Diploma of Graphic Design
CUV50311
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of art and designWhat you need to know about this course
Find inspiration. Look deeper.
The purpose of this course is to develop the skills, knowledge and attributes that reflect the changes in media, visual communication and its increasing interactivity and social presence, within the role of a Graphic Designer. It will combine the technical, creative and conceptual skills required to respond to design projects and to present a range of visual and communication design solutions.
You will learn how to co-generate an idea with your client. This course will allow you to explore your curiosity and focus on the importance of creating and gathering your own projects.
The diversity of skills required from a Graphic Designer is reflected in the selection of electives that cover creative skills, articulation of ideas, communication design, digital media and photo imaging. Analysing specific markets is important in understanding the audience which informs a designer’s choice in communication methods. The unit on sustainability addresses the growing need for social, environmental and economic considerations for today’s design challenges.
Peter De Deckker Head of Faculty Creative Industry
This course will introduce and develop the emerging challenges for Graphic Designers as this role moves towards more complex and inventive ways to communicate through stories, dialogues and sensory experiences.
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How it Works
Your goal is to elevate your current creative work to the next level. When you complete this course you will have a portfolio, which you can use to present your work to future employers or clients.
You’ll learn how to produce multiple examples of graphic design work that respond effectively to different design challenges and how to
engage with the design process by developing design solutions through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas.
About the Industry
Graphic Designers may specialise in a number of fields including brand and identity strategy; digital and web-based design; television, film and computer graphics; set and exhibition design; corporate design; book and magazine design; and advertising and illustration. They may progress to positions as design directors, art directors or creative directors. Graphic design today is more about communication design so designers need to be flexible and have a broad range of skills across web, branding, print, social media and interactivity.
What is Online Learning?
With online learning you design your schedule. You create your own campus.There are no set hours per week and you complete your assessments when you are ready. You study whenever you want, wherever you want. Online learning has changed: there are so many ways to reach your trainers and fellow students when you need them. We’ve even created a multitiered platform called OpenSpace, specially designed to link our people and resources to each other. You can meet a “Study Buddy” in your area. You can access the Gale library for free. You can even download your course material and submit your assignments online. Any questions you may have can be directed to the forum; staying connected with other students has never been so easy.
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When you study online with Open Colleges there are no strict schedules and no assessment due dates. We allow you to start a course on any day of the year and you complete the course in your own time.
Open Colleges has a 3 tiered support system:
Trainer Support – get an answer to your course question
within 72 hours or much less
Student Support – call us to get all the admin information
you need, including course help and how to get started
Learner Support – we can help you with essay planning,
study tips, time management, study plans and so much more If you’ve got a question, we will answer it. By studying with Open Colleges, you’ll get the qualification you want in the most flexible way.
Course details
Course number D0105 Delivery mode Online
Course duration Max 24 months
Assessments Written questions, forum discussions,
written and visual research projects, design tasks and projects, a portfolio, peer reviews and presentations
Qualification Diploma Nationally Yes
recognised Awarded by
Potential Career Outcomes
/ Assistant Graphic Designer / Assistant Desktop Publisher / Assistant Digital Content Artist
/ Assistant Designer in Online Advertising / Freelance Graphic Designer
If you’ve got
a question,
we will
answer it.
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How is the course assessed?
During the course, you will undertake: / Written questions/ Forum discussions
/ Written and visual research projects / Design tasks and projects
/ A portfolio
/ Peer reviews and presentations
What learning materials are included with this course?
Your learning materials are accessed through OpenSpace.These include: / Study guides
/ Learner workbooks
/ Online forum and activities
/ Simulated working studio design projects / Videos and rich media
/ Links to current industry practice
/ Access to the GALE library through OpenSpace
What about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
We understand that you may already have many skills and areas of expertise that you have obtained in different ways and these are recognised through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Open Colleges has developed an RPL Application Kit for this course. The Student Handbook, available on the Open Colleges website, provides more information about our RPL process. Alternatively, you can contact a Course and Careers Advisor to discuss your RPL options.What is the duration of the course?
