Diploma of Graphic Design

The learning and teaching approach of this program is modelled on how you would work in a commercial design studio.

Through lectures, workshops, presentation and group discussions, you will learn from experienced staff that will treat you as a junior designer. Teachers are globally connected and divide their time between teaching and working in industry.

You’ll interact with key people from Australian and international companies on commercially related projects during the program, as well as undertaking work experience.

Full-time students are expected to attend approximately 20 hours of classes over four days and undertake approximately 15 hours of extra study and research per week. Most classes are held in computer labs to simulate industry processes. There are often concentrated periods of out-of-class work when assessments are due.

It is recommended that you own a computer, preferably an Apple Mac, which is the industry standard. Please note that this is a recommendation but is not a requirement, as students have access to computer labs on campus. 

You will be assessed throughout each semester via project briefs, essays, reports, verbal and visual presentations, group projects, research and practical assignments.

You can access online resources through the myRMIT student portal.

All programs are delivered in English.

In the Diploma year, you will connect with leading local and international design companies through excursions, talks and competitions such as the Threadless t-shirt competition.

In the Associate Degree you will be engaged in work placement, connecting you with major design companies on industry projects. Past industry-led projects have included:

• Kmart product range development
• Fuji Xerox spot varnish project
• Océ paper sampler.

Graduate exhibition 

A graduate exhibition of portfolios is presented to industry at the end of the second year. Representatives review and provide you with individual feedback.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You will graduate as a highly trained graphic designer, ready to start your own business or work for companies in Australia and overseas.

Graphic designers work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media.

Their work as graphic or digital designers may include or link to areas such as:

• advertising and promotion
• art direction
• branding and corporate identity
• instructional design
• packaging
• signage
• web design

Graduates from this program are highly sought after by agencies and design studios. You may also wish to undertake freelance or consultancy work or continue your studies in a Bachelor of Design (Communication Design).

As a graphic designer, daily activities may include:

• Commercial area: create logos and artwork for products such as packaging or cafe menus
• Electronics area: focus on graphics used for websites, commercials, TV and film
• Advertising industry: create graphics for clients to sell a product or service. This may be through print or digital publications such as newspapers and magazines or outdoor signage.

Many Associate degree graduates find employment as:

• desktop publishers and Mac operators
• graphic designers
• illustrators and finished artists
• graphic artists
• design/creative directors
• art directors
• design/project managers
• web designers

This program currently conducts an annual overseas study tour, providing you with the opportunity to meet industry figures and attend workshops and conferences.

RMIT’s Global Mobility supports students to undertake an exchange or short-term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.