Overview

Refine and strengthen your skills in graphic, interior, and product design to land your dream job. The Certificate IV in Design teaches you emerging design techniques using Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and more. The course acts as a foundation year for exploring design diversity from both 2D and 3D perspectives. Students utilise current and emerging software and technology as they respond to industry-style design briefs.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
Interested in this course?

Find out more about this course and other TAFE courses at one of our on-campus Try TAFE events. Get all the information you need to kickstart your career.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Team building
  • Communication
  • Practical skills
  • Theoretical skills
  • Planning skills

Your career opportunities

  • Junior designer
  • Digital printing designer

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC Code
3400278014
Wantirna VTAC Code
3401078014
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

Admissions

Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history with a minimum Year 11 completion (or equivalent). Some additional criteria may also apply.

Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Other requirements

Students will need to have access to a small practical workspace to continue working on projects remotely from time to time and to have access to art making materials and equipment.

Students will also require the technology and access to the internet for facilitation of online classes including video and audio requirements.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

The Certificate IV in Design is a 1-year program delivered over two semesters. Classes are scheduled up to 20 hours per week including online units, additional study hours may also be required to prepare and complete tasks.

7
Core units
+
8
Elective units
=
1-year certificate
Indicative nominal course hours: 845

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Apply critical thinking to work practices
Core unit
BSBCRT411
Integrate colour theory and design processes
Core unit
CUAACD411
Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
Core unit
CUADES305
Generate design solutions
Core unit
CUADES411
Interpret and respond to a design brief
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
CUADES412
Realise a creative project
Core unit
CUAPPR411
Apply work health and safety practices
Core unit
CUAWHS312
Elective units
Produce drawings to communicate ideas
Elective unit
CUAACD311
Work with photomedia in creative practice
Elective unit, 65.0 credit points
CUAACD522
Create 2D digital animations
Elective unit
CUAANM301
Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
Elective unit
CUADES302
Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
Elective unit
CUADES303
Research and apply techniques in product design
Elective unit
CUADES422
Author interactive media
Elective unit
CUADIG401
Use typography techniques
Elective unit
CUAGRD312

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$10,560

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$4,370

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
CUA40720
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400278014
Apply through VTAC
Wantirna VTAC code
3401078014
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
August intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
24-July-2024
Start dates
29-July-2024
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
29-January-2025
Start dates
03-February-2025
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
29-January-2025
Start dates
03-February-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
August intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
29-July-2024
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-February-2025
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
03-February-2025
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
26-June-2024