v1
Skip to main content
Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Nambucca CLC, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.
Our enrolment and student portal is undergoing an important upgrade and will be unavailable from 7:00am until 10:00pm Saturday, 8 Mar 2025.
TEST
    Overview

    About this international course

    The Certificate IV in Design (Graphic Design) focuses on design processes and develops your existing skills and knowledge so you can build your career in the global design industry. At TAFE NSW, you will study in purpose-built studios, workspaces and galleries, meet other creative students and build your network.

    This course is for people who want to have a career in graphic design. It provides students with fundamental skills in graphic design with an emphasis on exploration and experimentation of the design process. In this course learners can explore aspects of graphic design discipline which can be extended upon with further study at diploma and advanced diploma levels.

    TAFE NSW courses are developed in close consultation with the industry so you graduate with the real-world practical skills recruiters are looking for.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through theory and practical course work, you will learn to:

    • Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills
    • Research and apply information using the history and theory of design
    • Generate design solutions to client needs
    • Interpret and respond to a design brief
    • Contribute to workplace health and safety
    • Integrate colour theory and design processes
    • Realise a creative project from start to finish

    Gain practical experience

    TAFE NSW is known for delivering theory along with practical learning. You will strengthen your practical design skills, including:

    • Hand drawing
    • Digital illustration techniques
    • Digital design
    • Working correctly with equipment and materials
    • Working with various mediums and products
    • Producing digital presentations
    • Creating 2D and 3D models digitally and by hand

    Develop your professional confidence

    Stand out in a global job market by developing a range of key soft skills that equip you with the confidence to work in the design industry:

    • Creativity and design thinking
    • Collaboration and teamwork
    • Bring concepts to life through design
    • The ability to take direction and follow a brief
    • The ability to draw and conceptualise
    • Effective communication

    Global industry demand

    The global market for design services is forecast to reach AUD$344 billion by 2022.

    Key drivers of the design services market include:

    • Software - CAD, CAM and 3D Modelling
    • Sustainable design services
    • Expansion into emerging international markets
    • User interface, artificial intelligence and virtual reality

    The design services market is experiencing skills shortages in areas such as emerging technologies and standards. Designers will require ongoing upskilling in the latest technologies for smartphones, tablets and other IoT (Internet of Things) applications.

    Suitability

    International entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locations

    Starting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and units

    What you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    7 core units plus 8 elective units, of which: 5 must be from electives listed below 3 may be from the remaining listed electives or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course. BSBCRT411 Apply critical thinking to work practices CUAACD411 Integrate colour theory and design processes
    CUADES305 Source and apply information on the history and theory of design CUADES411 Generate design solutions CUADES412 Interpret and respond to a design brief CUAPPR411 Realise a creative project CUAWHS312 Apply work health and safety practices

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    Pathways

    Continue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW Design study pathway:


    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Services

    Campus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, simulated workplaces, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.

    Student facilities, amenities and support services include:

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International