Diploma of Graphic Design
CUA50720
Duration: Up to two and a half years
Price: $8,200 up front | $378.46 per week (payment plan)
How it works: Study online. With a difference.
Start date: Immediately, or whenever you're ready.
Entry requirements: Graphic Design Portfolio Builder Module
Qualification type: Diploma
A Graphic Designer is responsible for the look and feel of a brand or product.
A Graphic Designer is responsible for the look and feel of a brand or product.
Create a professional portfolio
Flexible learnings
Practical skills
Nationally recognised
Course Summary
Working in a creative field can be both personally fulfilling and a professionally rewarding career. Whether you’re designing billboards in big cities, writing alluring product descriptions, or composing the next earworm jingle, your work could influence people around the world.
Monarch's Diploma of Graphic Design is created by industry professionals who understand this and know what you need to get you ready for working as a graphic designer. You'll benefit from their guidance as soon as you start learning.
The graphic design industry is growing at an incredible pace, meaning that there will be more jobs available at a higher salary than most other industries. There is estimated to be a 21.7% increase in jobs in this industry over the next 5 years, and with the diversity of industries that need graphic designers, you can bet you’ll find something that’ll match your personal style.
Key opportunities include:
Freelance graphic designer
Graphic designer for an existing business
Studio manager
Production assistant
Production artist
Photo editor
Digital designer
Digital marketer
Art director
*Source: Seek Australia 2025
This course is designed to be completed within 12 months however Monarch’s training plan allows you to take up to 30 months. You’re expected to complete at least one module every six months.
There is no minimum timeframe to complete this course. Students who are highly motivated and well organised can complete the full course at an accelerated pace.
The key factors that influence course completion are a student’s experience, time availability, how fast they work and how committed they are.
More than online
You’ll get:
Easy-to-follow course materials
Heaps of support from your course trainers (phone, email, video call)
A dedicated admin team on hand to guide you
Online assessments
Student Facebook group
How does it work?
This course has been developed to give you absolute flexibility. Study on your couch, on public transport, on your break at work, out in the park – wherever and whenever you like. The best part is, with Monarch Institute, ‘online’ doesn’t mean ‘alone’. You’ll be backed by our trainers at every step along the way.
What support will I get?
Your trainer will be happy to contact you via phone, video call, or email (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm). So you definitely won’t feel alone. You’ll also have access to our student Facebook groups, so you can discuss the material with other students. It’s a handy way to stay in touch with trainers and others in the same course.
The experts who design and deliver our courses have developed an assessment framework that’s uniquely designed to help you gain a deep understanding of the material. They’ll give you the kind of knowledge and skills you can use in the real world as a digital marketing operator or manager.
Assessment formats include:
Practical assignments and projects
Short answer questions
Video roleplays
Immediately, or whenever you’re ready.
Get in touch about enrolling
"The tutors are very helpful. The course was challenging and was applicable to my current position. Really happy."
- Sandra, Monarch Institute graduate
We may be able to take into account relevant knowledge and skills you’ve gained through previous formal or informal training, education and employment. To find out more, refer to our Student Information Handbook by clicking here, or get in touch with one of our friendly course consultants.
You will need access to the following equipment to successfully complete the course:
Working computer with Microsoft Office (2016 or later)
Access to the internet
Access to a smart phone, video camera or web camera is required
We highly recommend you have access to Adobe Creative Cloud. Student discounts are available from Adobe.
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Pathways
The Diploma of Graphic Design will allow you to kickstart your career straight away. But if you want to take your education further, it can also get you on the path to higher education.
A Diploma can be used to apply or even get course credit for a relevant university degree, like a Bachelor of Graphic Design.
Ensure you check with the university you’re considering about what your options for entry and course credits, before enrolling with Monarch Institute.
You’ll need to complete each of these 19 nationally recognised units of competency in order to be awarded your CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design.
Module 1
CUADES413 Develop and extend design skills and practice
BSBMKG439 Develop and apply knowledge of communications industry
BSBXCM401 Apply communication strategies in the workplace
BSBLDR411 Demonstrate leadership in the workplace
Module 2
BSBPMG430 Undertake project work
CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory
BSBCRT412 Articulate, present and debate ideas
BSBCRT411 Apply critical thinking to work practices
Module 3
CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
BSBTWK401 Build and maintain business relationships
CUAGRD516 Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
Module 4
BSBPEF501 Manage personal and professional development
CUAGRD514 Create and manipulate graphics
BSBCMM411 Make presentations
CUAGRD503 Produce typographic design solutions
Module 5
CUAGRD515 Design and manipulate complex layouts
CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
Create a professional portfolio
The most important part of launching your graphic design career is a strong portfolio that shows off your amazing design skills. With the Diploma of Graphic Design, you’ll create a diverse portfolio of works you can use in your job search immediately!
Flexible learning
This course is delivered online with self-paced learning, allowing you to manage your time effectively while gaining practical design skills.
Practical skills
Our comprehensive course is adaptable to whatever software you have access to, so whether you’re designing in a free Canva account or have the full Adobe suite, you’ll gain practical skills to advance your career
Nationally recognised
The Diploma of Graphic Design is nationally recognised. So not only will it help you accelerate your career, you may be able to use it as part of your pathway to higher education. Just check with the uni of your choice before you enrol.
Graphic design training. For the real world.
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