Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
CUA30720
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720
Course Overview
Dreaming of a creative career where you can bring your artistic talent to work every day? The Certificate III in Design Fundamentals is where it all begins. Fine-tune visual instincts and natural talent and become a qualified Junior Graphic Design Assistant. You'll learn to produce digital images and apply graphic design techniques, as well as how to follow a design process and prepare files for publication across both web and print.
Students will gain core skills in:
- Illustration
- 2D and 3D design
- Typography
- Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
- Use of colour
Participants will learn to produce digital images and apply graphic design techniques, as well as how to follow a design process and prepare files for publication across both web and print.
Course Length for general public intake is 1 year (1 day per week semester 1, 3 days per week semester 2); VETDSS intake is 2 years (1 day per week).
Students interested in undertaking this course as part of GOTAFE’s VET Delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) program need to enrol through their school.
Please note: the information on this page is relevant for 2022 enrolments.
Studying during COVID-19 Restrictions
During COVID‐19 lockdown periods, this course will have the majority of the training delivered using online methods of teaching and communication while students engage from home with their trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time later in the year.
Career Pathways
Employment outcomes after completing this course include:
- Design Assistant
- Junior Graphic Design Assistant
- Junior Interior Design or
- Decorator Assistant
It also provides a pathway to other junior design assistant roles.
Course Dates & Times
Currently there are no upcoming sessions available for this course. To register your interest in this course, click the "Register Your Interest" button at the top of this page.
Detailed Fee Information
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2022 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Entry Requirements
Training package entry requirements
There are no training package entry requirements for this qualification.
GOTAFE preferred entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
VETDSS: Please ask your School's VET coordinator or Careers advisor to apply for this course.
Technology requirements:
- Access to a computer with Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word & Teams, as well as reliable internet connection
- Webcam for Microsoft Teams meetings
- Headset
- A second monitor is a great benefit when studying virtually but not a requirement
Course Study Units
Attendance & Commitment
It is important that students commit to all course requirements, including study and assessments the student may need to complete outside their normal training sessions.
Students are encouraged to attend all face-to-face classes and participate in organised activities. On-campus students and trainees will have access to the studio and equipment (including computers and software). Outside of scheduled classes, students will be able to work on assessments/projects at your own pace on these days.
Materials and equipment needed
Students will be required to have access to the following in order to complete this course:
- Laptop/Computer with internet access
- Pen, paper and general stationary
Material fees apply to this program. Students will need to supply their own basic tools and equipment (tape, glue, pencils etc.). A list of these tools and equipment is supplied to students during the Pre-Training Review. Students are responsible for paying for their own printing.
Delivery Modes
General Public/Oncampus
- Students are provided with a study plan which outlines their course structure
- When students commence, they will attend an induction session that will outline when learning materials, resources and assessments are provided and due to be completed.
- Learning materials are provided through a combination of paper resources and through Microsoft Teams.
- Students attend classes at the GOTAFE campus 1 day per week in the first semester and then 3 days per week in the second semester for 6.5 hours per day.
- Students will work through their learning materials, and complete assessments for around 3 hours per week in the first semester and 9 hours per week in the second semester outside of the classroom.
- It is expected that students will also complete research and learning activities of 1 hour per week.
VETDSS
- VETDSS students are provided a study plan that outlines their course structure
- When they commence they will attend an induction session that will outline when learning materials, resources and assessments are provided and due to be completed.
- Learning materials are provided through a combination of paper resources and through Microsoft Teams.
- Classe attendance is at the GOTAFE campus 1 day per week for 6.0 hours per day.
- Students will work through their learning materials and complete assessments for around 3 hours per week. It is expected that students will also complete research and learning activities of c 1 hour per week.
- After completing the VETDSS program, students will have completed 8 units from the qualification over the 2 year period and will be issued with a statement of attainment.
- Students have the opportunity to join the general public course to complete the remaining 4 units if they wish to complete the full qualification.
Educational Support Services
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Student Support
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life through your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learner's Rights
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Enrolment in general public entry courses will require a selection interview. Please call 1300 468 233 to enquire further.
Skills Recognition
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
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