Graphic Design

Academic requirements:

• ACT Senior Secondary Certificate or equivalent
• Interview (or other negotiated process)
• A portfolio of recent work or work that demonstrates your aptitude for design. Portfolios may contain examples of design solutions from a range of activities and media types and may include: drawing, photography, painting, printmaking or any graphic design projects you have undertaken

Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

English requirements:

• IELTS 5.5 (no band score less than 5.0)
• TOEFL iBT - 46
• PTE Academic - 42 (minimum of 36 in each band)
• Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced and B2 First) - 162
• Successful completion of CIT's English for Study and Life (Upper Intermediate)

• CUAGRD501

  Research visual communication history and theory

  CIT Code:	DSGN237
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research visual communication history and theory and to apply that research to own professional practice. It applies to individuals who are visual communication professionals. They carry out research independently and use information to provide context, inspiration and reference for contemporary design solutions. No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAGRD502

  Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications

  CIT Code:	GRPH213
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce a body of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) graphic design work in response to a variety of visual communication challenges. Design work will show a well-developed command of relevant software programs and the creative ability to generate ideas to meet the different needs of design briefs. It applies to individuals who work as graphic designers in a wide variety of industry contexts such as design studios, commercial printing, advertising, book and magazine publishing, television or the marketing division of any business.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAGRD505

  Design and manipulate complex layouts

  CIT Code:	GRPH216
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design complex publication layouts by combining creative design skills with technical software proficiency. It applies to individuals working in various industry contexts such as graphic design, commercial printing, advertising, publishing, television and marketing. At this level, individuals work independently and are responsible for the overall layout design. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAGRD506

  Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs

  CIT Code:	GRPH217
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop an industry focus for graphic design practice and to adapt that practice to meet both current and emerging industry opportunities. It applies to individuals who are developing a graphic design practice to meet different industry needs. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAPPR503

  Present a body of own creative work

  CIT Code:	ARTS308
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use creative, technical and project management skills to produce a professional and innovative presentation of own creative work. It applies to individuals who maintain an up-to-date presentation package or portfolio of creative work. The presentation or portfolio may be physical or virtual.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAACD512

  Work with photomedia in creative practice

  CIT Code:	ARTS270
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with any type of photomedia professional creative practice. It applies to individuals who work in many media and disciplines and use photomedia for the creative presentation or documentation of work, or to create parts or the whole of a finished work. It may include still images, film, video, music or interactive content. This unit does not address the specialised skills needed by photo imaging professionals. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUADIG401

  Author interactive media

  CIT Code:	MEDA217
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to author a complete interactive media product, for example, an entire website. It applies to individuals who apply sound knowledge of mark-up and scripting languages to develop templates, themes styles sheets, forms and form objects for programmers and the technical support team. They may also use a variety of authoring software used to produce complex interactions such as digital simulations, games and puzzles. They work primarily on client-side technologies. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUADIG403

  Create user interfaces

  CIT Code:	MEDA375
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create a user interface for an interactive media product. It applies to individuals who respond to design specifications and generate a range of design options that incorporate user-centred design principles and comply with platform standards. They work in a team environment with some supervision or guidance. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• Graphic design studio one

  CIT Code:	GRPH239
  Description:	This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to realise a coherent body of creative work. Practitioners integrate conceptual, technical and organisational skills to create work in their chosen creative form. This subject achieves competency CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBDES501

  Implement design solutions

  CIT Code:	DSGN171
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to take a design concept or solution to the implementation stage. The outcome of work could be a completed product, object, system or service, but is more likely to be a complete or partial prototype or model for the design. The focus of the unit is on a general knowledge of design techniques and processes, and practical application to a specific design context. It applies to individuals who implement concepts and solutions in response to a design challenge in any industry context.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBADV509

  Create mass print media advertisements

  CIT Code:	MKTG255
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create mass print media advertisements that communicate key features of a product, service or idea to consumers. It applies to individuals working in a supervisory or management advertising role within an advertising team or media organisation who are primarily responsible for development of mass print advertisements. Individuals undertaking this unit may develop mass print media advertisements themselves or coordinate a team to produce the advertisement.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAACD501

  Refine drawing and other visual representation tools

  CIT Code:	ARTS259
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use drawing and other visual representation tools to develop, refine and communicate ideas for creative work. The unit focus is on manual drawing development and refinement, and visual representation as cognitive tools in a professional practice, rather than a particular level of drawing technique. It applies to individuals who are professional practitioners working in any area related to visual communication using drawing and other visual representation tools to support their practice.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• ICTDMT501