The maximum duration for the course is 24 months. To complete the course in this timeframe, we recommend that you study a minimum of 10 hours per week for your learning and assessments, with additional time needing to be invested on learning and progressing skills in the Industry standard software - The Adobe Creative Cloud. This is a guide only — the time taken to complete your course will depend on your level of skill and knowledge.
DURATION
RPL
ADMISSION
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What are the admission requirements for this course?
Education Requirements
To enter this qualification, you need to be able to demonstrate graphic design skills to support learning at the Diploma level. In particular, you need to be able 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 (Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Dreamweaver), which may include multi-page layout and
digital manipulation
• apply knowledge of graphic design trends and technologies.
These skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.
requirements
of art and design
You can demonstrate that you have these skills by:
• Completion of a Certificate IV in a field related to Graphic Design, such as printing or graphic arts OR
• Completion of the Preparatory Skill Set for Professional Graphic Design Practice OR
• Submission of a portfolio of multiple examples of your graphic design work as evidence to demonstrate that you possess the skills outlined above.
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Open Colleges : Diploma of Graphic Design CUV50311
As part of your pre-requisite for entry to the Diploma of Graphic Design, you are required to submit a portfolio of multiple examples of your Graphic Design work as evidence of your ability to take on study at the Diploma level. Your folio needs to contain 3 key areas: Visuals, Computer and Typography, along with a written 1 page rationale of the work you’ve included.
1.Visuals
Show examples of your
Drawing: sketching, ideas,
doodles. Photography: people, places, objects and Graphics: logos, layouts, packaging.
The Design Process. Did you know?
The creation of your portfolio is a step-by-step process of collecting your work to answer a Design brief? Be sure to be thoughtful and passionate in telling us your story.
3.Typography
Show examples of your typography as part of a Graphic Design solution. Headlines, expressive type, calligraphy, hand-drawn, modern.
2.Computer
Show examples of your Computer Skills using Design Industry software or your own specialised programs. Words, Images & Inform– ation.
What do I need to create a successful entry folio?
n Be sure to include 3-5 examples of each of your: 1. Visuals (Drawing,Photography, Graphics) 2. Computer work (Word, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and work generated by computer) 3. Typography (Headlines, Calligraphy, text layout, expressive type, hand drawn, modern)
n Your written 1 page rational and description of your work. Tell us about your motivation and inspiration.
n Please submit only one (1) PDF file
n Minumum 9 pages. 3 megabyte file max - a zipped file pdf saved for screen only.
n Email your .pdf file to [email protected] with your name in the subject line.
Your Folio
1 2
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Portfolio Requirements
You may be required to submit a portfolio of your graphic design work in order to meet the entry requirements for this qualification. Your portfolio needs to contain work that demonstrate your skills in each of three categories:
• Visuals: provide 3-5 examples of drawing (such as sketching, ideas, journals), photography (e.g. people, places, objects) and graphics (like logos, illustrations, CD covers, packaging etc)
• Computer Skills: provide 3-5 examples that demonstrate you
computer skills using design industry software – these could include multi-page layouts and image manipulation
• Typography: provide 3-5 examples of typography as part of a graphic design solution or design challenge. Examples could be Headlines, expressive type or calligraphy.
You’ll need to provide 3-5 different examples per category, along with a written 1 page rationale and description of your work that explains the process behind the selection of your multiple examples of design work. After you submit your portfolio of creative work, we’ll assess it against the above criteria and let you know if you meet the entry requirements for this qualification.
For more information about the portfolio, including complete
submission instructions, please call one of our friendly Course and Career Advisors on 1300 853 033 or visit www.opencolleges.edu.au.
Minimum Age Requirements
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
English Language Requirements
This course requires you to read comprehensive learner workbooks, undertake a range of written assessments and engage in online discussion forums. Furthermore, the course relies on the extensive use of written communication.
Entry to the course requires English proficiency to Year 10 level, or equivalent (see Education Requirements for equivalency) or completion of an approved English language test (see website for details).
PORTFOLIO
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Education Pathway
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/or graphic arts. 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. If you feel you do not meet the requirements, contact your Course and Career Advisor for information on how you might obtain the relevant qualifications.
