INTERNATIONAL

Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design

CRICOS Code: 108424A
National Code: CUA60320

2025 2026

Description

This course is for those who have completed the diploma of graphic design or have previous experience working in the design industry. You will enhance your technical, creative, and conceptual skills by working on complex design projects. Learn about packaging design, marketing, social media, advertising, wayfinding, advanced typography, design business and specialised creative fields. Work on real-world projects in conjunction with the design industry and collaborate with your peers to plan, promote, and run a public exhibition of your work. Graduate ready to take on a position as a graphic designer, motion/multimedia designer, illustrator or as an advertising industry creative.

Duration (incl. holidays)

Semester(s)

Teaching Duration

Example Career Profile

Print Course Page

52 weeks

40 weeks

Graphic and Multimedia Designer

International Applications

Campus / Location

Study Mode

Contact Hours

Study Load

Commences

Scheduled

Adelaide College of the Arts

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.

20 hours per week

Full Time

January, July

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On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.

Full Time

Full Time classes

Day Classes

Day time classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes

Course Admission Requirements
(for International Applications)

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 Overall with minimum of 5.0 in all bands or equivalent.
Satisfactory completion of the Diploma of Graphic Design

Fees

These course fees are for international students only.

Duration

Tuition Fees

Incidental Fees^*

Semester 1

AUD $9602

Semester 2

AUD $9603

Fee Totals

AUD $19205

Total Course Cost

AUD $19205

Note: TAFE SA course tuition and other fees/costs are subject to regular increases and are reviewed annually. TAFE SA accepts applications for courses commencing beyond the current year, course, tuition and other fees/costs for these years will apply once published. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to alter, amend or delete any fee, course, admission requirement, mode of delivery, duration or other arrangement without prior notice. If the study duration is extended beyond the period of the student’s visa the student will be liable for visa and related costs, eg medical examinations, OSHC and living expenses.

Overseas Students Health Cover

All overseas students are required to have Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) insurance for the entire duration of the course. The health cover rate will vary depending on the personal circumstances and duration of stay in Australia. Read more about Overseas Students Health Cover.

Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

Employment Outcomes

Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

Qualifications & Skills Covered

Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA60320)
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. You will gain a sound understanding of visual communication and design theory and history, and the ability to critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources. Advanced communication, organisation and project management skills are also covered. This course integrates both print and digital media applications of design. Topics covered include Design Studio, Advanced Typography, Design Business, Photo Imaging, Packaging Design, Advertising, Marketing and Portfolio Creation. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 6 core units and 9 elective units.

90%*
of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.

87%*
of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.

* 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

Course Units

Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

Core

Name	Nominal Hours	Subject Code	National Code
Collaborate in professional creative projects	50	DABHR	CUAPPR612
Engage in the business of graphic design	75	DABKP	CUAGRD611
Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief	65	DABKH	CUADES512
Extend typographic design expertise	60	DAAMB	CUAGRD603
Manage design realisation	60	DABKK	CUADES611
Originate graphic designs for complex briefs	75	DABKR	CUAGRD612

Elective

Name	Nominal Hours	Subject Code	National Code
Create multiplatform advertisements for mass media	40	FADCT	BSBMKG551
Design innovative products	50	DAAKX	CUADES601
Develop and apply knowledge of communications industry	40	FACXW	BSBMKG439
Develop and execute advertising concepts	55	DABLE	CUAGRD614
Develop graphic designs for packaging	65	DABLG	CUAGRD616
Develop graphic designs for the built environment	55	DABLF	CUAGRD615
Extend expertise in specialist creative fields	45	DABGX	CUAIND411
Realise a body of creative work	80	DABDA	CUAPPR511
Refine 3-D design ideas and processes	70	DABDP	CUAACD537

Living in Adelaide

The city created for students

You will never find another city like Adelaide. With welcoming locals, it is the perfect place for you to study, live and enjoy.

A student city

Adelaide is home to over 30,000 international students and has a strong and growing reputation as an education city. In addition to TAFE SA, Adelaide is home to six world-leading universities: The University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, Flinders University, Carnegie Mellon University, Torrens University Australia and CQ University Australia.

Safe

Adelaide’s crime rates are the lowest in the country and for that reason, Adelaide has previously been named the safest city in Australia.

Beach Culture

Adelaide’s pristine sandy beaches are just a 20 minute tram ride from the city centre. On hot summer days, you can study in the day and take the tram to have dinner at the beach and watch the sunset with friends.

Live centrally

Accommodation is more affordable in Adelaide than in other cities in Australia making it often possible for students to live in the heart of the city or just outside. This means more time is spent studying and less time travelling.

Delicious!

Adelaide is known for its cafe culture, with more cafes and restaurants by population than any other city in Australia. In recent years, Adelaide has also developed a vibrant and varied bar scene. The city is big enough that you will struggle to visit all of the places you would like to drink and eat in during in your first year of study. Our mix of cultures means there’s likely to be a supermarket that sells food from your home country too.

Easy to get around

Adelaide is a flat city so it is ideal for walking or cycling. Its grid layout makes it almost impossible to get lost! There are free trams and buses around the city centre. International students can show their ID to get cheaper tickets.

Festivals

Adelaide is known for its festivals, which are famous around the world. WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Fringe Festival and Cabaret Festival are just some of the international arts and music festivals that keep the city buzzing

Everyone agrees – Adelaide is a great place to live and study

Adelaide is recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities. In 2014, Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel book ranked Adelaide in the global top ten. For the last four years Adelaide has been ranked one of the most liveable cities in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit.

Beautiful weather

Adelaide has four distinct seasons, with moderate winters and warm to hot summers. In winter you will need woolly jumpers and jackets and in summer, shorts and t-shirts. The heat in South Australia is dry, rather than humid.