OverviewAbout this course
Follow your artistic passion and start a career in the vibrant creative industries. Depending on your campus location, specialise in general design, graphic design, fashion design, visual arts, photography, ceramics, and more.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
- Utilise the basics of design from the initial process to completion
- Use and explore colour in design
- Apply design principles to 2D forms
- Research and apply design industry knowledge
- Use drawing as a tool to express and communicate ideas
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate III level
Manage design projects to meet client briefs, utilising industry-specific programs, equipment and materials
Establish a network of creative peers and contacts
Realise a creative project from conception to completion
A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
- A passion for being creative
- An interest in drawing and graphics
- A keen interest in learning about the design industry
- Some experience in visual arts or design technology, either at school or self-taught
- The ability to have basic computing skills
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: junior assistant fashion designer, junior assistant textile designer, junior interior designer, junior art administration officer, junior graphic designer and junior furniture designer.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate III in Design Fundamentals does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study3 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate III in Design Fundamentals does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 units of competency, including 7 core and 5 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Follow a design processCUADES201
Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D formsCUADES302
Explore the use of colourCUADES301
Source and apply design industry knowledgeCUADES304
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 12 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to