The Gordon Institute of TAFE
12 months
Master graphic design with industry-standard tools and techniques in this 10-month diploma. Perfect for creative professionals seeking to build a job-ready portfolio and launch a career as a graphic designer, illustrator, or brand designer.
Applicants must have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 level, or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3. A digital portfolio demonstrating technical skills is required for entry, unless you've completed Certificate III Design Fundamentals or Screen and Media at The Gordon. You should have access to a laptop or desktop computer (MAC or PC) with a student licence for Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps software. Recommended computer specifications include a 2 GHz processor, 8-16 GB RAM, GPU with DirectX 12 support, 1920 x 1080 display monitor, 50 GB available hard disk space, and internet connection.
The diploma covers core graphic design competencies including creating and manipulating graphics, designing complex layouts, developing graphic design practice to meet industry needs, producing graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications, producing typographic design solutions, refining drawing and visual representation tools, and researching visual communication history and theory. Elective units allow specialization in areas such as branding and identity design, packaging design, illustrative work, digital art creation, photomedia, freelance services, and observational drawing. You'll complete 1170 hours of study across 10 core units and selected electives, developing both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving abilities.
The Gordon is a leading Victorian TAFE institute with over 100 years of educational excellence and international recognition. Instruction is delivered by practicing industry professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom. The institute offers comprehensive support services, modern training facilities, and clear pathways to further study. With government funding backing quality VET education, The Gordon provides accredited qualifications recognized across Australia's creative industries.
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in the creative industries including roles as graphic designers, content creators, illustrators, brand designers, editorial or publication designers, and freelance designers. The job-ready portfolio developed during the course positions graduates for immediate employment in design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, or as independent freelancers. Further study pathways are available within The Gordon and potentially to university degrees, with credit points that may reduce study time.
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