  Incorporate and edit digital video

  CIT Code:	INFT647
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to incorporate, and edit, digital video into interactive media presentations. It applies to individuals who possess a sound knowledge of digital media, are independently responsible for the workflow process and provide support and supervision within a team.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBCMM401

  Make a presentation

  CIT Code:	MKTG156
  Description:	This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare, deliver and review a presentation to a target audience. This unit applies to individuals who may be expected to make presentations for a range of purposes, such as marketing, training and promotions. They contribute well developed communication skills in presenting a range of concepts and ideas.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUASOU304

  Prepare audio assets

  CIT Code:	MEDA418
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare audio assets for inclusion in broadcasting, games and interactive media. It applies to individuals who prepare and package audio content into formats appropriate for various media distribution channels and interactive products.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBDES402

  Interpret and respond to a design brief

  CIT Code:	DSGN169
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret and creatively respond to a design brief through the production of work. It applies to individuals working in any industry or design context where work is prescribed by a commissioning agent/client in a brief. Individuals are required to integrate the creative, communication and planning processes that support effective response to a design brief. Work is carried out independently, although guidance is available if required.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBDES403

  Develop and extend design skills and practice

  CIT Code:	DSGN170
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and extend skills as a practising designer. It applies to individuals who work as a designer, in any industry context, either independently or employed by an organisation. Designers must continually refine, develop and evaluate their own conceptual and technical skills. Research, experimentation and collaboration are key factors in this process.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAGRD503

  Produce typographic design solutions

  CIT Code:	GRPH214
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce professional typography for a wide range of communication needs. Typographic design solutions may include advertisements, headlines, logotypes, signage systems, posters, charts or mass text applications. It applies to individuals who use a broad range of digital and print applications in many different graphic design industry contexts. No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAGRD504

  Create and manipulate graphics

  CIT Code:	GRPH215
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create and manipulate graphics using a combination of creative design skills and technical software proficiency. It applies to individuals working in various industries such as graphic design, commercial printing, advertising, publishing, television and marketing. Individuals work independently and create original graphics or work with graphic objects created by others. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBDES502

  Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief

  CIT Code:	DSGN172
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work proactively with a client or commissioning organisation to develop and negotiate a design brief. It applies to individuals working in any industry or design context where the designer plays a key role in determining the scope and nature of work required. Establishment, negotiation and refinement of a design brief requires the integration of highly-developed creative thinking, communication and planning skills in a process that may not be linear. Adaptability and effective responses to change and new ideas are crucial.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAGRD603

  Extend typographic design expertise

  CIT Code:	GRPH220
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to exploit the potential of typography to solve complex design challenges through research and exploration of advanced and specialised applications. It applies to individuals with a highly developed conceptual and technical understanding of type. They work in many different industry contexts including design studios, commercial printing, advertising, publishing, television and marketing. They work with two-dimensional (2-D), three-dimensional (3-D) and virtual applications. At this level, the designer is working independently, though is usually a member of a collaborative creative team.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAGRD601

  Engage in the business of graphic design

  CIT Code:	GRPH218
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to adopt a professional, commercial approach to graphic design practice.It applies to individuals who work autonomously across a diverse range of industry and community contexts. They could be employed by others in small or large organisations, operate as freelancers or set up their own studios.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBDES601

  Manage design realisation

  CIT Code:	DSGN173
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the process of taking a design from concept to final realisation or production. It has a strong focus on planning, implementation and monitoring skills, combined with a sound knowledge of design and production issues and challenges in a given context. It applies to individuals working in any industry context or design discipline who take responsibility for turning design concept into reality – a product or service of value to the end-user. This person could be an individual designer-maker or a designer working as part of a larger design/production team.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAPPR504

  Establish and maintain environmentally sustainable creative practice

  CIT Code:	ARTS309
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to integrate environmentally sustainable approaches into creative art or design practice in order to reduce own ecological footprint across all areas of operation. It applies to individuals who work as artists or designers. Sustainability considerations apply both to activities within the practice and to the design of products and services that might be made, operated or used by others. The practitioner applies a self-directed approach to ensuring the sustainability of own creative practice.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBPMG522

  Undertake project work

  CIT Code:	PROJ194
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake a straightforward project or a section of a larger project. It covers developing a project plan, administering and monitoring the project, finalising the project and reviewing the project to identify lessons learned for application to future projects. This unit applies to individuals who play a significant role in ensuring a project meets timelines, quality standards, budgetary limits and other requirements set for the project. The unit does not apply to specialist project managers. For specialist project managers, the other units of competency in the project management field (BSBPMG) will be applicable.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAPPR604

