Graduate Diploma of Visual Communication Design

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2024 course information
Award granted	Graduate Diploma of Visual Communication Design
Deakin course code	A638
Faculty	Faculty of Arts and Education
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Online	Yes
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent duration
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2024 This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2024 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course sub-headings

Course overview

The Graduate Diploma in Visual Communication Design provides practical and theoretical skills in Visual Communication Design. This is achieved through a combination of study incorporating the contemporary thinking and techniques required for professional design practice. The course explores design's role as an agent of change and as a key link between creativity and innovation. It also addresses the social, cultural and ethical implications of design practice as well as in-depth studies of new technology in design with an emphasis on typography, form and application. Historical and contemporary graphic design processes are explored within both local and international contexts.

The Graduate Diploma in Visual Communication Design encourages you to shape your ideas into practical and attractive propositions for users, customers and society as a whole. It offers a solid foundation for employment in the communication design industry or continued study in the field.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of Deakin's Graduate Diploma of Visual Communication Design you will be able to communicate and produce industry and audience-relevant solutions to communication problems and opportunities which require visual design in the strategy mix. In addition, the course will develop graduates with sound theoretical grounding in cultural, business and professional skills to enable them to be effective practitioners.

Graduates are likely to find work in areas such as advertising and marketing communication, communication strategy, corporate branding, design consultancies or creative boutiques. Graduates may be employed, work on a freelance basis or be self-employed. With a focus on both communication design knowledge and technical skills, graduates are better prepared for the rapidly evolving, ever-changing communication industries.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Communication (A539)

Fees and charges

The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning.

One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

Learn more about fees and available payment options.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Apply specialised knowledge in order to research, plan, and produce design-based solutions to complex visual communication challenges, drawing on advanced knowledge and skills to analyse communication design as applied in a local, national, and international context.
Communication	Utilise communication skills to transmit visual communication design ideas, analyses, findings, and strategies through advanced written and oral presentation.
Digital literacy	Employ a range of specialist skills using industry standard design programs and other digital literacies to source, analyse, generate and disseminate design solutions to an advanced level.
Critical thinking	Critically evaluate contemporary design practices, design conversations, and design issues, and apply them in professional design practice taking into account ethical and legal issues surrounding visual communication.
Problem solving	Employ specialised knowledge, skills and creativity supported by research-based theoretical underpinnings to generate advanced design solutions to complex visual communication design briefs.
Self-management	Exercise initiative and autonomy in planning, decision-making and problem solving in the field of visual communication design.
Teamwork	Work and learn collaboratively, collegially, and responsibly with a range of disciplines, clients and industry representatives in the field of visual communication design.
Global citizenship	Work responsibly in the context of global, economic and ethical influences on the practice of visual communication design taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of the highest ethical standards.
Approved by Faculty Board November 2022

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Visual Communication Design, students must successfully complete:

6 credit points in Visual Communication Design from the units listed below, plus
2 credit points of electives
DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Course structure

Core Units

ACG702

Digital Publishing

ACG703

Design and Digital Skills

ACG706

Web and Interactive Design

ACI700

Introduction to Digital Photography

ACA715

Creating Your Arts Business

ACG708

Design Thinking and Problem Solving

ACG709

Strategic Branding and Design

ALR733

Advertising Theory and Practice

ACC700

Communication and Creative Arts Internship

Electives

Electives may be chosen from the remaining units above or from any other postgraduate course in the School of Communication and Creative Arts. Students who intend to move from the Graduate Diploma to the Master of Communication are strongly advised to take ACX701 Communication Concepts for their two elective credit points.

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Other course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central