


Harness your creativity with this hands-on degree and learn how to communicate and organise information in visually accessible ways across a wide variety of media and contexts.
ARB303 Bachelor of Digital Design (Visual Communication Design)
| Annual indicative cost | $7,950 |
Harness your creativity and learn how to communicate and organise information across a wide variety of media and contexts. Delivered in partnership with the University of Canberra, this degree has a strong focus on visual communication in the global marketplace and how to design for both business and consumer audiences.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, demand for graphic design specialists is increasing. With over 63,000 job openings expected over the next five years, the industry is growing consistently.
Throughout this course you'll develop a thorough knowledge of typography, logotype design, layout, publication design, environmental graphics, packaging and digital design. You'll gain skills required to employ innovative uses of different visual and emerging media types and develop effective design solutions for specific audiences. Through collaboration and live industry briefs you'll also have the opportunity to combine university thinking with hands-on learning.
Upon successful completion of this course you'll have also developed a portfolio of work and be well equipped to take on a variety of design roles.

If you’re a current TAFE Queensland diploma student, you’re in a unique position to take advantage of our diploma-to-degree pathway option. As soon as you successfully complete your diploma, you automatically qualify for a provisional place in a relevant University of Canberra degree, with up to one years’ credit.

Our degrees are delivered here at TAFE Queensland, on our modern campuses, using world-class facilities and equipment. Across creative, dentistry, engineering and information technology, our learning spaces are at the forefront of new technology, offering students the benefit of learning on industry-leading equipment.
If you have completed the below diploma, you will gain up to a year's credit towards this qualification:
Please note not all units are offered in each teaching period.
The below study pattern is for new students.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Semester 1 | ||
11063Principles of Typography and Layout - Level 1Unit code: 11063 Unit description: This unit aims to acquaint students with the significance of typography within the discipline of visual communication design, its history and as a continuing practice. The unit examines the 20th century art and design movements which have defined the field of typography. Through a mix of research and practical exploration, students connect historical typographic foundations with contemporary practices and technologies. Students examine a diversity of typographic applications from the pragmatics of long-form document design to the expressive capabilities of display faces and custom type forms. |
Principles of Typography and Layout - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
11611Interactive Media, Design and Prototypes - Level 2Unit code: 11611 Unit description: The unit will provide students with an applied introduction to interaction and user-centred design. Students will develop web-based prototypes, demonstrating understanding of theoretical and practical concepts. The unit will explore the use of interactive technologies in the creation of web-based prototypes. Basic coding will provide students with the skills to demonstrate techniques that are transferable across diverse mediums. This unit will also introduce students to the human-centred design principles. |
Interactive Media, Design and Prototypes - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11591Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and Digital Design) - Level 1Unit code: 11591 Unit description: This unit introduces students to the diverse opportunities in the world of creative and digital design industries. Aspects that will be considered include: contemporary demands of the industry including social responsibility, ethical and sustainability issues. Through engagement with industry and community, students will gain an understanding of global discipline knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform as responsible, capable creative industry and digital design professionals. Students will start their career awareness and planning through approaches such as five year plans and ePortfolios. |
Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and Digital Design) - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
11613Visual Ideation and Communication - Level 1Unit code: 11613 Unit description: Students will develop skills and techniques in creating visuals for ideation and communication across diverse creative and design industries. Students will sketch, draw and create digital media, using a variety of tools. The ability to understand, interpret, produce and communicate a response to a design brief is integral to this unit. Students will be able to articulate concepts through drawing, digital media and photography to convey meaning and context. |
Visual Ideation and Communication - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
| Year 1 Semester 2 | ||
11610Evolution of Design - Level 2Unit code: 11610 Unit description: The unit will explore historical and contemporary roles of design in society. Analysis and discussion of design products (including graphics, objects, environments and digital outcomes) can aid in the understanding of trends that have evolved over time. This unit, through the critical analysis of the history of design, will provide an understanding of human-centred design as creative approach to problem solving. |
Evolution of Design - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11612Introduction to Innovative Design Solutions - Level 1Unit code: 11612 Unit description: This unit introduces students to the design process and evolution of design solutions. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of design research and identifying user-centred design solutions. This unit will also introduce students to the human-centred design principles. The use of real-world problems will provide students with the application skills required to create a solution to a design problem. |
Introduction to Innovative Design Solutions - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
11062Visual Communication Theory and Principles - Level 1Unit code: 11062 Unit description: This unit introduces ways visual language can be used to convey ideas, information and messages in the fields of communication, interaction and industrial design. During the course of study students learn different theories of visual communication: including human perception, psychology of colour, and principles of design. Consequently, students will engage in applying different theories in designing and evaluating visual content through a series of assignments. |
Visual Communication Theory and Principles - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
| Year 2 Semester 1 | ||
