Diploma of Graphic Design

For over 35 years Billy Blue College of Design has consistently ranked as one of Australia’s top design colleges. With a legacy as Australia's original design college, the Billy Blue name continues to open doors at leading design and media agencies. Now part of Torrens University, when you study design with Billy Blue, we’ll give you all the tools you need to create your own success – and we’ll also help you define what success looks like for you.

During this course you will:

1. Grow your skills and knowledge from a technical and theoretical base.
2. Discover the powerful uses of typography and design principles in creating meaning across communication.
3. Manipulate photography and illustration to create original works.
4. Master industry-standard software and related tools in a technical environment.
5. Learn the language of graphic design so you graduate job-ready.

Throughout this course, you will explore the theory, practice and human connection of graphic design. You’ll challenge the conventions of current graphic design ideas and deliver engaging, appropriate and original solutions for everything from digital signage and point-of-sale material to books and billboards.

You will learn about design history and principles, ideas generation, brand identity, typography, design research and user experience.

By examining logos, symbols and brands you’ll have the opportunity to design your own unique brand and workshop it with other students, giving you the chance to see your designs through the eyes of others.

You’ll also gain the skills to use industry-standard graphic design software including the Adobe Creative Suite with confidence and flair.

Course duration: 18 months full-time, up-to 3 years part-time, 12 months accelerated.

Recommended study pattern

The Diploma of Graphic Design course structure comprises of 12 subjects. 11 core subjects (10 core subjects at level 100 and 1 at level 200) and 1 elective subject (at Level 100).

• Level 100: 10 core subjects; 1 elective
• Level 200: 1 core subject.

Award requirements

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $28,280

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

At Torrens University Australia you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle. Thanks to their innovative digital learning system you’ll gain the ultimate in flexibility, and still receive personalised guidance from academics and access to work placement, mentorship and internship opportunities. Online you can attend live classes or view recorded sessions, connect with lecturers and fellow students, and access content on-demand 24/7.

Learn more about Torrens.

Explore Torrens courses.

Torrens University Australia offers flexible entry options and study pathways, whether you’re finishing school, pursuing career progression or looking for a change. Entry requirements for this course includes:

• Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent.

Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above.

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

Don’t meet the entry requirements? We have numerous pathway programs to get you started. Contact our Future Student Advisors to learn about alternative entry options.

Standard English language requirements apply.

Torrens University offers pathway opportunities to further your learning. If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against a degree with Torrens University, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Under Torrens University's Recognition of Prior Learning policy, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition costs if you have previous study and/or work experience.

Our Future Student Advisors will happily walk you through the application process.