Course Overview

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who have highly specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills in visual communication to conceive, negotiate and realise design solutions. Practice at this level is underpinned by the application of visual communication and design theory and history and the ability to critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources. Application of advanced communication, organisational and project management skills are also required. Practitioners at this level may work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media environments.

What you will learn

Lead the creative response to a complex brief
Manage design realisation from concept through to production
Develop and defend a visual strategy
Manage design projects end-to-end, including budgets and timelines
Build a professional body of work

Key Facts

Training product code & title	CUA60325 Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
Course duration	Up to 22 months from enrolment. At about 20 hours of study per week, the 1,850 hours of training for this qualification take approximately 22 months. Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning reduce this, and extensions are available where genuine progress is being made.
Amount of training / volume of learning	1,850 hours. This is the amount of training CAQA has determined for this qualification, and it sits within the AQF volume of learning of 1,800 to 2,400 hours for this qualification level. Your own amount of training is adjusted for your existing skills, knowledge and experience and confirmed in your individual Training Plan.
Modes of delivery	Online self-paced learning via the CAQA student portal, supported by scheduled trainer webinars, phone/email trainer support and optional virtual classrooms. Workplace-based and blended arrangements available by negotiation.
Training delivery location	Online/blended delivery - available Australia-wide. Administration: 2/10 Lawn Court, Craigieburn, VIC 3064.
Commencement dates & scheduling	Enrol any time - intakes commence on the first Monday of every month. Orientation is completed in week one; a personalised study schedule is issued with your Training Plan.
Course structure	Core and elective units as packaged under the current CUA Training Package release - view the official packaging on training.gov.au. Final unit selection is confirmed in your Training Plan. View the official unit packaging on training.gov.au →
Assessment requirements	Competency-based assessment including knowledge questions, projects, case studies, portfolios and practical/workplace tasks. All assessments are submitted online and judged by qualified assessors. Reasonable adjustment is available.
Entry requirements	Evidence of ability to produce professional typography applying visual communication history and theory; produce graphic designs for two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications; and create and manipulate graphics and design complex publication layouts. Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through graphic design work experience or through formal study.
Licensing / regulatory requirements	No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Third-party arrangements	This course is delivered and assessed directly by CAQA (RTO 45459). No third-party delivery arrangements apply. If this changes, affected students will be notified as soon as practicable.
Qualification issued	Graduates receive the nationally recognised CUA60325 Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design testamur and record of results within 30 calendar days of completion (subject to fees being paid and a verified USI). Students completing some units receive a Statement of Attainment.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements: Individuals must provide evidence of their ability to:

Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through graphic design work experience or through formal study.

CAQA also recommends learners are at least 18 years of age, have language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills appropriate to the level of the qualification, and have access to a computer, reliable internet and a current email address.

Fees and Payment

Total tuition fee	$2,895 (fee-for-service). Inclusive of all learning materials, online resources, trainer support and up to two re-assessment attempts per unit at no extra charge.
Enrolment fee	$0 - no application or enrolment fee.
Payment options	Pay in full, or interest-free payment plan from $79/week. CAQA never collects more than $1,500 in prepaid fees from a student at any time, in line with fee-protection requirements under the Standards for RTOs.
Other costs	No compulsory additional costs. Optional reference textbooks (typically under $100) are suggested but never required. You must have access to a computer and the internet (see study requirements above).
Government subsidies	This course is offered on a fee-for-service basis. Government funding or subsidies may be available for eligible students in some states from time to time - contact us and we will advise what applies to you, including any government training entitlements that could be affected by enrolling.
Withdrawals & refunds	You may withdraw at any time by written notice. Cooling-off period: full refund within 10 business days of enrolment if training has not commenced. After commencement, refunds of unspent prepaid fees are calculated per our Refund Policy. No withdrawal penalty fee applies; you pay only for training delivered.
Replacement documents	Re-issue of testamur: $35. Records of results: first copy free.

Career Outcomes

This qualification may also provide a pathway to Studio Manager and other studio, agency or in-house roles, as well as developing skills to commence your own business or work as a freelance graphic designer.

Graduates may progress to higher-level VET qualifications on CAQA's scope or to university study (credit arrangements vary by institution).

RTO 45459 · Delivered by CAQA. You will receive full pre-enrolment documentation before paying any fees.