Entry requirements

Mandatory entry requirements

Individuals must provide evidence of their technical skills and ability to:

• Produce multiple examples of graphic design work that meets different design requirements.
• Produce typography that supports the overall design solution
• Use graphic design industry software.

Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal and work experience or formal study.

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.
• To meet mandatory entry requirements it is preferred that students hold the CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design, or have equivalent abilities or work experience.
• If an applicant has not previously studied a Certificate IV in Design with GOTAFE, before enrolment they must have an interview with a trainer and will be required to provide evidence of meeting the entry requirements for this course by showing a portfolio of work, providing academic transcripts of relevant study, and/or providing a resume or letter from an employer detailing relevant work experience.

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.
• Students need access to a computer and reliable internet - preferably with home access to an Adobe Creative Cloud Suite subscription, which can be purchased with a student discount after enrolment.
• A Mac computer system is preferred, due to the software and resources used as part of the course.
• If students wish to use a PC for coursework, they must discuss technical requirements and level of expertise required, with the trainer before enrolment.

Industry requirements

For a career in graphic design:

• You must be willing and able to listen carefully to client briefings.
• Interpret briefings with attention to detail and be able to navigate graphic design software programs to lead to quality outcomes for clients.
• This type of work is often performed in an office and requires long hours of working on screen and with ICT equipment.

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.