RTO Diploma
- Study Option
- Classroom Based
- AQF Level
- CUA50725 Diploma of Graphic Design
- Entry Requirements
18 years old or over
Must have basic computer skills (navigate the web, send emails, upload/download documents, create documents and presentations, etc.) Must have strong language and literacy skills (at least Year 10 English, or equivalent)Students are required to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test as part of their pre-enrolment*
- Assessment
- 19 online practical assignments
- Accreditation

The Australian Academy of Graphic Design Design is owned and operated by Further Learning Australia Pty Ltd (a Registered Training Organisation) RTO Code 46046, enabling us to offer the nationally accredited CUA50725 Diploma of Graphic Design. This Vocational Education and Training (VET) Accredited course is regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).- Provider
- Australian Academy of Interior Design (RTO 46046)
The CUA50725 Diploma of Graphic Design trains you to become a professional designer with the creative, technical, and strategic skills needed to succeed in today’s design industry.
Perfect for beginners, this course starts with Module 0: Portfolio Preparation, where you’ll create your first creative portfolio which is a prerequisite for the CUA50725 Diploma of Graphic Design.
This hands-on course takes you through every stage of the design process, from concept development and visual storytelling to branding, typography, digital imaging, and user-experience design. You will work with industry-standard software and real-world briefs that prepare you for professional practice across both print and digital platforms.
You will also explore how to collaborate effectively, manage clients, and present your creative ideas with confidence. Guided by experienced design educators, upon successful course completion, you will graduate with a professional portfolio that showcases your ability to deliver imaginative, industry-ready design solutions.
You will have full access to our virtual campus, the Online Learning Centre, which contains course material created by industry experts including instructional videos, written content and assignments. You will be assigned a course trainer who will provide all the support, knowledge and in-depth feedback you need to progress through your studies. Our trainers are always contactable through the Online Learning Centre.
Classroom students attend in-person classes as part of their program of study. These classes are intended as supplemental learning opportunities where you acquire practical skills to develop your creativity, network with other like-minded creative students and learn from classroom trainers, all of whom are working professionals in the graphic design industry.
This program consists of 20 day-long Saturday classes taken in a scheduled sequence over two years. We offer three intake points per year: February, May. September.
This hybrid option is ideal for students who enjoy learning in a classroom setting but who want the flexibility of studying online. Students who opt for this plan still access all their learning content online, engage with online trainer/assessors with queries about their assignments, and submit their assessments for grading via our Online Learning Centre.
*This course represents approximately 1,294 hours of training. The optional In-Person classes represent an additional 120 hours of training. On average a student studying around 17.5 hours per week can complete all course requirements in approximately 26 months (including planned study breaks.)
Class Location
View class location details.
Level 8,
20 Queen St,
Melbourne
VIC 3000
Level 6/136 Chalmers St,
Surry Hills NSW 2010,
Australia
Level 2,
545 Kent Street,
Sydney 2000,
Australia
Class Schedule
View the schedule for the evening classes and the weekend classes in Melbourne and Sydney.
Topics
The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in this course.
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Pre-qualification Unit: Portfolio Preparation
Develop a creative portfolio which demonstrates graphic design work that responds effectively to different design challenges, typography that supports the overall design solution, and the ability to use graphic design software.
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Foundations of Design Practice
Establish creative foundations: the design process, drawing and visual exploration, research in design history/theory, and reflection on practice. The module covers the following units of competency:
- CUADES413 Develop and extend design skills and practice
- CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
- CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory
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Concept Development & Creative Thinking
Generate and refine ideas, interpret client needs, and manage the briefing process from concept to proposal. The module covers the following units of competency:
- CUADES512 Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
- BSBCRT512 Originate concepts
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Visual Communication & Typography
Explore typographic hierarchy, layout composition, and publication design across print and digital media. The module covers the following units of competency:
- CUAGRD503 Produce typographic design solutions
- CUAGRD515 Design and manipulate complex layouts
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Digital Imaging & Graphic Production
Build technical capability in software and simulation tools to create digital artwork and visual assets. The module covers the following units of competency:
- CUAGRD514 Create and manipulate graphics
- CUADIG517 Design digital simulations
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Branding & Identity Design
Integrate design strategy and marketing principles to create visual identities and brand campaigns. The module covers the following units of competency:
- CUAGRD617 Develop graphic designs for branding and identity
- BSBMKG551 Create an advertising campaign
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3D & Applied Design Practice
Apply design solutions across spatial and digital formats; design packaging, exhibition, or multimedia applications. The module covers the following units of competency:
- CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2D and 3D applications
- BSBMKG437 Create and optimise digital media
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Interactive & UX Design
Develop interactive interfaces and user-centred digital experiences while refining industry-aligned design practice. The module covers the following units of competency:
- CUADIG512 Design digital applications
- CUAGRD516 Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
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Professional Practice & Collaboration
Build communication, teamwork, and presentation skills through collaborative projects and simulated client interactions. The module covers the following units of competency:
- BSBCMM411 Make presentations
- BSBCRT413 Collaborate in creative processes
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Major Project & Portfolio Development
Capstone project: manage a client brief from concept to final delivery; produce and present a professional design portfolio. The module covers the following units of competency:
- CUAIND412 Provide services to clients
- CUAPPR513 Present a body of creative work
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Trainer/Assessors
All our trainer/assessors are practising graphic designers, certified to train and assess students in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Accredited courses.
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Pete
RoweTrainer / Assessor
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Steve
ShepherdTrainer / Assessor
The support I get from the student community and my tutor are essential. It isn't always easy and it's clearly demanding, but the whole experience is extraordinary
This course has taken me on an amazing journey - there has been a lot of learning with tutors who have given constructive feedback to help with progression.
Our Commitment to Quality
At the Australian Academy of Graphic Design, we’re dedicated to delivering training that’s credible, current, and professionally recognised. As a registered training organisation (RTO 46046), our programs comply with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2025 and are overseen by a specialist Quality Assurance team. Every assessment is validated before and after delivery to ensure fairness and consistency. Developed with industry input and taught by practicing designers, our courses combine creativity, rigour, and real-world relevance, empowering graduates to thrive with confidence and credibility.
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