Diploma of Graphic Design

Diploma of Graphic Design - CUA50720

VOCATIONAL

Stand out from the crowd with your design skills. Hone your skills in graphic communication.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$25,250 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick

Overview

Are you ready to hone your skills in graphic design and develop strong technical expertise?

You’ll use industry standard software and gain in-depth knowledge of the design process to work in areas of visual and graphic design.

As a graphic designer, daily activities may include:

  • creating logos and artwork for products such as packaging or cafe menus
  • focusing on graphics used for websites, digital and online platforms.
  • creating graphics for clients to sell a product or service. This may be through print or digital publications such as newspapers and magazines or outdoor signage.

This diploma provides you with a strong technical focus that develops your technical expertise in digital design, print production and typography, along with a thorough understanding of design concept development and the design process.

You will explore many forms of visual and graphic communication, including illustration, digital design, typography, calligraphy and lettering, packaging design, books, advertising and publicity material.

You’ll become competent in industry standard software including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Why study graphic design at RMIT?

State-of-the-art tools

Become competent in industry-standard software including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Work with industry

Interact with key people from Australian and international companies on industry-related projects.

Job-ready skills

Develop technical expertise along with a thorough understanding of the design process.

Female student drawing in notebook

Meet TAFE alumni and designer Alice Oehr

Come inside the colourful studio of Diploma of Graphic Design alumni Alice Oehr and find out how software skills and placement experience gave Alice the foundation for a successful career.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

The learning and teaching approach of the Diploma of Graphic Design is modelled on how you would work in a commercial design studio.

Through lectures, workshops, presentations and group discussions, you will learn from experienced staff that will mentor you as a junior designer. Teachers are globally connected and divide their time between teaching and working in industry.

You’ll interact with key people from Australian and international companies on industry related projects during the course.

It is recommended that you own a computer, preferably a Mac, which is the industry standard. Please note that this is a recommendation but is not a requirement, as students have access to computer labs on campus. 

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout each semester through various forms, including project briefs, essays, reports, verbal and visual presentations, group projects, research and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

In this course, you will connect with leading local and international design companies through excursions, talks and competitions such as the Cancer Council Sunsmart educational poster campaign.

This graphic design area currently conducts an annual overseas study tour, providing you with the opportunity to meet industry speakers and attend workshops and conferences.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Full-time students are expected to attend approximately 20 hours of classes over four days and undertake approximately 15 hours of extra study and research per week.

There are often concentrated periods of out-of-class work when assessments are due.

Through your core and elective subjects in this diploma, you will be introduced to design and production methods and explore:

  • drawing
  • illustration
  • digital design
  • typography
  • print and prepress processes
  • design concept and theory
  • copyright and ethical practice
  • industry knowledge.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Graphic Design
Program code: C5409
National curriculum code: CUA50720
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Graphic Design
Brunswick Campus
1 year
C5409
105817H
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year
Plan code
C5409
CRICOS
105817H
View plan
Diploma of Graphic Design
Brunswick Campus
1 year
C5409
105817H
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year
Plan code
C5409
CRICOS
105817H
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graphic designers work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media, including organisations like design studios, digital agencies, and the advertising industry.

You may find work in areas such as advertising and promotion, art direction, branding and corporate identity, instructional design, packaging, signage and web design.  

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements.

All applicants must submit the selection task

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 1, 2025

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants
VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) 1 November 2024
December round (Current year 12 applicants only) 13 December 2024
January rounds (All applicants) 1 January 2025
February rounds (All applicants if places are available) 28 January 2025
Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 7 February 2025

Selection task requirements

Folio

Applicants are required to submit a folio. 

Provide three different pieces of your original graphic design work. Each piece must have a resolved outcome and demonstrate your design skills.  

One piece must include the use of typography & layout and demonstrated use of industry design software. 

You must include one page of process work for each piece, along with a short description explaining the idea, target audience, and design choices. 

Recommended for inclusion: 

  • A variety of original design concepts and outcomes.  
  • 2D or 3D design, typography, and industry software use such as Adobe CC suite or similar.  
  • Freehand or digital drawings/illustrations.  
  • Creative use of design elements like colour, texture, and composition.
Submissions instructions

Upload your folio as:

  • A single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Please ensure to include the page number, and your full name and application number on each page.

OR

  • Provide a URL to your folio (please provide a password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) (check calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

You may also be considered if you have work experience in this field.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection Kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 210kb) along with your application

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You are guaranteed entry into the Diploma of Graphic Design when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Design.

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry into the following programs when you successfully complete the Diploma of Graphic Design:

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$12,000* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$19,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information