Build on your graphic design skills with this industry-connected nationally recognised and accredited qualification, which will give you advanced level skills required to establish and negotiate a design brief, manage design realisation and extend your design expertise to the top level.
This qualification can get you seen on the world's biggest websites and billboards, leading publications and even in film, TV and media!
Highly skilled graphic designers are extremely valuable, but jobs in this field are extremely competitive. Having the right skills and knowledge behind you will help to take your career to new heights in this exciting creative industry. This course is perfect for anyone seeking to grow their skills and/or gain a better understanding of the business side of graphic design. It's also ideal for people looking to freelance or set up their own business in graphic design.
Please note: To do this course, you would be expected to have some existing skills and knowledge of graphic design and/or industry experience.
Completion of this nationally recognised and accredited qualification may provide credit towards a relevant higher level qualification or university degree, should you wish to pursue further study in this field.
Studying at TAFE grew Kevin's graphic design business, and won him an award!
Kevin completed an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design at North Metropolitan TAFE in 2020 and was named their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year in 2021. He also won the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the 2021 WA Training Awards, in recognition of his achievements.
The skills and knowledge gained through his studies at TAFE have enabled Kevin to grow his graphic design business, and he found the experience extremely supportive.
Choose a WA TAFE college that delivers this course
To find out more about doing this course at a WA TAFE college, select one of the TAFEs listed below to read their course descriptions. You'll also be able to see at which TAFE campus/es the course is delivered.
If you would like further information such as when the course is available and how to enrol, and details of course fees, or if you have questions about how the course is delivered, please follow the Find out more link to go to the TAFE's website where you will find full course details and contact information so that you can speak to the TAFE directly.
Add to your palette of graphic design skills
The Advanced Diploma produces ‘industry-ready’ graduates. Throughout the year, you will develop a stunning portfolio, culminating in the end-of-year graduation show.
The show is a highlight of the creative industry year and is attended by Perth’s best design agencies and studios, many of whom are North Metropolitan TAFE alumni. It is not uncommon for graduates to be offered employment on the night.
In the Advanced Diploma you can choose from two streams - User Experience Design or Illustration (UX/UI). This means that although everyone does the common core units there is the opportunity to specialise and build a portfolio tailored to your preferred area of design. Our industry consultation outlines the demand for illustrative design as well as a more User Experience/ User Interface approach.
We integrate live briefs, with real clients. An example of the high standard of work our students produce is our involvement with the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) where our students have won international awards, along with our participation in Advertising Council Australia’s AWARD School, and the PADC Student Skulls. All students are eligible to become a member of the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), the industry’s leading body. We also participate in the annual AGDA Folio Review, where students have the opportunity to get folio feedback direct from design professionals. We also facilitate industry visits and host expert guest speakers who share their views on the current and future picture of the creative industry.
This course is demanding, but the rewards and satisfaction are great. Many of our graduates go on to enrol into a degree in design and receive advanced standing at all WA universities. We have study pathways and agreements with Curtin University. See the ‘Further Study’ section below for more details.
North Metropolitan TAFE is an "Educational Member" of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA). This qualification is listed as a DIA recognised course(opens in a new tab) .The information presented on the course lists within this website is provided to the Department of Training and Workforce Development by the WA TAFE colleges and private training providers, and is offered as a guide only. It is updated regularly, however some changes to details may occur in between updates. You should always contact the TAFE or private training provider directly to confirm details and/or ask questions.