Diploma of Graphic Design
Make the first move in your design career
Units x Costs ($AUD)
2 x $2,999
4 x $3,236
1 x $5,998
Indicative Annual Course Fee*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$24,940 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Annual Course Fee reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).
Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the course units over one year (3 trimesters).
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
September 2025
February 2026
May 2026
Your creative career starts with SAE
Course Structure
The Diploma of Graphic Design is stage one of the three stages of a Bachelor of Design and Visual Communication.
In this unit, you will learn about the ideas and concepts of design. You will discover the art of presenting and defending a point of view in a convincing and effective way by referring to valid and trustworthy sources of information. Thinking about and referencing the work of others helps you to develop critical thinking skills. By using tools on the internet and working with others you will expand what you alone can achieve. In your projects, you will delve into the history and language of the design industry in order to develop an understanding of your place and purpose within it.
In this unit you will learn about the principles of design through creating vector graphics in the form of motifs, pictorial marks and logos using Adobe Illustrator and other tools. Project briefs and activities in this unit introduce the principles of design; these are visual rules that can be applied in the creation of any image to enhance their impact, attractiveness and ability to communicate. The principles of design are useful and essential to your ongoing design practice
In this unit you will learn about illustration and the creative and technical production of digital images using photoshop and other tools. Working by hand and digitally you will explore a range of drawing techniques and tools including processes of iteration and refinement. You will investigate visual storytelling through the development of a series of images. Storytelling through your creative practice is essential to your ongoing design practice.
In this unit you will learn about designing page layouts for print through the combination of images and type. Your work will include the design of posters, brochures and flyers. You will investigate historical design styles; analysing, adapting and applying these styles in your work. You will explore the typographic art of arranging letters and words to make copy easy to read, visually appealing, and stylistically appropriate. Knowing how to use typography and layout effectively is essential to your ongoing design practice.
This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.
As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
In this unit, you will learn to understand the user or target audience as part of your design process through exploring UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) design. By applying UX design tools such as personas and user journeys and UI design such as prototyping, iterating and testing, you will explore creating websites or apps that provide an ideal user experience. Knowing how to do user research and design digital interfaces effectively is essential for a contemporary designer.
This unit will simulate being in a real-world studio. Your designs will respond to larger project briefs with multiple deliverables, and you will engage in teamwork. This means time management, communication and scheduling will be crucial. You will learn to consider projects strategically in terms of your client’s brand or identity, and how these can be communicated visually and through associated text and structures. You are encouraged to explore and seek out new contemporary methods and tools for design and communication.
In this studio setting your facilitator will act as your project manager, producer, mentor and colleague.
This unit will be holistically assessed based on the criteria outlined in the unit guide. Teamwork, collaborative skills, and engagement with specific feedback processes are emphasised in this unit, as you further refine and reflect on a set of Transferable Skills.
Learn using Industry Software
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN STUDYING AN ONLINE DIPLOMA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN WITH SAE
Looking for an online graphic design diploma that teaches the fundamental knowledge and entry-level skills you need to get your foot in the door? As the most intensive of SAE’s graphic design courses, the Diploma of Graphic Design is your hands-on, seven-month crash course in the foundations of design.
Throughout your studies, you’ll explore the principles of design and learn how to enhance the impact of any image. Set in our online studio environment that prepares you for working in the industry, you’ll learn to create motifs, logos, posters, flyers and more using professional tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
In this studio setting, your facilitator will act as your project manager, producer, mentor and colleague. You’ll engage in collaborative learning, producing work in response to real-world client briefs with multiple deliverables. Learn to consider projects strategically in terms of your client’s brand or identity and how these can be communicated visually.
Explore the mechanics and operations of an online studio environment, including the different roles involved in larger projects, collaborative creativity, design strategy and project workflows. Develop skills in teamwork, time management, communication and scheduling – crucial for success in any workplace.
Upon completion of our graphic design diploma online, you’ll be eligible for up to 80 credit points towards the Bachelor of Design and Visual Communication, providing a clear pathway for future graphic design studies.
Ready to study graphic design online? Apply for SAE’s graphic design diploma today!
Career Outcomes
WHERE OUR DIPLOMA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN COULD TAKE YOU
- Graphic Designer
- Digital Designer
- Typographer
- Graphic Design Production Assistant
- Digital Illustrator
- UX or UI Designer
What our students say about SAE
Thomas Hartley
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Creative Designer (CAA Agency & previously at Adidas)
Kara Thattanakham
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Graphic Designer
Evie Slattery
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Graphic DesignerSAE Diploma of Graphic Design offers:
Learn in a collaborative virtual environment where your teachers are also your mentors.
SAE has a range of approaches to learning and teaching - virtual and on-campus - to provide flexibility and real-world application.
Apply your learning and develop strategies to manage workflows using industry-standard design software like Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, XD).
YOUR CAREER IN DESIGN BEGINS NOW
What You'll Learn
A graphic designer creates visual designs for a variety of mediums including web, print and digital media. Day-to-day, they might create flyers, brochures, banners, logos, icons, infographics and so much more.
Specialisations within graphic design include typography, user experience (UX) design, user interface (UI) design, print design, advertising and more. Graphic designers work across all industries, designing graphics for small businesses to large corporations in retail, healthcare, technology, education, finance, recruitment – you name it! Your career opportunities as a graphic designer are endless.
Absolutely! A diploma in graphic design prepares you for entry-level positions in the graphic design industry.
While not as comprehensive as our associate or bachelors degrees, a diploma in graphic design from SAE is a fast-tracked course that provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed to kickstart a career in graphic design.
Like all SAE courses, our graphic design courses are designed to challenge you and push your creative limits. Our expert lecturers are working industry professionals, ready to guide you through your studies and provide real-world insight into graphic design. They’ll work alongside you as you learn the ins-and-outs of design and what it takes to succeed in the industry.
While some workplaces may accept employees with no formal graphic design qualifications, you’ll find more employment opportunities when you have a graphic design diploma, associate degree or bachelors degree under your belt.
To get started in the design industry, it’s recommended that you complete formal graphic design studies. This ensures you have a firm understanding of the principles of graphic design and guarantees that you’ve developed key skills such as project management, teamwork and communication.
For a short-and-sweet course that’ll get you into the industry faster, our graphic design diploma online is your best option. This ensures you’ll build the fundamental skills needed for entry level roles in the industry while maintaining flexibility thanks to the course being offered 100% online.
For more comprehensive learning, explore our Associate Degree of Design & Visual Communication or the Bachelor of Design & Visual Communication.
FEE‑HELP* is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible fee paying students pay all or part of their tuition fees. It cannot be used for additional study costs such as accommodation or text books. The total amount of FEE‑HELP a person can use is known as the ‘FEE‑HELP limit’.
Once a person begins using FEE‑HELP, the amount of FEE‑HELP they have left to use is known as their ‘FEE‑HELP balance’.
* Terms and conditions apply. For the latest updates regarding FEE-HELP please refer to sae.edu.au/fees
SAE has three intakes per year: February, May and September. Short courses and certificates courses may have different intake timings. View our academic calendar for trimester start dates or contact your campus for further information.
Easy transition into the Bachelor of Design & Visual Communication
This means that when you complete an SAE Diploma of Graphic Design you will be awarded the maximum credit points available, providing you with the opportunity to seamlessly transition into the higher-level Associate and Bachelor degree qualifications if you choose to do so.
CREDIT AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program.
For full details, please refer to SAE’s policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
