Why Graduate Diploma in Design?
Want to turn ideas into striking visuals that captivate, communicate and make an impact?
Take your creative visions to the next level with our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design. Explore new ways that visual elements can transform messages, ideas and information. Strengthen your design practice and build business management and research skills.
Whether it’s launching a product, educating an audience or enhancing a brand identity, get ready to make your mark with a career in graphic communication design.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design will enhance your skillset and prepare you to make an impact in your creative career.
Explore new materials and techniques used in contemporary design practice. Consider cultural and ethical impacts and learn how to design in more sustainable ways. Build core skills in business management relevant to art and design. Be equipped to lead design projects and collaborate as part of a team – whether you intend to pursue your own creative enterprise or work within industry. You’ll also develop strong research and critical thinking skills, which will benefit your professional career or prepare you for further study.
Opportunities exist for graphic communication designers across a range of industries – from advertising and marketing through to technology, entertainment and education.
Key features
Hone your skills and knowledge in graphic communication design practice. - Build key business management and research skills relevant to the design industry.
- Collaborate on real-world projects with peers across the art and design fields.
- Access purpose-built studio spaces, fitted with the latest tools and technologies for contemporary design practice.
- Grow your network through relationships with key cultural institutions and local industry partners.
- Earn a graduate diploma qualification or study a second year and graduate with a master’s degree.
What you'll learn
Through our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Graphic and Communication Design, you’ll gain specialist and interdisciplinary skills to prepare you for an impactful career.
Across one year of full-time study, you’ll explore topics on:
- Art and design masters foundation studio
- Nature, culture and sustainability
- Art and design advanced theory
- Art and design business practices
- Art and design interdisciplinary studio
- Art and design research methods.
In your first semester, you’ll build creative research and practical skills in a multidisciplinary studio environment alongside other specialisations. Experiment with different materials and techniques to elevate your design practice, while developing project proposals for presentation and consultation. You’ll also examine the social, cultural and ethical considerations of creative practice through advanced theory courses. Learn about the role art and design plays in contemporary culture and how we can design in more sustainable ways.
In your second semester, you’ll build on this knowledge and extend your professional skills. Learn essential business management practices that you can apply to your career, whether you plan to launch your own creative enterprise or work within industry. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop design strategies and solutions – just like you would in a real-world setting. You’ll also cultivate your research skills by planning and designing a small-scale research project. This will set you up to pursue further research or apply your experience to your professional practice.
After completing the graduate diploma, you could go on to complete an extra year of study (or equivalent) and graduate with a Master of Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design.
Specialisations
Adelaide University’s Graduate Diploma in Design is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Fine Arts
- Illustration and Animation
- Industrial Design
- Interior Architecture.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for all Core courses, and
- Either:
- 12 units for all Discipline courses, or
- 12 units for all Specialisations
Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nature, Culture and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Advanced Theory
|
Course code
ARCH5018
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio
|
Course code
ARCH5006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Business Practices
|
Course code
ARCH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Art and Design Research Methods
|
Course code
ARCH6000
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Graphic communication design is an incredibly versatile field with a broad range of career possibilities.
You could contribute to cutting-edge product packaging design, developing sustainable, innovative materials that elevate brand identity while reducing environmental footprints. You might design wayfinding systems for airports or cities, making complex spaces intuitive and user-friendly through thoughtful graphic solutions. Maybe you’ll contribute to the future of education by designing engaging e-learning platforms that make online education visually appealing and more accessible. Or perhaps you'll start your own design studio, creating meaningful projects that combine storytelling, art and social impact.
Careers in this field are diverse, but common roles include:
- Graphic designer
- Art /creative director
- Design/brand consultant
- Typographer
- Freelance designer
- Animation and motion designer
- Visual communications manager
- Studio manager
- Web designer
- Campaigns/advertising manager.
You might consider working in industries such as advertising and marketing, publishing and media, digital design, retail, technology, entertainment and education.
Industry trends
Both in Australia and globally, new opportunities are emerging for skilled graphic communication designers due to technological advancements, economic shifts and evolving consumer preferences. Employment for graphic designers, web designers and illustrators in Australia is projected to grow by 9% by 2029, and 18% by 2034 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). Through the interdisciplinary skills taught in our Graduate Diploma in Design specialising in Graphic Communication Design, Adelaide University graduates will be set up for success.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
