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.

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 dateLanguageScheduleLocation
Sep 14, 2026

English

Full-Time - Evening

Melbourne - Blended Online LearningApply now
Feb 1, 2027

English

Full-Time - Evening

Melbourne - Blended Online LearningApply now
May 19, 2027

English

Full-Time - Evening

Melbourne - Blended Online LearningApply now
Sep 15, 2027

English

Full-Time - Evening

Melbourne - Blended Online LearningApply 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)

Assessment

You'll be assessed through hands-on, industry-style tasks rather than exams — including design projects, typography and branding briefs, digital media production, client presentations, and case studies. Most units include three assessment tasks, giving you regular feedback as your skills develop. These tasks are designed to reflect real graphic design practice, helping you build a folio ready for industry.

Inspiring stories

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

Woman Smiling in a Garden
Stepping into a world of boundless inspiration 

Finding my creative fulfillment by Teagin Moss