Certificate IV in Design

You will learn about design concepts and how to select suitable techniques and media to communicate your ideas.

Through the development of your own creative project, you will learn how to:

devise design solutions interpret and respond to a design brief integrate colour theory and design process produce drawings to communicate ideas refine 3-D design ideas and processes research and apply techniques for the design of wearable objects author interactive media.

On completion, you will have a solid understanding of technical and conceptual design and have the knowledge to take design concepts through to finished art stage.

You can choose to pathway into Diploma of Graphic Design or Diploma of Visual Arts from this course.

To be awarded the CUA40715 Certificate IV in Design, a student must successfully complete a total of fifteen (15) units of competency, comprising of:

• seven (7) core units, and;
• eight (8) elective units, of which:
• five (5) units must be selected from the electives listed in the CUA40715 Certificate IV in Design qualification, and;
• three (3) units may be selected from the electives listed in the CUA40715 Certificate IV in Design qualification or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course at Certificate III, IV or Diploma level.

Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• BSBCRT301 - Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills
• BSBDES305 - Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
• BSBDES401 - Generate design solutions
• BSBDES402 - Interpret and respond to a design brief
• BSBWHS201 - Contribute to health and safety of self and others
• CUAACD401 - Integrate colour theory and design processes
• CUAPPR401 - Realise a creative project

ELECTIVE UNITS

• BSBCRT402 - Collaborate in a creative process
• CUAACD301 - Produce drawings to communicate ideas
• CUADES401 - Research and apply techniques for the design of wearable objects
• CUADIG401 - Author interactive media
• CUADIG404 - Apply scripting language in authoring
• CUAGRD302 - Use typography techniques
• CUAWRT301 - Write content for a range of media

Imported

• CUAACD507 - Refine 3-D design ideas and processes

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who have a broad range of technical and conceptual design skills. Practice at this level is underpinned by the application of integrated technical and theoretical knowledge and the ability to develop concepts and solutions in response to a brief.