  Publicly present a body of own creative work

  CIT Code:	ARTS314
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to generate ideas for a public presentation of a coherent body of own professional creative work; then plan and prepare the presentation, including own work; and promote and evaluate it. It applies to individuals who are creative practitioners working in a range of different sectors. The presentations may be physical or virtual, and may include exhibitions, shows, competitions and performances.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBDES501

  Implement design solutions

  CIT Code:	DSGN171
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to take a design concept or solution to the implementation stage. The outcome of work could be a completed product, object, system or service, but is more likely to be a complete or partial prototype or model for the design. The focus of the unit is on a general knowledge of design techniques and processes, and practical application to a specific design context. It applies to individuals who implement concepts and solutions in response to a design challenge in any industry context.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAACD512

  Work with photomedia in creative practice

  CIT Code:	ARTS270
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with any type of photomedia professional creative practice. It applies to individuals who work in many media and disciplines and use photomedia for the creative presentation or documentation of work, or to create parts or the whole of a finished work. It may include still images, film, video, music or interactive content. This unit does not address the specialised skills needed by photo imaging professionals.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• BSBADV509

  Create mass print media advertisements

  CIT Code:	MKTG255
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create mass print media advertisements that communicate key features of a product, service or idea to consumers. It applies to individuals working in a supervisory or management advertising role within an advertising team or media organisation who are primarily responsible for development of mass print advertisements. Individuals undertaking this unit may develop mass print media advertisements themselves or coordinate a team to produce the advertisement.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAACD501

  Refine drawing and other visual representation tools

  CIT Code:	ARTS259
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use drawing and other visual representation tools to develop, refine and communicate ideas for creative work. The unit focus is on manual drawing development and refinement, and visual representation as cognitive tools in a professional practice, rather than a particular level of drawing technique. It applies to individuals who are professional practitioners working in any area related to visual communication using drawing and other visual representation tools to support their practice.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUADIG401

  Author interactive media

  CIT Code:	MEDA217
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to author a complete interactive media product, for example, an entire website. It applies to individuals who apply sound knowledge of mark-up and scripting languages to develop templates, themes styles sheets, forms and form objects for programmers and the technical support team. They may also use a variety of authoring software used to produce complex interactions such as digital simulations, games and puzzles. They work primarily on client-side technologies.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUADIG403

  Create user interfaces

  CIT Code:	MEDA375
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create a user interface for an interactive media product. It applies to individuals who respond to design specifications and generate a range of design options that incorporate user-centred design principles and comply with platform standards. They work in a team environment with some supervision or guidance. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CUAGRD607

  Develop graphic designs for branding and identity

  CIT Code:	GRPH224
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create graphic designs for branding and identity that convey key messages about organisations or brands and their underpinning philosophies. It applies to individuals who work in a range of industry contexts that include design consultancy, commercial printing, advertising, publishing, television or marketing. Graphic designers also frequently offer their services on a freelance basis.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• Originating graphic designs for complex briefs

  CIT Code:	GRPH240
  Description:	This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to independently conceive, plan and realise professional graphic design work to meet the demands of complex communication challenges and graphic design briefs. It applies to individuals who work as designers in many different contexts including studios, commercial printing, advertising, publishing, television or marketing. They possess highly developed planning and analytical thinking and technical and creative capabilities. This subject achieves the Unit of Competency CUAGRD602 Originate graphic designs for complex briefs.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

Diploma: Professional graphic design practitioners
Advanced Diploma: Professional graphic design/digital media practitioners

Teaching methods include:

• Simulated workplaces to practice professional skills: the Graphic Design ‘Mac labs’ reflect a functioning design studio environment with access to the latest equipment, software, scanners, tablets, video and sound technologies
• Work experience, including client interactions, commercial design briefs and industry work placements
• Collaborative learning
• Supervised study time with visiting industry specialists and practice feedback from industry professionals
• On-line learning and student engagement through e-Learn
• Excursions and field trips

Students will be assessed in the following ways:

• Participation in industry projects, complete assignments and projects
• Assessments may be based on competency, marks and grades, or a combination of all three

Students who gain entry into the University of Canberra and successfully complete:

• the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design will receive 48 credit points (2 years) towards the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) (ARB203)
• the Diploma of Graphic Design will receive 24 credit points (1 year) towards the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) (ARB203)
• a CIT Diploma will receive 24 credit points (1 year) towards the Bachelor of Arts (429AA).

Students are advised to speak directly with UC in relation to course choices and pathways.