Diploma of Graphic Design

This subject introduces a core set of industry-standard specialist design software tools. The emphasis of this subject is on building a comprehensive familiarity with these tools and features so that their application becomes second nature and can be treated as part of the overall creative tool kit.

Students will work through a range of small exercises to cement their learning and to build their working knowledge by experimenting with different tools and techniques. Students will then combine these tools and techniques to explore print and screen-based projects and in doing so, become aware of how to create flexible visual outcomes not wedded to single-use mediums.

Assessment Tasks: Online test, vector file, raster and layout file

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject students will study the history and evolution of art and design acknowledging the major influences and commentators of the industry.

The introduction of essential fundamental design principles and elements build to a comprehensive understanding, enabling students to start seeing and thinking like a designer.

Students will be challenged to develop visual solutions to design problems and acquire the knowledge, skills and perspective necessary to identify and articulate techniques and concepts exhibited in design work.

This is followed by an in-depth look at the design process from receiving the brief up to the client presentation and reflection on success of project.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Presentation, Journal, Design Artefact, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject explores the history and origins of typographic communication, from cuneiform through to contemporary digital type. It introduces the fundamental principles and terminology relating to typography, including letterform structure, classifications of faces and styles, and typesetting.

Students will work with specialist software to create and manipulate type, and will start to formulate their own set of strategies for effective use of typography as an element of design.

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Presentation, Design artefacts

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject develops effective print and digital finished art techniques, including pre-production, output and file management. Students will develop an awareness of paper stocks and finishes, digital delivery formats, and an understanding of the specific requirements for working with different materials and processes. Students will be required to conceptually develop and design a professional piece, considering the best production process, specific materials, and techniques. This subject also explores best-practice protocols and conventions when creating artwork files with multiple end-users.

Pre-requisite: DGDDD100 Digital Design Foundation

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Design artefact, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces semiotics and identity design. Students explore the history, types, elements, and nuances of symbols and brand identities with an emphasis on how they communicate visually and are interpreted by their audience. By working through the brand identity design process, students put these concepts into practice to create branding outcomes that reflect the dynamic nature of contemporary brand identities.

Assessment Tasks: Rebrand Project, Brand Identity Project

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focuses on the foundational skills required for video production in a commercial context. The workflow of developing video media for screen is introduced, along with each stage of the video production process. Students are tasked with developing a variety of creative responses to commercial briefs within different genres. The subject explores the necessary skills in camera-based production, the fundamentals of lighting, sound design and video editing. Students are also introduced to fundamental title sequences in the post-production phase.

Assessment Tasks: Video, Production Material

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to conventions of traditional and contemporary publishing applications. Students explore advanced typographic settings and the role of typographic narrative and layout within the sequenced delivery of information across a variety of mediums. They are challenged to consider the nuances of different media platforms and develop a greater understanding of how users interact with content in a range of contexts.

Pre-requisite: DGDDD100 Digital Design Foundations

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Report, Design Artefact

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Form and Insight is a theoretical and practice based subject that encourages consideration to audience, purpose and context. It introduces students to traditional and non-traditional, digital, 2D and 3D design specifically in the area of packaging with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility.

Students will use persona and narrative creation to inform practical outcomes that fuse commercial reality with design thinking tools to deliver an empathic, holistic solution from point of sale through to consumer use, and finally, disposal.

Assessment Tasks: Online Quiz, Design Pitch, Design Artefact, Progress Report, Presentation, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject explores the groundwork theory and practice of user experience (UX), user interface (UI) and frontend web development and design. The subject initially covers fundamental concepts in UX and UI design. It then transitions to the fundamentals of front-end development and design by teaching students how to code webpages using HTML and CSS. Students will code their own visual designs using a knowledge base of the fundamentals within these two markup languages. In addition to this, students will learn the basic principles of responsive design, and how web pages need to be designed for a variety of screen based media including phones, tablets, laptops and televisions. This subject gives students a foundation of web based digital skills that are required in a variety of design related career opportunities.

Assessment Tasks: Design Documentation, Webpage Development, Responsive Webpage

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject is designed to provide students with professional experience in an area related to their field of study or the career they are working towards. Within the framework of an industry brief in conjunction with an industry client, students will learn how to unpack a defined challenge into achievable outcomes and use this framework to guide the creative process and final deliverable.

Students will develop presentation techniques and objectively respond to constructive criticism and feedback. This experience will enhance work-ready skills and allow students to see first-hand how their learning translates into practice.

Assessment Tasks: Design Project, Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject challenges students to consider their professional identity before developing strategies and portfolio tools to promote themselves to clients and the wider design industry.

Portfolio and Professional Practice also explores the structure of studios and agencies within the design industry. Students develop an understanding of how the industry works; from day to day running of a studio to the many other professions they will need to work with. They will build an awareness of graphic design career paths and salaries, and develop the skills required to operate a freelance graphic design business.

Students also investigate trends and emerging technologies that could affect or create opportunities building entrepreneurial attitudes to assist career sustainability.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Presentation, Design Artefacts

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online