Graphic Design

The CIT Diploma of Graphic Design is well regarded by industry. This diploma provides a study pathway that supports the workforce development of Graphic Designer professionals for a career digital, technical and creative concepts to create designs that meet client requirements and solve a range of visual communication challenges.

This qualification covers the application of skills and knowledge required to interpret and design solutions for a range of designs and client briefs that include typography, illustration, photography and layouts.

Graphic designers communicate ideas and information in visually engaging ways to connect with their target audiences. As designers, you will be involved in developing effective visual communication and designs for various clients from a range of industries.

Practice at this level is underpinned by application of design theory and practice, and the ability to analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources to generate design solutions. Work with the latest Adobe software and Mac technology to develop complex design concepts and produce designs that meet clients’ needs for a range of visual communication outcomes.

  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Diploma of Graphic Design | CUA50720
    CRICOS: 105812B

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    TOTAL CIT PACKAGE: 1.5 years

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2023 Semester 1 (February)

    2024 Semester 1 (February)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Reid

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2023: $7,450 per semester

    2024: $7,650 per semester

    Extra Fees:

    Material fees $1,529.00, Uniform/equipment Hard drive or cloud storage $100, Stationary Printing costs $200. Other: Laptop (preferred but not essential) eg. MacBook Pro: approx. $3,000

  • *Please note - Course fees are listed in $AUD and are based on a semester rate. Total course cost will vary depending on semester start date. Small fee increases may happen annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. 2023 fees are subject to change.

  • Entry Requirements

    Academic requirements:

    • Year 12 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

    Students must meet one of the following 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
  • Course Subjects - Diploma

    Diploma of Graphic Design | CUA50720 – 19 subjects

    Core: Complete all 9

    • CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory
    • CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
    • CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
    • CUAGRD514 Create and manipulate graphics
    • CUAGRD503 Produce typographic design solutions
    • CUAGRD515 Design and manipulate complex layouts
    • CUAGRD516 Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
    • CUADES413 Develop and extend design skills and practice
    • CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools

    Electives: Complete 10

    • CUADES412 Interpret and respond to a design brief
    • CUAPPR511 Realise a body of creative work
    • CUAACD522 Work with photomedia in creative practice
    • CUADES511 Implement design solutions
    • ICTDMT407 Incorporate video assets into media presentations
    • CUADIG401 Author interactive media
    • CUASOU304 Prepare audio assets
    • CUADIG413 Create user interfaces
    • BSBCMM411 Make presentations
    • BSBMKG551 Create multiplatform advertisements for mass media
  • Likely Job Outcome

    Diploma: Professional graphic design practitioners

  • Teaching Methods and Assessment

    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
  • Pathways to Further Study

    CIT’s credit transfer arrangements can reduce the time and fees required to complete a bachelor degree at university. If you successfully complete your CIT qualification and gain entry into the university below, you will receive the following:

    University of Canberra (UC)

    • Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA50720) = 24 credit points (1 year) towards UC’s Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) (ARB203)

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    We advise you speak directly with your chosen university in relation to credit transfer, entry requirements and their application process.

    Diploma of Graphic Design 1.5 years
    = 1.5 years of study
    ▼
    Optional degree pathway available