Associate Degree of Communication Design

The Associate Degree of Communication Design at Torrens University Australia is a two-year qualification for people who want to work in graphic design and visual communication. You study typography, layout, branding, digital design and the software that studios actually use. The course sits at associate degree level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's a shorter, more hands-on pathway than a three-year bachelor degree. It's built around studio practice, so you spend most of your time making work and getting feedback on it rather than sitting in lectures.

How the course is structured

Australian associate degrees are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You'll typically enrol in a few units each trimester or semester, and you need to pass a certain number of credit points to graduate. Torrens runs on trimesters, so there are more entry points across the year than a traditional two-semester university. The two years are usually made up of core design units plus electives, and many design courses finish with a capstone or major project where you build a portfolio piece from brief to final artwork. Some programs also include an internship or industry project unit, which is common in design because employers want to see real client work.

What you'll actually learn

You'll learn to research a design problem, develop concepts, and present your ideas clearly. Expect to work on typography, colour, composition, brand identity, packaging, web and screen design, and print production. You'll use industry-standard software and learn how to prepare files for print and digital output. You'll also practise talking about your work in critiques, which is how design studios operate. By the end, you should have a portfolio you can show to employers or use to apply for further study.

Who it suits

This degree suits school leavers who want a faster route into design work, career changers who want practical skills without committing to a longer degree, and people already working in related areas like marketing or print who want formal design training. If you finish and want more, you can often get credit towards a bachelor degree. International students need to meet the English requirement, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the usual standard for undergraduate study, with TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge C1 accepted as equivalents. The Student visa also has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Check the official CRICOS page and Torrens University's course page for current fees, intake dates and entry requirements.

• Graphic designer
• Junior art director
• Brand or identity designer
• Digital designer
• Production artist
• Studio assistant
• Freelance designer

Design graduates work in advertising and branding agencies, in-house marketing teams, publishing houses, print and signage companies, and digital studios across Australia. Some go on to further study in a bachelor or master's programme.