Certificate IV in Design

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National code: CUA40720 Certificate (TAFE) Hawthorn Send me a link to this course

Design makes the world a more functional, understandable and beautiful place. Give it your unique perspective with Swinburne’s Certificate IV in Design.

This foundational course looks at design’s historical context across diverse disciplines, such as graphic design, interior design and product design. It equips you with the hands-on skills and knowledge to respond to design briefs just as professionals would.

You’ll learn current and emerging design technologies, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, XD and Animate. In fact, Swinburne is the first university in Australia to be an Adobe Creative Campus and you’ll enjoy free access to Adobe Creative Cloud software on all of your devices.

Individually and in teams, you’ll undertake face-to-face practical workshops, guided projects, tutorials, and online activities to develop your skills in:

Typography
Colour
Design elements and principles
Web-based applications
Product design
Drawing
Photography
Digital imaging, and more

Upon graduation, you’ll have a portfolio of design work and a clear idea of potential employment streams. Launch your career as a typographic designer, interior designer, illustrator, photographer, web designer or visual merchandiser, or opt to continue your study through a variety of design-centric courses.

Duration

1 year full-time

Intakes

Hawthorn (March, August) - View application and start dates

Study mode

Full-time

VTAC course code

3400278014

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

Course information in detail

- Course detail, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The Certificate IV in Design provides the opportunity to develop and enhance skills in graphic design, interior design, product design, and related design studies. Students explore the historical and basis contextual for design.

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.

The Certificate IV in Design comprises of 15 units of study. Students engage in the units of study via face-to-face practical workshops, individual guided projects, tutorials, and online activities.

Study areas include typography, colour, design elements and principles, web-based applications, product design, drawing, photography, and digital imaging.

Swinburne is the first university in Australia to be an Adobe Creative Campus. Swinburne students have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud software on their study and personal devices.

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.

Technical Requirements:

Students will need to have access to a small practical workspace to continue working on projects remotely from time to time.

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

Online digital units require students to download and use the Swinburne supported software such as the Adobe Creative Suite.

To attain the Certificate IV in Design, students are required to complete the 15 units listed below.

Units of study

Core Units

Apply critical thinking to work practices (BSBCRT411)

Integrate colour theory and design processes (CUAACD411)

Source and apply information on the history and theory of design (CUADES305)

Generate design solutions (CUADES411)

Interpret and respond to a design brief (CUADES412 )

Realise a creative project (CUAPPR411)

Apply work health and safety practices (CUAWHS312)

Elective Units

Produce drawings to communicate ideas (CUAACD311)

Work with photo-media in creative practice (CUAACD522)

Create 2D digital animations (CUAANM301)

Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms (CUADES302)

Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms (CUADES303)

Research and apply techniques in product design (CUADES422)

Author interactive media (CUADIG401)

Use typography techniques (CUAGRD312)

Careers and graduate outcomes

- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.

Career opportunities

This course emphasises preparatory training in different design disciplines. On completing this course, students can apply for further vocational design studies in TAFE or degree courses. At this level, opportunities may exist in the graphic and digital design industries as a junior design and digital printing assistant.

Aims and objectives

Graduates will have:

a portfolio of design work.
an understanding of the design industry and employment streams.
knowledge of the principles and history of design.
an understanding of the practical and aesthetic skills required for a designer.

Graduate skills

Graduates will be expected to possess a range of practical and theoretical skills in communication, teamwork, problem solving, enterprise, planning and self-management.

Graduates will possess foundation skills in the Adobe Creative Suite including: Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, XD, and Animate in addition to others.

Course fees and requirements

- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.

Course fees

Certificate IV in Design Estimated course fees for 2023*
Total Cost (GST Free)	$10,060	$4,120	$824

Estimated course fees for 2023*

Course fee options

Full course fee

Skills First Government-subsidised place

Concession rate

Total Cost (GST Free)

$10,060

$4,120

$824

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 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.

Concession rates for vocational students
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.

Full course fee
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.

Indicative nominal course hours: 855.

Entry requirements

Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.

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