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CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design
Graphic Design - AC92

National ID
CUA40720
WA Course Code
AC92
CRICOS code
105790C
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Why choose this course?

This foundation level qualification will provide you with a broad understanding and experience in the graphic design discipline, including corporate and branding, packaging, user experience, web/interface and environmental signage design.

This course focuses on learning solid software skills using industry-standard Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign in an environment that replicates a real industry setup. Our lecturers are hands on and the course is delivered via tutorials, design briefs and class discussions.

Course units also include an introduction to web and interface design, while other units cover conceptual and creative thinking skills.

Graphic designers communicate through images and words, and need to master skills in typography. During your studies you will learn to combine digital techniques with traditional letterpress. Drawing and sketching skills are also covered in your course, to lay the foundation for further development in digital illustration required for further study. 

Successful completion of this course will equip you with the skills needed to enter the CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design.

Career opportunities

  • Graphic Design Assistant

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Equivalent to Australian Year 12.

  • OR Completion of CUA30720 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals is required for entry into this course.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,804
  • Resources fee: $550
  • Materials fee: $100

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

 

There is no work placement requirement for this course. 

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 7 core units and 8 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • 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
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CUADIG304 Create visual design components
  • CUADIG415 Produce innovative digital images
  • CUADRA401 Experiment with techniques to produce drawings
  • CUAGRD311 Prepare files for print
  • CUAGRD312 Use typography techniques
  • CUAILL401 Develop and refine illustrative work
  • ICPPRP2250 Produce graphics using graphics applications
  • SITXEBS003 Build and launch a small business website

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include projects and portfolio submissions. Any final submissions such as posters, packaging, web designs etc. are accompanied with a workbook as many of the learning outcomes and performance criteria are covered by the design process and not necessarily just the final product.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

 

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, learning plans, assessment tools, class handouts, reference materials for projects, PDF’s, PowerPoint presentations and online links.

Facilities and equipment may include access to workstations with iMac 27” computers, Maclabs with 22 stations equipped with a ‘student kit’ consisting of common resources such as rulers, erasers, scissors and pencils, projectors with sound, specialised software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Image Capture, Trimble Sketchup and Blender 3D, computer labs equipped with WACOM INTUOS and 4 digital tablets, WACOM CINTIQUE workstations, scanners, print resource room, binding machines, laser cutters, letterpress equipment and large format printers. 

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,804
  • Resources fee: $550
  • Materials fee: $100

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

 

There is no work placement requirement for this course. 

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 7 core units and 8 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • 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
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CUADIG304 Create visual design components
  • CUADIG415 Produce innovative digital images
  • CUADRA401 Experiment with techniques to produce drawings
  • CUAGRD311 Prepare files for print
  • CUAGRD312 Use typography techniques
  • CUAILL401 Develop and refine illustrative work
  • ICPPRP2250 Produce graphics using graphics applications
  • SITXEBS003 Build and launch a small business website

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include projects and portfolio submissions. Any final submissions such as posters, packaging, web designs etc. are accompanied with a workbook as many of the learning outcomes and performance criteria are covered by the design process and not necessarily just the final product.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

 

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, learning plans, assessment tools, class handouts, reference materials for projects, PDF’s, PowerPoint presentations and online links.

Facilities and equipment may include access to workstations with iMac 27” computers, Maclabs with 22 stations equipped with a ‘student kit’ consisting of common resources such as rulers, erasers, scissors and pencils, projectors with sound, specialised software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Image Capture, Trimble Sketchup and Blender 3D, computer labs equipped with WACOM INTUOS and 4 digital tablets, WACOM CINTIQUE workstations, scanners, print resource room, binding machines, laser cutters, letterpress equipment and large format printers. 

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process page for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on December 1, 2022