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Certificate of Graphic Design

Launch your graphic design career with the Certificate of Graphic Design. Learn essential design principles, typography, colour theory, and layout techniques. Develop professional skills in branding, digital media, and print design while building a standout portfolio. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their creative expertise. Enrol today!
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
50 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

Graphic design is a dynamic field that allows you to express your creativity and contribute to visual communication in various industries. Whether you’re pursuing a role in branding, web design, publishing, or digital marketing, this course is ideal for you.

The Graphic Design Certificate is a professional development course that provides a foundation in design principles, cutting-edge tools, and real-world industry applications.

In this graphic design course, you will discover the evolution of design, its role in marketing and branding, and its impact across industries, including publishing, digital media, and advertising. You will also learn the important principles of composition, colour theory, typography, and image editing.

You will explore vector illustration, print layout design, digital media and the design process from brainstorming to preparing files for print and digital use. You will also learn to navigate ethical considerations like copyright, licensing, and branding consistency.

On completion of this course, you will have a strong foundation in graphic design principles that will enhance your professional development and portfolio.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

Course Structure
Unit - Certificate of Graphic Design

Unit 1 – Introduction to Graphic Design

  • Introduction to graphic design
  • History and evolution of graphic design
  • Graphic design roles
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Branding and corporate identity
  • Publishing and editorial design
  • Web and digital design
  • Entertainment and media
  • E-commerce and retail
  • Education and eLearning
  • Government and non-profit organisations
  • Introduction to design tools and software

Unit 2 – Design Principles and Composition

  • Introduction to design principles
  • Elements of design
  • Line
  • Shape
  • Texture
  • Space
  • Principles of composition
  • Balance
  • Contrast
  • Alignment
  • Visual hierarchy
  • Proximity
  • Repetition
  • Unity and harmony
  • Emphasis
  • Movement

Unit 3 – Colour Theory and Typography

  • Colour, emotions and perceptions
  • Colour and design decisions
  • Understanding brand identity and audience
  • Choosing primary, secondary and accent colours
  • Creating colour harmony
  • Ensuring readability and accessibility
  • Applying colour consistently

Unit 4 – Introduction to Digital Image Editing

  • Introduction to raster graphics
  • Understanding image resolution
  • Image resolution and quality
  • Working with raster graphics
  • Introduction to photo editing
  • Introduction to photo retouching
  • Introduction to photo manipulation
  • Tools for photo editing
  • Introduction to layers and masks

Unit 5 – Vector Graphics and Illustration

  • Introduction to vector-based design
  • How vector graphics work
  • Introduction to vector design tools
  • Introduction to creating logos
  • Introduction to creating icons
  • Introduction to creating illustrations
  • Understanding paths in vector design
  • Creating and modifying shapes
  • Typography in vector design

Unit 6 – Layout and Print Design

  • Introduction to layout design
  • Introduction to brochure design
  • Introduction to poster design
  • Introduction to magazine design
  • Preparing for print production
  • Understanding resolution
  • Colour modes
  • Bleed and margins
  • Embedding fonts
  • File formats

Unit 7 – The Design Process

  • Introduction to the design process
  • Design process and creativity
  • Traditional and digital design workflows
  • Identifying project goals
  • Identifying audience needs
  • Competitor analysis and market trends
  • Visual references and mood boards
  • Concept development and ideation
  • Brainstorming creative ideas
  • Experimenting with layouts, colours and typography
  • Thumbnails and digital wireframes
  • Selecting the best concept
  • Prototyping and refinement
  • Creating mockups
  • Testing design elements
  • Gathering feedback
  • Iterations based on feedback
  • Finalising the design project
  • Applying finishing touches
  • Exporting files into correct formats
  • Ensuring consistency
  • Presenting the final design

Unit 8 – Portfolio Development

  • Profession design portfolio
  • Selecting the best work
  • Portfolio structure
  • Portfolio formats
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Estimated Duration
50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Approval and Recognition

Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.

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Career Outcomes

Professional Development for:-

  • Landscape Designers
  • Interior Designers
  • Builders
  • Advertising and Marketing
I enjoyed the ability to work through the content at my own pace. The tutor support was really helpful – being able to seek informal feedback during the process ensured that I was on the right track.
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Robyn
East Perth, WA
Certificate of Graphic Design
June 2026
I enjoyed that I could take my time completing assessments
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P. Glenn
Gladstone, SA
Certificate of Graphic Design
April 2023
Absolutely enjoy doing courses with Australian Online Courses
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J. Shaw
Rockhampton, QLD
Certificate of Graphic Design
January 2023
Very informative assessments and an overall great experience with the course.
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D. Stevanovic
Lilydale, VIC
Certificate of Graphic Design
December 2022
Great experience! 🙂
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R. Williams
North Lakes, QLD
Certificate of Graphic Design
December 2022
Completely loved the experience. As I am a busy mum of two children, the online based training at my own pace was a very welcomed experience. Thank you 🙂
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N. Price
South Gladstone, QLD
Certificate of Graphic Design
December 2022
Was great!
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N. Emmins
Buronga, NSW
Certificate of Graphic Design
August 2022
I had a great experience. I learnt so much. The tutor was always available and responded quickly whenever I sent in an assignment for review, and I did that for a number of assignments. She was very patient with me. The material was clearly explained in every lesson, and I found the self-assessment tests extremely helpful. All in all, it was a fun experience!
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M. Mostert
Mount Crosby, QLD
Certificate of Graphic Design
August 2022
Was easy to follow the instructions and have an understanding of what was required of me
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S. Hamilton
Armidale, NSW
Certificate of Graphic Design
March 2022
Australian Online Courses is amazing, it is very helpful for your career or study, strong tutor team and smart way to learn something easier by courses.5 stars
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J. Yu
Glebe, NSW
Certificate of Graphic Design
October 2021
It has been amazing experience studying with Australian Online Courses. Course materials are sufficient and easy to understand. Examples are all relevant. I am very happy with course design. Thank you very much.
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M. Bajracharya
Glenfield, NSW
Certificate of Graphic Design
August 2021
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  • 12 Months' Access
Certificate of Graphic Design
$499.00
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About Us

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their career goals. Since 2008, we have created opportunities for people in Australia and around the world.

Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, enrol today and get the skills and confidence you need to achieve your career dreams, big or small.

Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

How to Enrol

You can enrol online by clicking Get Started on any course page under Enrol & Start Today. Follow the prompts to complete your enrolment as an individual, business, or service provider.

Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)

Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)

Payment Options

Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.

Course FAQs

Why choose Australian Online Courses?
  • Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
  • Improve your employment opportunities;
  • Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
  • High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
  • All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
  • Unlimited tutor support via email;
  • We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
  • Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.

There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.

You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!

Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.

BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.

Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.

Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.

This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

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