Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design

COURSE CODE

CUA60325

Elevate your graphic design skills and career. This course will build your ability to use advanced typography, design dynamic websites, manage design clients, lead design projects and more. By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills you need to land a role such as being a Senior Graphic Designer, Design Manager or Art Director.

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

Key learning outcomes

Build your skills in identity design, including in being able to prepare cohesive and professional brand guidelines
Grow your business-related skills, including being able to find new graphic design work opportunities and successfully negotiate with design clients
Discover how to prepare effective design briefs and gain stakeholder approval for them
Learn how to use User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) principles when designing dynamic websites
Develop key management skills you need to lead design projects and design teams
Build your ability to use advanced typography skills, including working effectively with complex amounts of type, creating 3D type and using typography in virtual applications

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Key benefits of studying this course

Accelerate your graphic design career – Develop the skills you need to take your graphic design career to the next level
Extend your graphic design portfolio – As you progress through this course, you’ll build up examples of designs that you share with potential clients and employers
Build your business skills – Learn skills that are valuable to graphic design managers and business owners, including how to negotiate successfully, lead design projects and cost creative work
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
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 Dimension,InVision,Adobe Dreamweaver,Figma,Adobe Acrobat,Adobe InDesign,Adobe Photoshop,Adobe Illustrator

Domestic students

Domestic students
International Students

1 year (52 weeks)

Sydney Campus

Blended delivery

Next on-campus intakes

6 April 2026
4 May 2026
6 July 2026

Next online intakes

Course Guide

Apply now

CRICOS code:

118931K

1 year (52 weeks)

Sydney Campus

Blended delivery

Next On-campus intakes

6 April 2026
4 May 2026
6 July 2026

Course Guide

Apply now

hs-cta-trigger-button hs-cta-trigger-button-179386461214

Course content

Units

Unit code	Unit name	What you’ll learn
CUADES512	Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief	In this unit, you’ll build your ability to work proactively with a client to develop and negotiate a design brief. You’ll learn how to set design project parameters, negotiate terms and conditions, communicate constructively with clients and seek agreement on the final scope of a design project.
CUAGRD603	Extend typographic design expertise	In this unit, you’ll explore how you can use typography in complex designs. You’ll develop your understanding of more advanced typography concepts, such as relationships between typographic form and other design components. You’ll also build your skills in creating 3D type, working with complex and large amounts of type and using typography in virtual applications.
CUADES611	Manage design realisation	Enhance your skills in taking a design from concept to production. Learn how to plan the realisation of a design, oversee the implementation of the design and manage different stakeholders throughout the design process.
CUAGRD617	Develop graphic designs for branding and identity	In this unit, you’ll jump into the world of branding and identity design. You’ll explore how you can set the direction for an organisation’s visual identity, from its logos and fonts to the imagery and colours that it uses. Develop your skills in analysing branding trends and developing branding designs that are trustworthy, distinct, professional and memorable.
CUADIG413	Create user interfaces	Discover how to interpret different design briefs to develop distinct User Interface (UI) designs. Learn how to apply visual design principles in sophisticated ways while also meeting requirements for technical feasibility and accessibility standards. By the end of this unit, you’ll be equipped to produce engaging UI designs.
ICTWEB513	Build dynamic websites	In this unit, you’ll build your understanding of how dynamic websites work and how you can design for them. Dynamic websites change their content based on people’s interactions, preferences and other variables. For example, dynamic websites can show real-time updates and personalised recommendations. By the end of this unit, you’ll understand how to create User Interface (UI) prototypes for websites, then develop and test website pages.
BSBLEG525	Apply legal principles in intellectual property law matters	If you’re seeking to have a successful graphic design career, it helps to understand Intellectual Property (IP) laws. These protect copyright materials, including the original creative work of both yourself and others. Learn how to address IP risks, such as the risk of using someone else’s copyright work without the appropriate permissions. Also build your understanding of how to protect the intellectual property of your own designs and that of an organisation you work for.
BSBPMG430	Undertake project work	Build your ability to lead a graphic design project. In this unit, you’ll explore useful project management approaches you can apply in your work, such as quality assurance, financial recordkeeping and managing project scope. You’ll also build hands-on skills in developing a project plan, setting responsibilities for team members and overseeing project work.
CUAGRD612	Originate graphic designs for complex briefs	Learn how to tackle complex design briefs, including those focused on complex communication challenges. Build your skills in evaluating scope and key requirements for the design project, developing design concepts and using peer feedback to enhance your designs. Also extend your skills in exploring new and emerging technologies to inform your designs, as well as in developing design concept presentations.
CUAACD537	Refine 3-D design ideas and processes	In this unit, you’ll explore a range of 3D designs that graphic designers can produce, from packaging designs and 3D type to designs for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). You’ll dive into understanding the tools, challenges and benefits of creating 3D designs. You’ll also build your ability to plan, develop and document effective 3D design solutions.
CUAACD536	Refine 2-D design ideas and processes	In this unit, you’ll refine your skills in developing 2D design ideas and bringing them to life in polished, professional ways. You’ll explore advanced techniques for creating 2D designs, such as typefaces, images, illustrations or User Interface designs. You’ll build your skills in refining 2D concepts, presenting design solutions and taking initiative to further develop your 2D design skills.
CUAPPR612	Collaborate in professional creative projects	Learn how to better collaborate with design team members, clients, managers and other creative professionals when developing design work. In this unit, you’ll explore how you can develop productive creative relationships, address factors that limit collaboration and engage others in evaluating designs. You’ll also build your skills in challenging, testing and sharing ideas within a project team.
BSBMKG555	Write persuasive copy	Develop your ability to write persuasively, encouraging others to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. Strong persuasive writing can help you write more effective design briefs and prepare convincing descriptions for your portfolio. In this unit, you’ll explore techniques for making your writing more persuasive, then prepare, edit and finalise persuasive written content.
CUAGRD611	Engage in the business of graphic design	Build commercial skills that will help you succeed in a management position or as the owner of your creative business. Learn how to promote design services, cost graphic design projects, find new work opportunities and understand client needs.
CUAPPR611	Originate a body of independent creative work	In this unit, you’ll create a coherent and professional body of creative work. You’ll build your ability to determine your personal goals and aspirations, then plan and implement an effective strategy for creating a polished and professional body of work.