Computing Requirements
Learners will need to have proficient computing skills to undertake this course. This includes the ability to:
/ Use the computer, mouse and keyboard with proficiency in skills required to integrate software packages, save files and search the internet
/ Use the computer and design software (Adobe Creative Suite) for creating designs
/ Attach and use peripheral devices such as a scanner, digital camera, media storage (e.g., flash drive for design storage)
/ Scan hand drawn conceptual images / Save a compressed file (.zip)
/ Save a PDF File and have the ability to reduce the file size when required
Learners that do not possess these skills will be directed to undertake a relevant Open Colleges Skill Builder course.
PATHWAY
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Minimum specifications for your computer are:
/ Microsoft Office 2007 or equivalent/ Broadband internet connection
/ 4GB of RAM – 8GB is recommended
/ 10.5GB available hard disc space for installation; additional free space is required during installation.
/ DVD – Rom drive – compatible with duel layer DVDs
/ 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16 – bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
Mac OS users:
/ Mac OS X v 10.7/ Multicore Intel® processor with 64-bit support
Windows:
/ Microsoft Windows 7
/ Intel Pentium® 4 or AM D Athlon® 64 processor / Open GL 2.0 – capable system
/ Java Runtime Environment 1.6
/ Quicktime 7.6.6 software required for HTML 5 media playback and multimedia features
/ Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
COMPUTING
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Audio-Visual Requirements
You will need access to a digital video recording device and/or a digital camera and associated software to save and upload video and image files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phones and smart phones include this technology.
Other Requirements
/ Access to an A3 and A2 printer or photocopier
/ Access to a high resolution colour printer and scanner / Bic #2 retractable and refillable pencils
/ Eraser
/ Drawing paper (A3 and A4)
Adobe Creative Cloud
Learners are required to arrange a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud which will provide all software, technical support and training material for the Adobe Creative Suite. Adobe creative Suite is available at a discount for students. Proof of eligibility may include student
number, tuition bill or transcript. This will be at the student’s own cost. See www.adobe.com.au for more information.
Professional Accreditation
Learners are encouraged to become student members of the
Design Institute of Australia – the peak professional body for design professionalsas well as the Australian Graphic Design Association. Both are the peak professional bodies for design professionals in Australia and offer a discounted student membership.
“I found the online learning experience to be
excellent. If ever I needed help in understanding
an assignment, I just emailed the trainer who
always replied very quickly.”
Marcus Raven
Open Colleges student
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What support services are available?
During your studies with Open Colleges, you will have access to a comprehensive range of support services. These include:
Academic Support
Your experienced Trainers and Assessors are available in OpenSpace to answer any questions you may have regarding the learning materials or assessments. Your Program Manager can also provide you with advice and support regarding the overall course.
Student Support
The Student Support Team is your one-stop service centre for all student administrative issues – including enrolment, change of contact details, OpenSpace support, assessment results and certification. You can access the Student Support Team via OpenSpace or by email or phone.
Learning Support
The Learning Support Team is a dedicated team of specialists that provide you with a comprehensive induction to studying with Open Colleges as well as specific support if you encounter learning difficulties during your studies. Learning support resources, such as writing guides, are available in OpenSpace. You can access the Learning Support Team via your Trainer and Assessor or the Student Support Team.
Peer Support
As a student of Open Colleges you can also access our ‘Study Buddy’ system. This enables you to connect with other Open Colleges students studying your course that live near you. Students may find this is a great way to keep motivated and build lasting friendships and networks.
More information?
The Student Handbook, available on the Open Colleges website,
provides more detailed information on the support services available to students. We recommend that you read the Student Handbook prior to enrolling with us.
SUPPORT
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What will I obtain on completion of the course?
Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a nationally recognised qualification Diploma of Graphic Design CUV50311
awarded by from North Coast TAFE (Provider Number 90010).
