Course code:
CUA40720
Course fee:
A$9,270 - A$10,190
Duration
0.5 Year
SCHOLARSHIPS
Learn more about Scholarships

LEARN NEW SKILLS
Through theory and practical course work, you will learn to:
- Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills
- Research and apply information using the history and theory of design
- Generate design solutions to client needs
- Interpret and respond to a design brief
- Contribute to workplace health and safety
- Integrate colour theory and design processes
- Realise a creative project from start to finish

GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
TAFE NSW is known for delivering theory along with practical learning. You will strengthen your practical design skills, including:
- Hand drawing
- Digital illustration techniques
- Digital design
- Working correctly with equipment and materials
- Working with various mediums and products
- Producing digital presentations
- Creating 2D and 3D models digitally and by hand

DEVELOP YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENCE
Stand out in a global job market by developing a range of key soft skills that equip you with the confidence to work in the design industry:
- Creativity and design thinking
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Bring concepts to life through design
- The ability to take direction and follow a brief
- The ability to draw and conceptualise
- Effective communication

GLOBAL INDUSTRY DEMAND
The global market for design services is forecast to reach AUD$344 billion by 2022.
Key drivers of the design services market include:
- Software - CAD, CAM and 3D Modelling
- Sustainable design services
- Expansion into emerging international markets
- User interface, artificial intelligence and virtual reality
The design services market is experiencing skills shortages in areas such as emerging technologies and standards. Designers will require ongoing upskilling in the latest technologies for smartphones, tablets and other IoT (Internet of Things) applications.
INTERNATIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
When you study with TAFE NSW, we want you to succeed. Entry requirements allow us to make sure that you have the right pre-existing knowledgeand skills to achieve your chosen qualification. You will need to provide evidence that you meet the requirements listed in this section.
Academic Requirements:
- Year 10 or equivalent
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL (iBT) 60 or equivalent
- Or Completion of a TAFE NSW English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you.
To be prepared for this course, it is highly recommended that you:
- Can draw and create graphics
- Have some design experience or previous design education
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
STARTING DATES, COURSE FEES AND LOCATIONS
From mountains to oceans, from cities to country towns, international students can choose from a range of courses offered at multiple campus locations across the state. Experience our vibrant spaces such as libraries, cafes and gyms as well as places you can network and socialise.
Learn more about TAFE NSW study locations
Locations | Starting Dates | Course Fees |
---|---|---|
Design Centre Enmore | Feb , Jul | A$9,270 |
Lidcombe | Feb , Jul | A$9,270 |
Locations | Starting Dates | Course Fees |
---|---|---|
Design Centre Enmore | Feb , Jul | A$10,190 |
Lidcombe | Feb , Jul | A$10,190 |
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from A$300 - $1,000 per course.
CAMPUS FACILITIES AND SUPPORT
TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, simulated workplaces, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.
Student facilities, amenities and support services include:
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
- Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
- LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
COURSE STRUCTURE AND UNITS
To receive this course students must complete all core units and a range of Additional units.
Note: Additional units may vary between each semester and campus, and will depend on a number of considerations including the packaging rules for the qualification and demand for the unit at that location. TAFE NSW does not guarantee that speciality units listed will be offered at each location and semester. You will receive your timetable from the teaching section on commencement and speciality units offered will be provided at that time.
- Packaging Rules Total number of units = 15
- 7 core units plus 8 elective units, of which:
- 5 must be from electives listed below
- 3 may be from the remaining listed electives or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course.
- Core Units
- BSBCRT411 Apply critical thinking to work practices
- CUAACD411 Integrate colour theory and design processes
- CUADES305 Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
- CUADES411 Generate design solutions
- CUADES412 Interpret and respond to a design brief
- CUAPPR411 Realise a creative project
- CUAWHS312 Apply work health and safety practices
- BSBCRT413 Collaborate in creative processes
- CUADES413 Develop and extend design skills and practice
- CUADIG412 Design user interfaces
- CUADRA401 Experiment with techniques to produce drawings
- CUAGRD311 Prepare files for print
- CUAGRD312 Use typography techniques
- CUAGRD411 Research and apply graphic design techniques
- ICPPRP224 Produce pages using a page layout application
- ICPPRP3240 Create pages using a page layout application
KEEP LEARNING WITH TAFE NSW
From certificates to diplomas, degrees to study packages, you can take your study further with us.
STUDY PATHWAYS
Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW Design study pathway:
- Advance your knowledge and expertise with the Diploma of Graphic Design
STUDY PACKAGES
Plan your study around your life with a TAFE NSW study package. Our study packages allow for multiple courses to be packaged together that can lead you to a TAFE NSW or an Australian University Bachelor Degree with credits. This gives you a one stop shop by completing your applications for the whole package through TAFE NSW allowing you to apply for one student Visa for the full duration of the package.
TAFE NSW allows for two or more courses to be packaged together, either to meet the prerequisite requirements for a course or to plan your studies around your career goals. You can submit a single TAFE NSW application form and will be able to apply for one Student Visa for the full duration of the package.