Overview

Whether you're just starting out, switching careers, or finally ready to turn your creative instincts into a profession, the Online Diploma of Graphic Design gives you a solid, practical foundation in one of Australia's most in-demand industries. Over one year, you'll develop real skills in typography, branding, digital design, and visual communication — the things studios and agencies actually hire for.
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Duration
12 months (3 trimesters, 576 hours)
Schedule
Full-Time *
Language of Instruction
English
Mode of Delivery
Online
Next session starts June 1, 2026
Admission criteriaTuition and financial aid

About the Course

This diploma is built around doing, not just learning. You'll move through three trimesters — Identity, Empowerment, and Innovation — each one building on the last to take you from foundational concepts through to commercially viable design work you'd be proud to put in a portfolio.

You'll work with industry-standard software, engage with mentors who are active practitioners, and take on applied projects that reflect real-world briefs. Online students get the same depth of experience as those on campus — through virtual studios, live sessions, screen-sharing critiques, and flexible asynchronous learning — plus optional access to LCI Melbourne's Collingwood facilities.

Finish the diploma and you'll also be eligible to apply for credit towards LCI Melbourne's Bachelor of Design Arts, so the door to further study is open if you want it.

Opportunities

At LCI Melbourne, getting a job isn't an afterthought — it's built into the way you learn. Creative Practice units follow an educational model that directly prepares you for your design career, and throughout your studies you'll have genuine opportunities to build your professional network and portfolio through industry projects, student exhibitions, and VIP events.

Upcoming Sessions

Start dateScheduleLocation
Jun 1, 2026

Full-time - Evening

OnlineApply now
Sep 14, 2026

Full-time - Evening

OnlineApply now
Feb 8, 2027

Full-time - Evening

OnlineApply now
May 31, 2027

Full-time - Evening

OnlineApply now

Admissions Criteria

  • Domestic Applicants

    Applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Successful completion of Year 12 or an equivalent qualification*
    • Participation in an Admissions Consultation

    ATAR scores are not considered as part of the admissions process. Applicants who have completed an unscored VCE (or equivalent) are eligible for entry.

    Students must be 18 years of age or older at the commencement of their course.

  • International Applicants

    Applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Successful completion of Year 12 or an equivalent qualification*
    • Participation in an Admissions Consultation
    • Proof of English language proficiency

    English language proficiency is assessed against an IELTS Academic benchmark. Applicants must achieve:

    • An overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5

    Equivalent English language test results may be accepted in place of IELTS, including:

    • TOEFL
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
    • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

    Students must be 18 years of age or older at the commencement of their course.

    *Please contact us to discuss Year 12 equivalency options.

List of Units

Trimester One

  • Graphic Design Studio 1 (STGD1)
  • History & Culture (CXT111)
  • Design Fundamentals (COM111)

Trimester Two

  • Graphic Design Studio 2 (STGD2)
  • Social Trend Forecasting (AXC121)
  • Digital Communication (COM222)

Trimester Three

  • Graphic Design Studio 3 (STGD3)
  • Future Context (CXT333)
  • Practice (COM333)

Tuition & Aid

LCI Melbourne is an Australian–Government accredited Institute Of Higher Education providing Australian Domestic students with access to FEE-HELP.

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay tuition fees.

Inspiring stories

Empower your ambition with our students' success stories. Unlock a career that lives up to your aspirations.

Our learners and graduates have successful journeys! Get inspired and learn how their academic paths have enabled them to thrive in their dream fields.
Woman Smiling in a Garden
Stepping into a world of boundless inspiration 
Finding my creative fulfillment by Teagin Moss

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