Diploma of Design

The Diploma of Design at Torrens University Australia is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in graphic design or build a pathway into further study. You learn the basics of visual communication: type, layout, colour, image-making and the software designers use every day. Expect studio-based projects where you produce work to a brief, present it, and take feedback the way you would in a design studio.

As a diploma, this sits at the lower end of the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree. It is normally delivered over two or three study periods across a year, made up of units of study, each carrying credit points. If you finish and want to keep going, the credit you have earned can often be counted towards a bachelor degree at Torrens or another institution, which shortens the time and cost of the degree. Confirm the exact credit arrangements with the university before you enrol.

Assessment is practical. You build a portfolio of finished work rather than sit long written exams. Depending on the units you choose, you might design a brand identity, lay out a magazine spread, or produce digital artwork for screen. Torrens runs its design courses through its design school, and the teaching staff are practising designers, so the briefs tend to reflect what clients and studios actually ask for. The university also has industry connections that can lead to internships or live projects, though you should check what is available in your intake.

This course suits school leavers who want a taste of design before committing to a three-year degree, career changers who need a portfolio and some formal training, and international students who want an Australian qualification that can lead into further study. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after you finish, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, so check there and on the official Torrens page for the current figures, intake dates and English requirements.

• Junior graphic designer, working in design studios, advertising agencies or in-house marketing teams.
• Production assistant, preparing artwork for print, digital and social media in publishing or media organisations.
• Digital content creator, producing visuals for websites, e-commerce and social channels.
• Freelance designer, taking on small branding, layout and illustration jobs for local businesses.
• Studio assistant, supporting senior designers with file preparation, image editing and client presentations.

Australian industries that hire design graduates include advertising and marketing, publishing, screen and digital media, retail, and the public sector. Many people use the diploma as a stepping stone into a bachelor degree before moving into more senior design roles.