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CUA30720

Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

Begin your career in design with this entry-level course that will provide you with the fundamentals to work as a Junior Graphic Design Assistant. It will also give you the skills you need to undertake further studies.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus TAFE at School
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 08 Jul 2024 Duration: 6 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession
$795
Subsidised
$795
Full Fee
$6,975
TAFE at School Full Fee
$3,505
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Kick start your career in design with this entry-level course. This qualification will prepare you to work as a Junior Graphic Design Assistant and provide you the fundamental skills you need to undertake further studies in the field.

Research shows that creativity, communication and problem-solving will be the most desired skills in the future job market.

This qualification will give you the core skills needed to work in both the creative industries and in corporate settings.You will develop practical skills and knowledge to explore the use of colour, produce drawings and generate design solutions.

Our highly experienced and passionate teaching team have years of industry experience and will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to prepare you for a career in media.

What can I do?

  • Junior Graphic Design Assistant
  • Design Assistant
  • Junior Interior Design
  • Decorator Assistant

Course outcome:

CUA30720 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

Innovative teaching staff

Our courses are delivered by passionate industry experts with years of experience in the graphic design industry. Our teachers understand the technical aspects of the job and are ahead of the game in innovation and development, preparing you for the next big thing in the industry.

TAFE at School

Get a head start on your career while you're still at high school. Studying a certificate II or certificate III at school gets you a guaranteed spot in any diploma course at TAFE Queensland. It also counts toward your QCE, opens up pathways to university, and makes you job ready sooner.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAACD311
    Produce drawings to communicate ideas
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAACD311
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce drawings that represent and communicate ideas. It does not relate to drawing as an art form. It involves planning drawing work, experimenting with ideas and producing drawings.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Produce drawings to communicate ideas
    (Colour in practice Cluster)

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUADES201
    Follow a design process
    UNIT CODE :
    CUADES201
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow a design process at a basic level, incorporating an element of problem solving to identify and resolve challenges that may hinder the process. It involves establishing the challenges faced in the design process, exploring different ideas for solutions and solving the associated challenges through implementation of solutions.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow a design process
    (Colour in practice Cluster)

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUADES301
    Explore the use of colour
    UNIT CODE :
    CUADES301
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore the use of colour and to apply colour theory. It involves researching colour and colour theory, experimenting with different colours and colour-combinations and communicating different ideas using colour.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Explore the use of colour
    (Colour in practice Cluster)

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUADES304
    Source and apply design industry knowledge
    UNIT CODE :
    CUADES304
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to source, apply and update general knowledge of the design industry based on problem solving, aesthetics, materials and processes appropriately used within the design industry. It involves researching information on different features of the industry, applying it to one's own work practice, and remaining up-to-date on industry practices.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Source and apply design industry knowledge

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAPPR311
    Produce creative work
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAPPR311
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce creative work in any media. Work is typically produced through exploration of ideas, techniques, tools, equipment and materials.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Produce creative work

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAWHS312
    Apply work health and safety practices
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAWHS312
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including implementing safe work practices, participating in risk assessment and control, and following emergency procedures in the creative industries.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply work health and safety practices

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUADES302
    Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
    UNIT CODE :
    CUADES302
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and creatively apply the design process to the development of two-dimensional (2D) forms. It involves exploring ideas and the creative design process, and communicating different ideas through application of design processes to 2D forms.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
    (Design Solutions Cluster)

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On Campus
08 Jul 2024
6 months
Graphics stream: Full time 3 days per week
  • Concession: $795
  • Subsidised: $795
  • Full fee: $6,975
demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Graphics stream: Full time 3 days per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $795
  • Subsidised: $795
  • Full fee: $6,975
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coomera
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
6 months
Full time 2 days per week
Wednesday, Friday
  • Concession: $795
  • Subsidised: $795
  • Full fee: $6,975
demo

Coomera

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week
Wednesday, Friday

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $795
  • Subsidised: $795
  • Full fee: $6,975
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On Campus
08 Jul 2024
4 terms
Graphics stream: Part time 1 day per week
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,505
demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 terms

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Graphics stream: Part time 1 day per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,505
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720)

Ask a question

Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

COURSE CODE: CUA30720
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

You must have completed year 10 or equivalent.
Enrolment Conditions apply for students under 17 years of age.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software. This equipment and software are available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class some design resources and a portable external hard drive (500MG minimum). Details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. 
Please note: the purchase of these items may incur additional costs of approximately $260.

It is also recommended that you have access to a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Suite software. This software can be purchased after enrolment to access a student discount price.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more