North Coast TAFE and Open Colleges
In a first of its kind innovation, Open Colleges has now proudly
partnered with one of the largest training providers in Australia, North Coast TAFE. Part of the TAFE NSW network, North Coast TAFE
provides thousands of students with government accredited and nationally recognised training programs every year. Open Colleges students can now gain TAFE qualifications delivered via our innovative virtual campus OpenSpace, giving you the benefit of accessing
a secure, interactive learning environment which supports you in all elements of your study. Combine nationally recognised TAFE credentials with all the flexibility and accessibility of learning through Open Colleges.
What funding support options exist?
Austudy/Abstudy
This course is Austudy/Abstudy approved, but you will need to apply directly to Centrelink for information on eligibility.
Other courses you may be interested in:
/ Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration LMF 50408/ Certificate IV in Design CUV 40311 (specialising in Graphic Design) / Certificate IV in Design CUV 40311 (specialising in Interior Decoration) / Certificate IV in Design CUV 40311 (specialising in Photography)
/ Certificate IV in Design CUV 40311 (specialising in Web Design)
QUALIFICATION
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Subjects
Once you are enrolled in this course, you will receive access to the first Study Period, which contains the first set of units for the course. When you have successfully completed those units, you’ll be given access to the next Study Period.
Study Period Title Unit of competency and description
1 Design and Visual Communication
BSBDES403A Develop and extend design skills and practice BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
CUVPRP504A Establish and maintain environmentally sustainable creative practice 2 Craft & Making – Generating Ideas and Visualisation CUVACD501A Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
CUVACD512A Work with photomedia in creative practice
3 Context: Cultural Theory and Audience Alignment CUVGRD501A Research visual communication history and theory BSBMKG402B Analyse consumer behaviour for specific markets 4 Interpret and Design: Visual Conceptualisation
CUVGRD502A Produce graphic designs for 2D and 3D applications CUVGRD503A Produce typographic design solutions
BSBDES502A Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief 5 Concepts: Refine Ideas, Create for
Contemporary Design Frameworks
BSBADV509A Create mass print media advertisements BSBADV510A Create mass electronic media advertisements
CUVDIG502A Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art CUFDIG502A Design web environments
6 Generating Visuals for the Audience CUVGRD504A Create and manipulate graphics
CUVGRD505A Design and manipulate complex layouts
7 Professional Practice and Self-Promotion CUVGRD506A Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs CUVPRP503A Present a body of own creative work
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Studying with Open Colleges
Open Colleges provides you with the freedom to study where and when you want. We understand that our students are constantly juggling multiple priorities, so our unique learning approach has been specifically designed to enable you to fit education and training around your lifestyle.
After you enrol with Open Colleges you will be provided with access to OpenSpace – our virtual campus. Here are some of the key features and benefits of OpenSpace:
Access
Access your learning materials, assessments and additional online resources wherever you have an internet connection. You can also download your study guides, workbooks and assessments so that you can study wherever and whenever it suits you.
Connections
Connect with your trainers, assessors and other students. You can participate in the lively student forums, link up with a ‘Study Buddy’ or engage with your trainer. OpenSpace is also where you will submit your assessments and receive your grades.
Knowledge
OpenSpace is your link to Gale – our extensive online library. Through Gale you will have access to millions of academic, magazine and newspaper articles from around the world.
Support
Access the student support team using the online enquiry feature.
OpenSpace also provides a detailed searchable database of Frequently Asked Questions, so that we can provide you with 24/7 responses to many common queries. You can also contact the student support team by phone on 1300 473 129. To make your learning experience as easy as possible, we will send you a copy of any textbooks or other materials that are required as part of your course.
FREEDOM
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How to Enrol
Enrolling with Open Colleges is easy:
Enrol online today. Just visit our website, select your course and click ‘Enrol Today’
OR
Enrol by phone. Just call one of our friendly course and careers advisers on 1300 853 033
Need more information?
We appreciate that choosing the right course is important. If you would like to discuss your career or course options, please do not hesitate to call our course and careers team on 1300 853 033 or email [email protected] with your questions.
“I would like to thank you for allowing
me to study with you. This experience
has opened my eyes to what I want to do
for the rest of my life... I can’t wait to
receive my certiFcate! I have had nothing
but good experiences with you.”
Letiesha Laidlaw – Open Colleges student 2011
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