This qualification reflects the role of graphic designers at the beginning of their professional careers. They combine technical, creative and conceptual skills to create designs that meet client requirements and solve a range of visual communication challenges. They have a sound understanding of design theory and practice and are able to analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources to generate design solutions.
Graphic designers work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media. At this level, the designer is likely to be working in junior or generalist roles. Their work may include or have links to areas such advertising and promotion, art direction, branding, corporate identity, instructional design, packaging, signage and web design.
Subjects
Total number of units = 19
9 core units plus
10 elective units
The elective units consist of:
6 from the list of elective units below
of the remaining 4 units:
up to 4 may be from the list of elective units below
up to 4 may be from a Diploma or above in any currently endorsed Training Package
up to 3 may be from an accredited course at Diploma level or above.
The elective units chosen must be relevant to the work outcome and meet local industry needs.
Core units
BSBDES403A Develop and extend design skills and practice
CUVACD501A Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
CUVGRD501A Research visual communication history and theory
CUVGRD502A Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
The following examples are designed to assist in the selection of appropriate electives for particular outcomes at this level, but are in no way prescriptive.
It is recommended that people entering this qualification possess a Certificate IV qualification (or equivalent vocational expertise) in a field related to graphic design, such as printing and graphic arts. Depending upon specific pathways and competencies achieved, other qualifications in design, information technology and screen and media may also be relevant. The Preparatory Skill Set for Professional Graphic Design Practice is also a suitable pathway.
Pathways from the qualification
People with CUV50311 Diploma of Graphic Design are able to work in a range of professional graphic design roles, often as junior or generalist designers. The conceptual and theoretical content in this qualification also supports learning at higher levels. Graduates may engage in further learning in vocational and higher education through Advanced Diploma and Degree qualifications in graphic design and broader areas of practice, such as digital media or other design disciplines.
Entry Requirements
To enter this qualification, people must be able to demonstrate graphic design skills to support learning at Diploma level. In particular they must be able to provide evidence of their ability to:
produce multiple examples of graphic design work that respond effectively to different design challenges
engage with the design process by developing design solutions through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas
produce typography that supports the overall design solution
show examples of computer skills using graphic design industry software, which may include multi-page layout and digital manipulation
apply knowledge of graphic design trends and technologies.
Those skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills
The following table contains a summary of the employability skills as identified by the visual arts, craft and design industries for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.
Employability skill
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification
Communication
responding appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance
consulting with peers and mentors about a range of issues related to own practice
communicating with others on design issues
reading and interpreting design briefs
developing design documentation
presenting own work and ideas effectively and creatively
Teamwork
collaborating with others in the design process
sharing ideas
Problem-solving
analysing complex information and responding with creative solutions
developing solutions for complex design challenges
balancing potentially conflicting needs
evaluating the effectiveness of solutions
Initiative and enterprise
generating creative options and ideas to address different design challenges
achieving own individual style of creative expression
using knowledge of current and emerging trends in own design work
Planning and organising
planning and monitoring the design process, including timelines and resources
conducting a range of research to inform the design process
planning work tasks in a logical sequence
setting work and practice goals
planning for a sustainable professional practice
Self-management
developing goals for professional practice
taking responsibility for own professional development
monitoring own work and introducing strategies to improve performance
using knowledge of industry and legal frameworks within own practice
Learning
identifying opportunities to maintain and enhance industry knowledge
seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors
exploring and testing new approaches
participating in industry networks and professional development opportunities
Technology
using the advanced features of graphic design technologies
selecting technologies for different design projects