Hear from our students

“I’ve started an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design at ACBI Sydney. I really love graphic design. In this course, I’ve learnt a lot of things about social media design, branding and packaging design. I'm planning to apply all of the knowledge and skills that I have learned from my graphic design studies to my future business. Every business needs marketing and design.” <br>-Swiss Lee

“I've completed three courses with ACBI and only have good things to say about my time with this college. The curriculum 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

“I studied the Diploma of Graphic Design at ACBI and I enjoyed the course. It’s a really complete and hands-on course. I highly recommend ACBI.” <br>-Renan Franco

Potential Salaries

Art Director

$100K

Art Directors set the creative direction for the overall visual style to be used by a business or in a creative work. They hold positions within a variety of industries including public relations, theatre, publishing and advertising.

Design Team Leader

$128K

Design Team Leaders supervise graphic designers and oversee their work. They’re involved with the day-to-day management of designers and can play a rewarding role in supporting team members to grow in their skills and careers.

Design Manager

$175K

Design Managers are responsible for leading teams of designers. They play a key role in not only influencing the strategy behind creative works, but also improving how design projects are run and creating smarter ways of working.

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 an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design can be a great way to build in-demand skills and further 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.
Art Directors score their job satisfaction highly – Art Directors in Australia rate their job satisfaction as being 4.4 out of 5 (Seek 2026). Completing an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design can open the door to becoming an Art Director.

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

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 Diploma 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 design portfolio or evidence of previous graphic design study. This evidence is to demonstrate your ability to:

Apply visual communication history and theory to their own professional practice

Produce professional typography

Produce graphic designs for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) applications

Create and manipulate graphic

Design complex publication layouts

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.

New to design?
You may wish to considering studying a Certificate IV in Design or Diploma of Graphic Design first.
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 design portfolio or evidence of previous graphic design study. This evidence is to demonstrate your ability to:

Apply visual communication history and theory to their own professional practice

Produce professional typography

Produce graphic designs for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) applications

Create and manipulate graphic

Design complex publication layouts

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.

New to design?
You may wish to considering studying a Certificate IV in Design or Diploma of Graphic Design first.

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 if you have experience with graphic design that you’ve gained by studying or working. For example, if you’re a graduate of the Diploma of Graphic Design, this Advanced Diploma can be a good way to further your design skills. By the end of this qualification, you’ll be ready to advance your graphic design career. For example, you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to become a Senior Graphic Designer, Studio Manager, Design Manager or Art Director.

What design tools will I learn?

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

Adobe Dimension
InVision
Adobe Dreamweaver
Figma
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator

Why should I study this course at ACBI?

When you choose to study your Advanced 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.
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 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 Advanced 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 Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design with one or more of the following courses:

Diploma of Graphic Design
Certificate IV in Design
Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management
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.

Other courses to study

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Have questions about this course, or need help deciding which is the best course for you? Our Course Advisors have you covered.  

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Advanced 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

$100K

$128K

$175K

Entry requirements

How to apply

FAQs

Other courses to study

Get personalised advice

Acknowledgement of Country

Follow us on

Reach Out

Advanced 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

$100K

$128K

$175K

Entry requirements

How to apply

FAQs

Other courses to study

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

Related Posts

Get personalised advice

Acknowledgement of Country

Follow us on

Reach Out

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