choose to study one of a range of Advanced Diploma courses after you complete your Diploma. For example, you may go on to study an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design.
A convenient Sydney CBD location – ACBI’s Sydney campus is a short walk from Central Station and is close to a range of public transport options.

Should I study the Certificate IV in Design, or the Diploma of Graphic Design?

Great question! Many of our students choose to study the Certificate IV in Design followed by the Diploma of Graphic Design. You can think of Certificate IV in Design as being a good introduction to the world of design. It can be completed within 1 year. This qualification builds foundational skills in areas such as using colours, typography, illustration, videos, Adobe Creative Cloud and more. The Certificate IV in Design can be a great choice if you’re new to design. On the other hand, the Diploma of Graphic Design builds more specialised skills in graphic design. For example, it builds skills in designing complex print layouts, creating a body of creative work, developing 3D designs and more. This course takes 18 months to complete. Studying a Diploma of Graphic Design can be a good choice if you already have some design knowledge or experience. It can also be a good choice if you’re interested in becoming graphic designer, or if you’re looking to package a Diploma with an Advanced Diploma, such as an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design. For advice on which course(s) might best suit your individual needs, connect with a Course Advisor.

Should I study the Diploma of Graphic Design, or the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design?

Great question! Many of our students choose to study the Diploma of Graphic Design followed by the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design. The Diploma of Graphic Design can be a good choice if you have some foundational design knowledge or experience and are seeking to specialise in graphic design. This course takes 18 months to complete. It will help you launch your graphic design career. On the other hand, the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design can be a good choice if you’re looking to advance your graphic design knowledge and career. This course takes 1 year to complete and opens the door to job opportunities such as being a Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director or Design Manager. For advice on which course(s) might best suit your individual needs, connect with a Course Advisor.

Do you have flexible payment plans?

We do. When you study at ACBI, you can choose to pay upfront or with a flexible payment plan. For advice on what options might best suit your individual situation, connect with a Course Advisor.

Can I enrol in a ‘double diploma’ or ‘packaged courses’?

Yes, combining the Diploma of Graphic Design with another qualification is an excellent way to boost your skills and make yourself more attractive to employers. You can apply to enrol in two or more qualifications at ACBI, studying one after the other. Simply select your desired courses when completing the online application form. We recommend packaging the Diploma of Graphic Design with one or more of the following courses:

Certificate IV in Design
Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management
Diploma of Digital Marketing
Advanced Diploma of Digital Marketing
Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

I want to know something about this course but can’t find an answer. Who can I ask?

Our friendly Course Advisors are here to help. Simply fill out this form and an advisor will get in touch with you.

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Diploma of Graphic Design

COURSE CODE

Key learning outcomes

Key benefits of studying this course

Tools you’ll learn

Course content

Hear from our students

$78K

$80K

$115K

Entry requirements

How to apply

FAQs

Other courses to study

Get personalised advice

Acknowledgement of Country

Follow us on

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Diploma of Graphic Design

COURSE CODE

Key learning outcomes

Key benefits of studying this course

Tools you’ll learn

Course content

Hear from our students

$78K

$80K

$115K

Entry requirements

How to apply

FAQs

Other courses to study

Related PostsAdvanced Diploma of Graphic DesignAdvanced Diploma of Leadership and ManagementCertificate IV in Design

Related Posts

Get personalised advice

Acknowledgement of Country

Follow us on

Reach Out

Related Posts
Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management
Certificate IV in Design