Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
CUA30720
Length
1 Year (full time)
2 Years (part time)
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals - CUA30720
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
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 learn the skills to become a qualified Junior Graphic Design Assistant. Students 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.
Students will gain core skills in:
- Illustration
- 2D and 3D design
- Typography
- Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
- Use of colour
- Drawing
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.
Students interested in undertaking this course as part of GOTAFE’s VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) program need to enrol through their school.
Skills First subsidised funding is not available for VDSS programs. Contact your school for VDSS Fee information.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Employment outcomes after completing this course include:
- Design Assistant
- Junior Graphic Design Assistant
- Junior Interior Design or Decorator Assistant
- Junior Textile or Jewellery Assistant
It also provides a pathway to other junior design assistant roles.
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in:
Course details
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 12 units: 7 core and 5 elective.
Core units
7 unit(s)
- CUAACD311 Produce drawings to communicate ideas
- CUADES201 Follow a design process
- CUADES301 Explore the use of colour
- CUADES302 Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
- CUADES304 Source and apply design industry knowledge
- CUAPPR311 Produce creative work
- CUAWHS312 Apply work health and safety practices
Elective units
5 unit(s)
- CUADES303 Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
- CUADES305 Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
- CUAGRD312 Use typography techniques
- CUAPHI312 Capture photographic images
- ICPPRP2210 Select and apply type
Attendance & commitment
VDSS face-to-face delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus at GOTAFE on Wednesdays 9am - 3.00pm during school terms.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Spend approximately 5 hours per week working through their course materials, self-directed learning and research activities, and completion of written, portfolio, and project assessment tasks outside of scheduled classes.
General public face-to-face delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus two days per week 9am - 4pm during terms.
- Wangaratta classes: Monday and Tuesday.
- Shepparton classes: Tuesday and Thursday.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Spend approximately 14 hours per week working through their course materials, self-directed learning and research, revision, and completion of written, portfolio, and project assessment tasks outside of scheduled classes.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Demonstrations
- Projects
- Simulated demonstrations
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants:
- 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.
- Prospective VDSS students are required to apply through your School's VET Coordinator or Careers Advisor.
Student resources
- Students must have their own basic tools and equipment (tape, glue, pencils, etc.) as per the Student Materials list supplied to students during the Pre-Training Review.
- Students are expected to pay for their own portfolio work printing.
- For students to complete learning and assessment tasks required outside of scheduled sessions, and to access support online outside of classes, it is recommended access to a computer and reliable internet - free access to Adobe Creative Suite will be provided at GOTAFE.
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
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
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.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
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 2025 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 three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers 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, induction 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
Student support
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.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws 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.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720)
Fine-tune your visual instincts and natural talent and learn the skills to help you find work as a qualified Junior Graphic Design Assistant.
