2. Courses
  3. Arts & Design
  4. Certificate IV in Design
QUALIFICATION

Certificate IV in Design


 National Code: CUA40720
 TAFE SA Code: TP01255


2025 start

Description

Take the first step towards a career in design or photography with this introductory course. Enhance your own creative abilities as you learn about the fundamental principles and elements of design. Learn about working with client briefs, basic design techniques, colour theory, fundamental photographic techniques and the skills required to create effective design solutions. This nationally recognised course will give you an essential introduction to the design and photography industry.

Graduate with a solid skill base and the underpinning knowledge to confidently step up to further studies in graphic design or photography.

Award Course
Duration
Example Career Profile
Print Course Page
6 months 

Full Time

Graphic and Multimedia Designer
Graphic and Multimedia Designer
Print

Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Adelaide College of the Arts

704308

On Campus On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Full Time Full Time
Day Only
Apply Now

Icon Legend

On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • No course admission requirements
If there are more applications for this course than places available, applicants will be ranked by date of application to this course.

Please Read Before Applying

Attendance Requirements (subject to change)
Classes are 3 days a week on-campus, usually Monday to Wednesday.

Industry Conditions and Skills
You will need:

  • intermediate computer skills
  • good communication, collaboration and teamwork skills
  • be interested in working with people.

Additional Uniforms, Equipment and Costs
$50.00 (approximately) for art materials.

Fees

Total Fees for the 6 month course
Subsidised
$4,719
Concession
$3,197
You may be eligible for government subsidised training.
Subsidised Training Eligibility
Subsidised training may require applicants to complete a Core Skills Profile Assessment (CSPA).
What is the CSPA?
Full Fee
$13,093

Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary. Fee updates will be available prior to offers being made.

  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    Payment Plan

    If you have difficulty paying your fees upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    This qualification provides a pathway to a career in design. There are limited job outcomes at this level, though in areas such as graphic and digital design there may be some employment opportunities as a junior design assistant Graphic and Multimedia Designer

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Certificate IV in Design (CUA40720)
    During this foundation course, you will explore a range of manual and digital technologies, media, typography and techniques and produce creative design solutions taking into account the historical, social, environmental and ethical issues affecting design. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 7 core units and 8 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply critical thinking to work practices 50
    Apply work health and safety practices 30
    Generate design solutions 70
    Integrate colour theory and design processes 40
    Interpret and respond to a design brief 30
    Realise a creative project 90
    Source and apply information on the history and theory of design 65

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply photo imaging lighting techniques 100
    Capture images in response to a brief 150
    Enhance, manipulate and output photo images 80
    Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms 60
    Explore the use of colour 50
    Process photo images 120
    Produce pages using a page layout application 60
    Source and apply design industry knowledge 20

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

Certificate IV in Design
TP01255
︿
Back to Top