Graphic designers are visual problem solvers with highly specialized technical, creative and conceptual skills and knowledge in visual communication. The Associate Degree will enable you to work as a graphic designer. You may specialize in a number of fields including corporate identity, book and magazine layout, advertising, branding, packaging, web design, way-finding and exhibition design. This program combines communication, design, technology and business. It will provide you with strong skills in finished art and design concept development, as well as in-depth knowledge of the design process. The programs rigorous research and learning experiences will challenge you to develop a deeper level of critical thinking enabling you to create high level and innovative design solutions and concepts. You’ll explore many forms of visual and graphic communication, including: illustration computer aided design typography packaging design books advertising publicity material social media marketing You will also become competent in industry standard software including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. The focus of the second year is to give you a professional level of technical expertise, project management and teamwork skills, along with a clear understanding of industry business practices. You will be qualified to take responsibility for the work of others in terms of establishing and monitoring systems to ensure the effective production of work. Careers Graduates of this program can continue on to become: desktop publishers and Mac operators graphic designers illustrators and finished artists graphic artists design/creative directors art directors design/project managers web designers. Pathway options You are guaranteed entry into the Associate Degree in Graphic Design from a range of RMIT programs. The program you complete and the grades you achieve determine the amount of credit you receive. If you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Design and achieve the required minimum grades, you are guaranteed entry into the Associate Degree in Graphic Design. Grades include a Competency with Distinction (CDI) in the ‘Research and Apply Graphic Design Techniques’ and ‘Develop and Extend Critical and Creative Thinking Skills’ courses (plus a Competency with Credit (CCR) across all graded courses). If you achieve below the minimum grades, you may still apply and will need to submit a folio. You will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you successfully complete the Diploma of Graphic Design, you are eligible for entry with 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points). Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs. Further study If you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Graphic Design with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5, you will receive 4 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 192 credit points) in the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design). If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply and will need to submit a folio. Applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and credit is not guaranteed. Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.