Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 9:00 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Diploma of Graphic Design
Diploma of Graphic Design
CUA50725
BOF9
Current
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 13/08/2025 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who combine technical, creative and conceptual skills to create designs that meet client requirements and solve a range of visual communication challenges. Practice at this level is underpinned by application of design theory and practice and the ability to analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources to generate design solutions.
Practitioners may work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media. The job roles that relate to this qualification may include Graphic Designer, and related roles such as Studio Manager. It may also provide pathways to other related roles in graphic design and associated industries.
There are 0 minimum work placement hours required for this unit.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations
Qualification
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Units of competency in qualification
Some individual units of competency may have their own licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Users must check individual units of competency for licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements relevant to that unit.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
Total number of units = Nineteen (19)- Nine (9) core units plus
- Ten (10) elective units, of which:
- Six (6) elective units must be selected from the electives listed below
- Four (4) elective units may be selected from the remaining listed electives or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course.
Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the overall integrity of the AQF alignment, not duplicate the outcome of another unit chosen for the qualification, and contribute to a valid industry-supported vocational outcome.
Where relevant, the choice of elective units set out in the packaging rules above can serve to provide the qualification with one of the following specialisations.
The rules to achieve a specialisation are detailed at qualification end.
- Illustration
Units of competency that contain pre-requisites are identified within the Qualification Packaging Rules on the training.gov.au (TGA) website.
The achievement of a specialisation will be identified on testamurs as follows:
- CUA50725 Diploma of Graphic Design (Illustration).
Packaging rules to achieve a specialisation:
Illustration
- Six (6) elective units must be selected from the listed electives and must include CUAILL401 Develop and refine illustrative work, CUAILL511 Develop professional illustrations and CUAILL512 Refine illustration techniques.
1. Core units
These units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODE18 | CUAGRD514 | Create and manipulate graphics | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODE17 | CUAGRD515 | Design and manipulate complex layouts | 60 | Unit of competency |
| ODE90 | CUADES413 | Develop and extend design skills and practice | 30 | Unit of competency |
| ODK14 | CUAGRD516 | Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODF34 | CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work | 55 | Unit of competency |
| AWI95 | CUAGRD502 | Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications | 55 | Unit of competency |
| AWI94 | CUAGRD503 | Produce typographic design solutions | 55 | Unit of competency |
| ODI02 | CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools | 60 | Unit of competency |
| AWI98 | CUAGRD501 | Research visual communication history and theory | 50 | Unit of competency |
2. Elective units
At least six (6) elective units must be selected from this group.
To achieve the specialisation, please refer to the Qualification Packaging Rules.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGU2 | CUA50720 | Diploma of Graphic Design | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
Individuals must provide evidence of their technical skills and ability to:
produce multiple examples of graphic design work that meets different design requirements
produce typography that supports the overall design solution
use graphic design industry software.
Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience or formal study.
Traineeships and Apprenticeships