Graphic Design

The CIT Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design is well regarded by industry. 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.

You’ll get hands-on with an industry placement. This course also gives you highly specialised technical, creative and conceptual abilities and knowledge in developing corporate branding, packaging design, publication design, web graphics, websites, 2D animations and exhibitions of your work.

Industry Placement

Up to 120 unpaid hours in the 4th semester, coordinated by CIT staff.

  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Diploma of Graphic Design | CUA50715
    CRICOS: 090453C

    Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design | CUA60315
    CRICOS: 094729C

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    TOTAL CIT PACKAGE: 2 years

    Diploma: 1.5 years Advanced Diploma: 6 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.

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2022 Semester 1 (February)

    2023 Semester 1 (February)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Reid

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2021-2022: $7,250 per semester

    Extra Fees:

    Laptop (preferred but not essential) eg. MacBook Pro: approx $2,000-$3,000

    Hard drive: 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 may happen annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. 2021 and 2022 fees 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:

  • Course Subjects - Diploma

    Diploma of Graphic Design | CUA50715 – 19 subjects

    Core: Complete all 9 subjects

    • BSBDES403 Develop and extend design skills and practice
    • CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory
    • CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
    • CUAGRD504 Create and manipulate graphics
    • CUAGRD503 Produce typographic design solutions
    • CUAGRD505 Design and manipulate complex layouts
    • CUAGRD506 Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
    • CUAPPR503 Present a body of own creative work
    • CUAACD501 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools

    Electives: Complete all 10 subjects

    • CUAACD512 Work with photomedia in creative practice
    • BSBDES402 Interpret and respond to a design brief
    • BSBDES501 Implement design solutions
    • Graphic design studio one
    • ICADMT501 Incorporate and edit digital video
    • CUADIG401 Author interactive media
    • CUADIG403 Create user interfaces
    • CUASOU304 Prepare Audio Assets
    • BSBCMM401 Make a presentation
    • BSBADV509 Create mass print media advertisements
  • Course Subjects - Advanced Diploma

    Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design | CUA60315 - 15 subjects

    (Subjects completed in the Certificate III will not need to be completed again)

    Core: complete all 7 subjects

    • CUAPPR504 Establish and maintain environmentally sustainable creative practice
    • BSBDES502 Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
    • BSBDES601 Manage design realisation
    • CUAGRD601 Engage in the business of graphic design
    • Originating graphic designs for complex briefs
    • CUAGRD603 Extend typographic design expertise
    • BSBPMG522 Undertake project work

    Electives: Complete all 8 subjects

    • CUAACD501 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
    • CUAACD512 Work with photomedia in creative practice
    • CUAPPR604 Publicly present a body of own creative work
    • BSBDES501 Implement design solutions
    • CUAGRD607 Develop graphic designs for branding and identity
    • CUADIG401 Author interactive media
    • CUADIG403 Create user interfaces
    • BSBADV509 Create mass print media advertisements
  • Likely Job Outcome

    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

    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 (CUA50715) = 24 credit points (1 year) towards UC’s Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)(ARB203)
    • Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA60315) = 48 credit points (2 years) towards UC’s Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) (ARB203)

    _______________________________________________________________________________

    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
    PLUS
    Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design 6 months
    = 2 years of study
    ▼
    Optional degree pathway available