The world of graphic design is a very exciting and diverse one. What better way to get a grounding in the elements and principles of graphic design than with a Certificate III? The overview of the fundamentals of graphic design you receive in this course is a great pathway to a Diploma of Graphic Design (credit will be recognised). It will give you a head start in your career and help choose aspects you wish to focus on.

An exceptionally unique experience tailored to you
Course Duration
The course runs 1 day per week over 35 weeks
Term Dates
Please note that term dates are subject to change, please contact us to confirm future dates if required.
Cores/ Electives
Core Units: 7
Elective Units: 4
The world of graphic design is a very exciting and diverse one. What better way to get a grounding in the elements and principles of graphic design than with a Certificate III? The overview of the fundamentals of graphic design you receive in this course is a great pathway to a Diploma of Graphic Design (credit will be recognised). It will give you a head start in your career and help choose aspects you wish to focus on.
Over the duration of the course, you will work on industry standard design briefs that will help you learn to think like a professional graphic designer. At the beginning of the course you will be introduced at a grass-roots level to what graphic design is, and what you will do as a designer. You will cover both digital (web page and app design) and print based designs (magazines, flyers, packaging, etc.).
You will discover where photography, layout and illustration fit into graphic design using the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. You will be taught how to use these programs but you are expected to have a good grounding in the use of computers prior to starting this course.
In order to successfully complete this course, you should expect to complete some work in your own time. This will include undertaking library and internet research, completing projects, and practicing the skills and knowledge covered by the course.
To enrol in this course you must complete the online enrolment form. If you are unable to access or open this link, please phone us on (07) 55 938 335 to have one posted to you.
- Working in the design industry
- Colour theory
- Elements and principles of design
- Colour as a design element
- Design conceptualisation
- Portfolio development
- Layout, illustration, and editing skills using Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator
- Basics of typography
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Do you have 2 or more years industry relevant experience? Have your experience recognized and increase your employment prospects by applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Through RPL you could reduce the duration of your studies. RPL is assessed on a case by case basis, so it is only available upon application.
*Students will be charged an administration fee of $200 per unit of competency.
Course Outcomes
This qualification prepares students for design learning at higher levels across a broad range of graphic design principles.
- Student ID ($25)
- A Laptop Computer with the required software is required for this course – see detailed requirements below
- Adobe Creative Cloud (student version – $17.99 a month – assistance will be given with signing up)
- Printing & photocopying by students.
- Basic stationery
- Keyboard & Mouse
- Visual Diary – A3 or A4
- USB Thumb Drive (2GB recommended minimum)
- Equipment Kit ($55 + $18/month for cloud services)
- Students accepted into the program will be required to have a laptop computer with a wireless network connection. The following minimum specifications are required:
- Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n
- Minimum 4Gb RAM
- 2.5Ghz or faster processor
- Web Browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari) (free online)
- Anti Virus – Students will not be allowed to connect to our network without Anti Virus software installed and activated.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free online)
- Microsoft Office 2007 or higher (require Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)
* Please check software manufacturers minimum system requirements. Student pricing available.
Upon enrolling in the course, the student (and guarantor/s) becomes liable to the institute for the full course fees.
IF YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE CERTIFICATE 3 GUARANTEE FUNDING:
Payment plans and finance options are available.
Study Loans is Australia’s first dedicated private student loan provider. They offer highly competitive rates, allowing you to borrow all or part of the cost through a responsible funding method. You simply pay-as-you-go with simple terms & conditions.
Unit Listings
Core Units
CUAACD311 | Produce drawings to communicate ideas |
CUADES201 | Follow a design process |
CUADES301 | Explore the use of colour |
CUADES302 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms |
CUADES304 | Source and apply design industry knowledge |
CUAPPR311 | Produce creative work |
CUAWHS312 | Apply work health and safety practices |
Elective Units
CUADIG303 | Produce and prepare photo images |
CUAACD312 | Produce computer-aided drawings |
CUADES303 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D formsb |
ICPPRP2840 | Produce PDF files for online or screen display |
ICPPRP2210 | Select and apply type |