# Design & Marketing Courses in Australia | LinAs Canonical: https://www.linas.com.au/design-marketing-courses-australia/ Compare graphic design and marketing courses in Australia, including diplomas, portfolios, practical projects and entry requirements for international students. # Design and marketing courses in Australia 2 November 20264 min read On this page Design and marketing courses suit different parts of the creative process. Graphic design concentrates on visual communication; marketing looks at audiences, messages and how campaigns perform. In Australia you can investigate vocational qualifications and higher education pathways in these fields. Before choosing, decide whether you most enjoy making visual work, understanding customers or connecting both. The course title alone will not tell you how much time you spend designing, writing, researching or analysing results. ## Design, marketing or a combination?
Compare the work you want to practise
DirectionPossible learning focusAsk to see
Graphic designVisual concepts, typography, layout and print or digital communication.Student portfolios and examples of assessment briefs.
Marketing and communicationAudience research, campaign planning and communication strategy.Campaign projects and how results are evaluated.
Digital specialisationWeb, content, analytics or user experience, depending on the course.The actual units and software covered, rather than a broad advertising label.
Study Australia's [creative arts and design overview](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/areas-of-study/creative-arts-and-design) describes a field where students develop creative work and portfolios. Its [business overview](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/areas-of-study/business-management-and-entrepreneurship) also includes marketing and advertising as study directions. ## Examples of Australian qualifications [CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design](https://training.gov.au/TrainingComponentFiles/CUA/CUA50720_R1.pdf) combines creative, technical and conceptual design skills. The published qualification includes entry requirements for evidence of design ability, typography and use of industry software. Ask the provider exactly what portfolio evidence it accepts. [BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication](https://training.gov.au/training/details/BSB50620) is another qualification to investigate. Check its current entry requirements and the provider's chosen units. Do not assume every marketing diploma includes the same digital advertising tools or depth of analytics. You can also compare design, communication, business or marketing degrees through the [Australian Government's course search](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/find-a-course). Check the qualification level and entry requirements for each specific program. ## Look for work you can explain, not just software names A useful way to compare courses is to ask what you will be able to show at the end. For a design project, that might mean explaining a brief, your research, alternative concepts and why you chose a particular solution. For marketing, ask whether you will practise setting objectives and deciding how to measure a campaign. Ask how often tutors give feedback, whether projects are individual or collaborative, and how students document their contribution. A polished final image is less informative than a portfolio that shows your thinking and the decisions behind it. ## Entry requirements and costs to check - Confirm whether a portfolio, interview or prior study is required. - Ask about English requirements for presentations, reports and client briefs. - Get written laptop and software specifications before buying equipment. - Check whether subscriptions, printing, photography or exhibition expenses are included. - Ask who owns student project work and whether you can publish it in your portfolio. Compare scheduled studio or lab access with your own working arrangements. If a course advertises industry projects, ask whether every student participates and whether the work is simulated, client-based or a placement. ## Common questions about creative study ### Do I need to be able to draw? Requirements vary by program. Ask for the portfolio brief and assessment criteria. Some courses assess a wider range of visual communication skills; never assume that one skill or one piece of software is enough for entry. ### Will I automatically get an internship? Only rely on arrangements confirmed in your course documents. Ask whether a placement is compulsory, guaranteed, competitive or something you must arrange independently. If you prefer technical problem-solving to visual communication, compare our [AI and technology guide](https://www.linas.com.au/ai-technology-courses-australia/). For management and commercial planning, explore [business and leadership](https://www.linas.com.au/business-leadership-courses-australia/). ## Before you accept an offer Check the exact course and provider on [CRICOS](https://cricos.education.gov.au/) for study on a student visa. A national qualification listing alone does not confirm international availability. Use the [Australian Government course search](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/find-a-course) to investigate options, then confirm the campus, intake, duration, English requirements and complete fee schedule directly. Ask LinAs to help you compare written offers against your goals and budget. [Contact the LinAs team](https://www.linas.com.au/linas-contact-us/) with your preferred subject, city, start date and previous study. For visa-specific questions, see our [migration-agent referral information](https://www.linas.com.au/services/migration-services/). Written by the LinAs team. Official sources checked on 2 November 2026. Qualification examples are research starting points, not confirmation of current LinAs partner availability. Course details can change; no course guarantees employment, licensing or a visa outcome. [Explore all study options](https://www.linas.com.au/courses/)