Graphic Design Pathway Program

Education requirements

Students should have language, literacy and numeracy skills that ensure the ability to read and comprehend technical terms design terms, learn complex design task in an online self-paced environment, and communicate effectively through email. These skills are equivalent to those that would be required to successfully complete a qualification at Certificate IV level or higher (ACSF levels: Learning – Level 4; Reading, writing, oral communication & numeracy – Level 3).

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

Equipment and tools

Software Requirement (This is Mandatory Material):

• This course requires the use of design industry software.
• You will need access to the Adobe Creative Suite, which can be purchased on subscription through the Adobe Creative Cloud (ACC).
• The ACC subscription is not included in the course fee. Student subscriptions are available at a reduced price.

While completing the Graphic Design Pathway Program from Open Colleges, you may study the following subjects:

Graphic Design Essentials 

• Elements and principles of design
• Colour theory
• Typography
• The design process
• The design brief
• Digital Design – Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

CUA50720 ​Diploma of Graphic Design

• CUAGRD503 – Produce typographic design solutions
• CUAGRD514 – Create and manipulate graphics
• CUAACD411 – Integrate colour theory and design processes
• CUAGRD501 – Research visual communication history and theory
• CUAACD531 – Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
• CUAILL401 – Develop and refine illustrative work
• CUAGRD617 – Develop graphic designs for branding and identity
• CUAGRD515 – Design and manipulate complex layouts
• CUAGRD502 – Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
• CUAPHI524 – Prepare digital images for pre-press processing
• CUADES512 – Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
• BSBMKG551 – Create multi-platform advertisements for mass media
• CUAACD522 – Work with photomedia in creative practice
• CUADIG519 – Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art
• CUADIG516 – Design interactions
• CUAIND412 – Provide freelance services
• CUAGRD516 – Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
• CUADES413 – Develop and extend design skills and practice
• CUAPPR513 – Present a body of own creative work