Graphic Design
Well regarded by industry, the CIT Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design are full-time courses that offer sound instruction in visual communication and the right skills to start your career as a graphic designer. You will develop design concepts and produce designs that meet client's needs for a range of visual communication outcomes, either for print-based design work or digital media-based design.
The Diploma course will develop in you a sound understanding of design theory and practice how to analyse and integrate information from a range of sources to generate original designs for a range of different projects you may undertake.
As you progress to the Advanced Diploma, you will enhance your abilities and experiences at developing design concepts and working on more complex and technical design and visual projects, through working in teams, as well as showcasing your negotiation and organisational skills through the creation of effective work and production processes.
Projects may include corporate branding, packaging design, publication design, web graphics, websites, 2D animations and a public exhibition of your work. Real industry experience (placements) are encouraged and supported by local industry. You can choose to specialise in either print design or digital media design, or both through further study.
The program includes up to 120 hours of industry placement in the 4th semester. The placement is unpaid, though coordinated by CIT staff.
-
Diploma of Graphic Design
CRICOS: 090453C National ID: CUA50715Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
CRICOS: 094729C National ID: CUA60315 -
Diploma: 1.5 years
Advanced Diploma: 12 months
Students receiving credit with a Diploma of Graphic Design from another institution may need to enrol into CIT's Advanced Diploma for 12 months. Students will be advised on the duration as part of the assessment process, so please ensure all academic transcripts are provided with the application.
TOTAL CIT PACKAGE: 2 years
Diploma: 1.5 years Advanced Diploma: 6 months
-
Semester 1 (February) 2018
Semester 1 (February) 2019
-
CIT Reid
-
Tuition Fees:
2018*: Semester 1 - $6,850 Semester 2 - $6,850
2019*: Semester 1 - $7,050 Semester 2 - $7,050
Extra Fees:
Laptop (preferred but not essential) eg MacBook Pro: approx $2,000 - $3,000
Software Adobe CC subscription: approx $500
Hard drive approx: approx $100
Printing & Mounting costs: approx $200
-
*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 happen annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. 2018 and 2019 fees subject to change.
-
Entry Requirements
ACT Senior Secondary Certificate or equivalent OR Adult Entry | 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 must also 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
CRICOS: 090453C | National ID: CUA50715
Complete 19 Subjects (9 Core and 10 Electives)National IDSubject Name-
CUAGRD501Research 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 -
CUAGRD502Produce 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 -
CUAGRD505Design 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 -
CUAGRD506Develop 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 -
CUAPPR503Present 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 -
CUAACD512Work 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 -
CUADIG401Author 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 -
CUADIG403Create 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 -
BSBDES501Implement 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 -
BSBADV509Create 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 -
CUAACD501Refine 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 -
ICTDMT501Incorporate 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 -
BSBCMM401Make 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 -
CUASOU304Prepare 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 -
BSBDES402Interpret 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 -
BSBDES403Develop 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 -
CUAGRD503Produce 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 -
CUAGRD504Create 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
-
-
Course Subjects - Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
CRICOS: 094729C | National ID: CUA60315
Complete 15 subjects (7 Core and 8 Electives)
Subjects listed below from earlier courses automatically count towards this courseNational IDSubject Name-
BSBDES502Establish, 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 -
CUAGRD603Extend 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 -
CUAGRD601Engage 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 -
BSBDES601Manage 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 -
CUAPPR504Establish 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 -
BSBPMG522Undertake 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 -
CUAPPR604Publicly 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 -
BSBDES501Implement 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 -
CUAACD512Work 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 -
BSBADV509Create 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 -
CUAACD501Refine 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 -
CUADIG401Author 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 -
CUADIG403Create 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 -
CUAGRD607Develop 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
-
-
Job Opportunities
Diploma: Professional graphic design practitioners
Advanced Diploma: Professional graphic design/digital media 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
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 Graphic Design (164JA), or 24 credit points (1 year) towards the Bachelor of Web Design and Production (267JA). Students will also have the opportunity to complete a double degree in 2 years for the Bachelor of Graphic Design (164JA)/ Bachelor of Web Design and Production (267JA).
- the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design may also receive 96 credit points (1.5 years) towards Charles Sturt University's Bachelor of Business Studies, delivered on CIT's Reid campus.
- the Diploma of Graphic Design will receive 24 credit points (1 year) towards the Bachelor of Graphic Design (164JA).
- 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.
Diploma of Graphic Design (1.5 years)PLUSAdvanced Diploma of Graphic Design (6 months)= 2 years of studyBachelor of Graphic Design (1 year) UC pathway availableorBachelor of Web Design and Production (1 year) UC pathway available