11064Design for Digital Contexts - Level 2Unit code: 11064 Unit description: This unit considers how principles of visual communication design can be applied within digital contexts. Students will obtain a theoretical understanding of the digital design process and learn how to utilise emerging development methodologies whilst producing highly creative and innovative digital prototypes. This process of development will allow students to understand the fundamental connection between the underlying code and the digital work a user can experience and interact with. |
Design for Digital Contexts - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11065Visual Branding and Identity Systems - Level 2Unit code: 11065 Unit description: This unit explores the evolution of branding communication and visual logo design globally, which involves design principles; design contexts, project brief and applications integrated into full identity systems. You will create a logo design to communicate the brand identity by contemplating design styles, audience and market segmentation through the ability to showcase the work professionally both to clients and target audiences. Through a combination of research, theory and project work, students engage in a creative program of study focused on the development of contemporary branding practice. In addition, students will apply the understanding of effective contemporary branding, identity systems, logo application to physical objects and digital forms as well as the adaptation of the work to various contexts. |
Visual Branding and Identity Systems - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
| Year 2 Semester 2 | ||
11067Packaging Design and Communication - Level 2Unit code: 11067 Unit description: This unit examines design elements, forms, materials and applications of packaging design. Students engage in a mix of theoretical and practical production activities to develop critical and applied understanding of communication design for three dimensional application and construction of packaging solutions. The focus of the unit is in using the design process to create practical, commercially appropriate packaging designs. |
Packaging Design and Communication - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11068Cross-cultural Design Strategy - Level 2Unit code: 11068 Unit description: Cross-cultural design through the understanding of multiple practices and cultural perspectives is essential in the complex global marketplace. Cross-cultural design is the outcome of the transfer of knowledge that occurs when different cultures come together to design solutions to common 'wicked' or complex global problems. This unit looks at creating cross-cultural design strategies for a global audience. Students will prepare in-depth research into cross-cultural social issues to create relevant and culturally appropriate design solutions that explore symbolism, colour, communication and awareness in relation to culturally specific briefs. |
Cross-cultural Design Strategy - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11017Professional Practice 1: Work Integrated LearningUnit code: 11017 |
Professional Practice 1: Work Integrated Learning | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
| Year 3 Semester 1 | ||
11066Experimental Graphic Design - Level 3Unit code: 11066 Unit description: This unit explores the role of the signs, colours, imagery, and forms and symbols that we use every day to direct and guide us through our physical and digital environments. This area of study is situated at the crossroads of communications, built environment, digital technologies and industrial design. In this unit students develop skills essential for designing way-finding systems, architectural graphics, signage and sign programs, exhibit design, retail design, and themed or branded spaces. Students will explore the use and historical context of universal symbols and info graphics in both a local and global context as a foundation for creating their own system of way finding for an industry-relevant brief. |
Experimental Graphic Design - Level 3 | Credit points: 3 |
11018Professional Practice 2: Work Integrated LearningUnit code: 11018 Unit description: In this unit students will further develop their abilities as agile professionals with the transferable employability skills and critical and creative abilities to work across industries and sectors and craft diverse employment paths. They will integrate disciplinary knowledge with the professional skills required in their industry through authentic simulated or real workplace experiences, international exchanges or industry collaborations or projects. |
Professional Practice 2: Work Integrated Learning | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
| Year 3 Semester 2 | ||
11592Professional Evidence (Creative Industries and Digital Design)Unit code: 11592 Unit description: This unit prepares students for professional work in the cultural sector and finalises and reviews your ePortfolio. Through practical activities, such as preparing a grant application, developing a team-based project proposal, and researching a cultural organisation, students learn to relate their discipline specific knowledge to a range of professional contexts. The unit will emphasise the significance of multiculturalism, cultural consumption and globalisation as key influences shaping cultural work in the twenty first century. |
Professional Evidence (Creative Industries and Digital Design) | Credit points: 3 |
11069Information Visualisation - Level 3Unit code: 11069 Unit description: We live in a society that is both information rich and time poor. There is a high demand for visual designers who are comfortable with the world of big data, who can pick out patterns and stories embedded in big data and present it in enticing and informative ways. In this unit students will learn fundamental principles and skills in representing complex data into meaningful visuals, both static and dynamic; that can be quickly digested and understood by a global audience. |
Information Visualisation - Level 3 | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
| Campus | START DATES
When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Bank | 02 August 2021 | 3 years | Full time up to 5 days per week | Classroom | Annual indicative cost: $7,950 |

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
HECS‑HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme for eligible students studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place, that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Admission into this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to university via alternate pathway programs and admission schemes. More information is available on the University of Canberra website.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is embedded within this degree (approximately 40 hours).
It is recommended that students have access to a reliable internet connection to access the University of Canberra’s online learning system Canvas, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for students to use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
Articulation:
Student Services and Amenities Fee:
You will be required to pay a SSAF.
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways