Courses Details

Graphic Design

Higher Education Diplomas (HED)
An artist in an orange shirt uses a stylus on a tablet to digitally paint a tropical leaf design.

About the Course

Cultivate Graphic Design expertise spanning digital design, print, typography, commercial branding, and packaging.

Hone skills across conceptualisation to prototyping and user testing.

Craft impactful design solutions through proficiency in cutting-edge software.

Discover your unique creative identity and navigate the ever-evolving realm of modern graphic design.

Successful completion of this Diploma will qualify you for credit to be applied on further study in the relevant major specialisation of LCI Melbourne’s Bachelor of Design Arts course.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

K1: Knowledge of the context, concepts, and design principles of the Graphic Design field.

K2: Knowledge and awareness of design practice, and industry standards and expectations for Graphic Design.

Skills

S1: Cognitive skills to analyse and evaluate information, concepts, and ideas for Graphic Design projects.

S2: Creative and technical skills to develop ideas appropriate for different Graphic Design outcomes and markets.

S3: Visual, verbal, and creative communication skills to present information in professional formats.

Application of knowledge and skills

A1: Through the practice of appropriate and effective ideas generation and decision making within commercial and creative environments.

A2: Through the identification and evaluation of effective professional Graphic Design practice aligned to appropriate industry briefs.

A3: With responsibility and accountability for their own professional practice and in collaboration with others within a Graphic Design environment. 

Profile

Successful Graphic Designers possess a unique combination of skills, including but not limited to:

  • Problem Solving

    Analyse complex problems and identify effective solutions.
  • Communication

    Convey thoughts, ideas, information effectively through various channels. Actively listen to others.
  • Organisation

    Plan and manage tasks, resources, and time efficiently to accomplish goals.
  • Creativity

    Generate original ideas, approach tasks with imagination, apply unconventional perspectives to produce unique, inspiring designs.

Career Prospects

Design, driven mainly by computer system design and related services, contributed 44.1 bn to Australia’s GDP in 2017-18.

That’s 49.8% of cultural and creative activity contributions, or 2.5% of total GDP.

Career Fields

  • Graphic or Digital Designer
  • Branding & Packaging Design
  • Creative Director
  • Illustrator
  • Typographer
  • Web & App Designer
  • Animator
  • Motion Graphics Designer

Discover more opportunities on the Australian Government website.  

Diploma & Accreditation

LCI Melbourne's Higher Education Diploma (HED) is an accreditation that meets international recognition standards, awarded upon completion of a tertiary diploma program.

Vital details and provider information are provided.

Visit the National Register for LCI Melbourne's regulatory status.

  • Provider Name: LCI Melbourne Pty Ltd (formerly Academy of Design Australia Pty Ltd)

  • Trading Name: LCI Melbourne

  • ABN: 97 585 592 579

  • Provider Category: Institute Of Higher Education

  • Provider ID: PRV12113

  • CRICOS Provider Number: 02201G

  • Head Office: 150 Oxford St, Collingwood, Vic 3066

Required Materials

A list of required materials (e.g., for manual drawing) is provided at the beginning of each trimester. Any additional standard or student-licensed software required will requested by mentors.

Learners are responsible for organising and purchasing materials for final designs.

Required equipment

  • Digital device (Mac, PC, tablet)
  • External hard drive (Mac/PC Compatible - 2T recommended)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
  • Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent)
  • Fontself
A graphic designer meticulously refining a logo design in a well-organized workspace.

Opportunities

Purpose-built facilities and equipment

Benefit from specialised resources, like:

  • 3D printer
  • Computer lab
  • Printing and scanning equipment

Enjoy spacious classrooms and use cutting-edge tools to enhance creativity, gaining practical skills with industry-standard equipment and technology.

Work experience

Getting a job is integral to the LCI Melbourne experience.

Professional Practice units follow a unique educational model combining work opportunities and industry-aligned curriculum.

Participate in:

  • Industry projects
  • Exhibitions
  • VIP events

Gain sought-after experience while you study.

Admissions Criteria

  • Local applicants

    • Completed Year 12 or equivalent*,

    • Creative Interview (30 min).

    ATAR scores are not considered in applications. Unscored VCE (or equivalent) is accepted for entry.

    *Contact us to discuss Year 12 equivalencies.

     

    Find out more about new exemptions for Year 12 applicants via VTAC

  • International applicants

    Same as local applicants*, plus proof of English Language Proficiency:

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

    • TOEFL, Pearson Test of English, CAE, or other IELTS 6.0 equivalent.

    *Contact us to discuss Year 12 equivalency.

    Must be 18+ years of age at commencement of course.

Academic Dates

List of Units

Trimester One

Graphic Design Studio 1 (STGD1)

This unit provides students with an introduction to conceptualising and realising Graphic Design ideas. In this introduction to Graphic Design concepts and tools, students discover the fundamentals of using Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students explore layout for print, point of sale and packaging applications. A focus is on typography and how to develop and apply.

History & Culture (CXT111)

This unit exposes students to significant design moments from the history of design generally. This unit exposes students to the milestones and foundations of design as it exists today. Students will look closely at historical designs as reference points to respond with original designs of their own.

Design Fundamentals (COM111)

This unit provides students will be introduced to principles common to all design fields including colour theory and apply these to varying creative outputs applicable to design. Students will build their skills in hand drawing ideas from quick thumb nails idea generation through to considered technical illustration techniques for designers. Students will explore the use of light and shadow, texture, line, and colour studies.

Trimester Two

Graphic Design Studio 2 (STGD2)

This unit exposes students to briefs for real industry project for a brand campaign, they will work independently and in teams to understand brand and identity DNA, client briefs, how to pitch and creative options for clients. They will explore different creative ideas and realise one campaign through to presentation stage.

Contemporary Context (CXT222)

This unit provides students will understand the processes and systems embedded into the design industry from concept to consumer and how the designer plays a fundamental role along the process. The roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in final concepts are explored. Present day issues including global production, digital age, sustainability, and plagiarism will be analysed.

Digital Communication (COM222)

This unit allows students engage with interactive design, 2D Design and creating their design templates and digital models. Students will develop creative concepts using programs and digital platforms for technical and presentation formats as both functional and innovation tools. Students develop skills to create professional presentations and concepts to Industry standards.

Trimester Three

Graphic Design Studio 3 (STGD3)

This unit allows students to explore more complex design challenges to discover their personal design ethos and preferred methodologies. They will develop interactive projects based on their research of brand identity, functional requirements and intended audience. The final body of work will be a unique concept for a selected market with a campaign of appropriate collateral.

Future Context (CXT333)

This unit provides students the opportunity to research, debate, and develop concepts reflecting their insights into forecasting social and cultural impacts and how these influence buying decisions, macro design trends and global consumer shifts. They will develop a trend manifesto related to a topic of interest.

Professional Practice (COM333)

This unit provides students the opportunity to build a portfolio, preparing your career – CV, position applications and personal design ethos collateral. Positioning oneself in their industry, students will investigate appropriate career pathways and understand how to be set up for success in applications for design roles. This includes CV, cover letters, testimonials, and portfolio development. Students will have industry guests visit and share their expertise and provide insights into career development and opportunities.